Austrotherm achieves 100% real-time access to production data

Austrotherm’s legacy ERP and paper-intensive processes stood in the way of future growth. Everything changed when Cegeka introduced them to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management and Power BI. Now, Austrotherm can make strategic decisions based on 100% real-time production data – that's agility made real! 

From enhanced planning to simplified administration and data-driven decision-making – at Cegeka, we’ve made agility real at numerous leading manufacturing companies. 

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Reality check: an outdated ERP and paper-heavy processes 

In 1953, Oswald Nowotny was the first Austrian to produce polystyrene. He founded Austrotherm, now a renowned manufacturer of innovative thermal and acoustic insulation and a part of Schmid Industrieholding. “We produce EPS and XPS insulation materials, facade profiles, and sanitary interior finishing products at 26 production sites in 12 countries,” says <role> Werner Habenbacher. 

To continue its solid growth of the past decades, Austrotherm was considering 2 major changes. “On the one hand, we were looking to replace our long-standing, on-premise ERP with a futureproof solution. On the other hand, we wanted to improve productivity by digitizing paper-based processes, such as invoice approval and archiving. In the old system, invoices were transported by car from one location to another. We urgently needed a more efficient workflow for this and other key processes.” 

“A legacy ERP and paper-heavy processes stood in the way of our future growth.” 

Werner Habenbacher, Austrotherm 

The real deal: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management and Power BI 

In the past, Schmid Industrieholding had already partially embraced cloud technology and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management. “In fact, the outdated AX version was only used within the group in Austria and Germany,” Werner adds. “Therefore, it made sense for Austrotherm to also move towards the cloud and Dynamics 365. This decision was further supported by our eager employees and the knowledge that the solution would cover our processes optimally.” 

Agility made real: 100% real-time access to production data 

With the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Austrotherm has achieved 100% real-time access to production data. “Using Power BI, we can easily turn those data into valuable insights – the basis for more informed strategic decisions that support our growth.” 

80% of the solution was delivered in phase 1. “We then implemented a continuous improvement process to optimize workflows and establish transparent, cross-departmental collaboration. To further improve efficiency, we introduced a modern invoice workflow and digitized several other paper-intensive processes, such as document systems.”

Real partnership:  a shared work culture and solution-oriented mindset 

A good balance between technical and soft skills, a shared work culture and a solution-oriented spirit. Those are the qualities Werner was looking for in an ERP partner. “We found those at Cegeka. They’re all qualified experts with a deep understanding of our business. I also appreciate their open communication style and their continuous efforts to involve key and end users.” 

“Cegeka has a deep understanding of our business and the right, solution-oriented mindset to help us overcome our challenges.” 

Werner Habenbacher, Austrotherm 

All set to grow into the future 

With its central, modern ERP solution in place, Austrotherm is reaping the benefits of simplification, standardization, and better control of its IT infrastructure. What’s more, since it’s a flexible, scalable solution, they can easily integrate new plants and adapt processes to changing needs. 

Werner is delighted with the project outcome. “Business intelligence is indispensable for robust corporate management. By making our data available in real time, we have managed to create transparency in our processes and establish a solid basis for better strategic decisions. Thanks to Cegeka, we can now grow confidently into the future.”