Outlook on IT systems
Van Leeuwen invested in an advanced, future-proof IT platform. Using a single way of working with standardized digital processes enables our organization to quickly respond to changes in demand. In addition, the system is configured to provide modern services, such as real time insight into Van Leeuwen product information and stock levels, and the option of requesting quotations and booking orders digitally.
Stefan Dijkers,
CFO, Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group
‘Van Leeuwen started investing in a single operational and commercial IT platform in 2016. This platform will become the backbone of our company,’ says Stefan Dijkers, CFO of the
Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group. ‘Step by step, the IT systems in our European branches are currently being replaced and upgraded to a new ERP system and a new CRM system. We want to be able to optimally respond to market developments, as well as to the new technologies that will become available in the future.’
‘In the United Kingdom and France we have migrated to the new SAP IT platform. Van Leeuwen Stainless and Van Leeuwen Precision in the Netherlands will be next in 2018. The IT platform will make our physical inventory, spread across our storage sites, digitally accessible to all Van Leeuwen sales staff. The first phase of the CRM system, in which we maintain all relevant customer relationship information, is now up and running in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. This enables us to serve customers faster and more efficiently, while taking their specific wishes into consideration.
The steel trade is a traditional sector. Nevertheless, there is a growing need for easy digital transactions in our sector as well. In the future it will be possible for our customers to have real time insight into
Van Leeuwen’s product information and stock levels via our webshops and customer portals, to request quotations and book orders.
The advanced functionality of our new ERP system improves our operational and logistics processes. Barcode scanning and robotization are examples of this. Van Leeuwen France developed a digital concept for delivering kits containing various parts that the customer can directly use in its production process. This concept may also be useful for other customers. The more we use a single way of working in accordance with standardized digitization, the faster we will be able to respond to the demand for products with specific dimensions and standards or for new applications such as pipes for sustainable energy plants.
Van Leeuwen does not jump to adopt just any IT innovation, but responds to the changing needs of its customers. Our goal is simple. A manageable IT system that provides the basic conditions needed to keep pace with the changing delivery requirements of our customers in the future.’
Kris Bowling,
Managing Director,
Van Leeuwen United Kingdom
‘Thanks to barcode scanning and advanced scheduling tools, we are able to achieve significant efficiency gains.’
‘We have been working with the new IT platform in the United Kingdom for one year and are enthusiastic about its innovative possibilities. For example, due to its implementation, our financial team now has better insight into the costs of all our business processes. The IT platform enables us to keep pace with the business-to-business trends. Our commercial team is ready to introduce new services, such as e-commerce via webshops, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) interfaces with our customers and suppliers, and communication using social media. Furthermore I am looking forward to using barcode scanning and advanced scheduling tools, that will enable us to achieve significant efficiency gains in the near future.
Over the past two years there was a growing need for larger volumes of custom cut pieces of tubes and bars with stricter tolerances among our larger customers. We are currently investigating whether to invest in an advanced circular saw combined with automated loading and unloading equipment. With the benefit of EDI links with our bigger clients the ERP system will support more efficient use of this equipment.’
Richard Deen,
SAP Functional Application Manager,
Van Leeuwen Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
‘Paperless warehouse management ensures that customers are served even faster with fewer errors.’
‘I have only been working at Van Leeuwen for a few months. It is a very challenging working environment! First, because the choice of SAP version S/4 HANA makes Van Leeuwen a SAP front runner. Second, because it is an organization with an extensive global network. One of my responsibilities is to provide SAP support to Van Leeuwen employees in various European branches who have questions or issues relating the modified system.
In addition, my responsibilities include the Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) system. This is an advanced warehouse management system that will be available to Van Leeuwen in the latest SAP version. EWM’s automation functions make paperless working possible: picking orders arrive directly on the hand scanners and by automatically combining multiple picking orders the logistics movements within the warehouse become as efficient as possible. EWM ensures that customers are served even faster, the number of order errors decreases and costs are reduced. The plan is for the warehouses of the Dutch branches Van Leeuwen Precision and Van Leeuwen Stainless to make the first step towards a paperless and even more efficient warehouse management by the end of 2018.’