![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/31_18_Ritter-Pinerolo_4c-1160x1427.jpg\")
<\/figure>FST naturally wanted to spare its customers similar hassles. So it was important for the migration to the new SAP EWM warehouse administration system to take place on time \u2013 and precisely in the timeframe communicated to the customer. \u201cOur colleagues really pitched in and got us out of trouble,\u201d said Project Manager Jannik Ritter, CPIM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the outset, the steering committee gave a clear priority to the project\u2019s most important tasks,\u201d he said. Staying on schedule and reliable communication with customers were key objectives, surpassed only by quality. As the final report stated, the leadership can point to major successes at Pinerolo: establishing high quality standards using efficient processes that maximize added value for customers and companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo: Jannik Ritter, Project Manager, Corporate Processes and Information Management\/CPIM.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Global Cooperation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unlike the Bischofsheim and Langres sites, where FST had built completely new distribution centers in recent years, the challenge in Italy was to bring the current processes of an existing warehouse into harmony with the new SAP system. Meanwhile, the IT staffs at different FST locations were making important contributions that \u201csuccessfully met every challenge, no matter how great,\u201d Ritter said. The support was not limited to the devices \u2013 not by a long shot. For example, Pinerolo employees were able to familiarize themselves with the new processes ahead of time at Bischofsheim. An employee from Ohio took the opposite tack: She traveled to Pinerolo to pass on her knowledge and experience over a period of several weeks. \u201cThere was a great team spirit,\u201d Ritter said. \u201cEveryone involved was solution-oriented and kept their eye on the big picture and business \u00adsuccess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from the IT experts\u2019 contributions, supply chain management was integrated into the migration from Weinheim. \u201cOur SCM colleagues, especially the respective process owners, have expertise in how FST\u2019s processes have been set up across all the warehouses and how they best function during day-to-day activities,\u201d Ritter said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This standardization of best practices FST-wide \u2013 for all the differences in their details \u2013 is one of the many pluses of the software modernization. The main advantage is that automation can be better integrated, and current solutions, such as the existing autonomous transport vehicles, can be used more extensively. \u201cThe processes mapped in the system already have the vast majority of functions and features that are needed to make the warehouse highly efficient while taking customer-specific requirements into account,\u201d Ritter said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One Of Many Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During picking, the system directs the staff using the display on the barcode scanner. The automated process control avoids errors and lost time, even as efficiency and the quality of the work improve. One other benefit: \u00adShippers such as UPS and DHL can now be \u00addirectly integrated into Pinerolo\u2019s system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCustomers expect a high degree of availability and fast deliveries, and our warehousing and logistical processes have an impact on customer satisfaction. That\u2019s why it is so important to ensure satisfaction with a state-of-the-art warehouse management like SAP\u2019s EWM,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/fst-sw-2022_4-1200sq_0001_quotemark.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"S\u00f6ren](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/30_19_SoerenSchnitz11_4c-800x800.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nS\u00f6ren Schmitz
Vice President | Lead Center Elastomeric Gasket<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSAP EWM offers many advantages, and we added the latest technology like mobile scanners and printers, smart \u00adglasses, automation and other elements to the FST template. It guides warehouse workers very precisely, avoiding mistakes and \u00adguaranteeing a\u00a0high-quality process. The processes are fully paperless as well. In my view, the collaboration among the teams was \u00adexcellent. The project worked out very well, with a\u00a0very high \u00adsystem and process quality from day one. The key was the fact that a\u00a0cross-functional steering committee worked hand-in-hand with cross-functional program management. We also set clear priorities for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Emilio](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/29_19_Chiolerio-Emilio_4c-800x800.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEmilio Chiolerio
Vice President Distribution<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy job went smoothly. I\u00a0would especially like to highlight the strong collaborative leadership that the participating teams demonstrated. All of us had already worked together on the earlier EWM implementation at Distribution Center France. That was much tougher due to the remote project management that COVID procedures required.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n