Conti Label benefiting from new software-based service from Herma for ordering

Utilizing Cerm ERP software, all steps that are part of an order are handled via EDI-processable messages for the first time, including order placement, order confirmation, delivery note and invoice.

Through a special interface, the Cerm ERP system allows Conti-Label to directly communicate with the Herma ordering system. ‘This means considerably more efficiency and ease of use for us,’ commented Inge Pauwels, managing director at Conti-Label. ‘Our employees in the purchasing, incoming goods, production and accounting departments can handle all orders in the software environment that they are used to.’

Conti-Label has been using Cerm and the EDI connection for several years with various suppliers. In the case of Herma, it is now also used to import invoices into the system for the first time. During that process, orders are automatically dispatched and confirmed. Shipping details, such as roll IDs and exact amounts, are sent directly to Conti-Label’s ERP system. The invoice is also received automatically, with the Herma server sending it via a standardized EDI message. After receiving the invoice message, the import of purchase invoices is started automatically in the background.

Pauwels added: ‘The very comprehensive integration function results in considerable time savings, which means that our employees can focus on their core competencies. This has further optimized our good cooperation with Herma.’

Klaus Keller, responsible for the Herma Self-adhesive Material division’s EDI connection, added: ‘Conti-Label employees can now see the status of all orders at one glance. We are working towards more label printers joining this electronic ordering option.’

The connection of Conti-Label’s ERP system to Herma’s order system from SAP has proven to be a complete success. Integration with other common IT systems is currently being planned. Thereby, the Herma Self-adhesive Materials will offer customers an even wider range of instruments for joint process management in the future. ‘Many different documents are created during daily business,’ continued Keller. ‘This especially applies to frequently recurring processes, such as orders and deliveries. Media disruptions are frequent here, which costs both time and money. Additionally, mistakes can happen during manual processing and input. The EDI connection speeds these processes up through automation and makes them more efficient.’

Peter Dhondt, director of business development and sales at Cerm, commented: ‘Getting from an online order to delivery at the click of a mouse – that is the goal of the label printing industry. Conti-Label and Herma are exemplary in showing what is possible today.’