Reko GmbH & Co. KG
Two become One: Complete Solution replaces Individual Systems
Reko GmbH & CO. KG has been relying on Microsoft Dynamics NAV since 2007: the ERP system enabled the consolidation of all data from several systems. This allowed us to create a unified database together with the customer – the cornerstone for a long-standing partnership.
Die Reko GmbH & Co. KG ist ein Spezialist für Automatiktüren und -tore mit Sitz in Dörth im Hunsrück. Gegründet 1984 gehört das Unternehmen heute zu den führenden Herstellern im Bereich der Tür- und Torautomatik in Deutschland. Neben der Fertigung und Montage zählen auch eine kompetente Beratung sowie die Wartung und Instandhaltung der Anlagen zum umfangreichen Leistungsportfolio des Unternehmens.
Reko became aware of us and the advantages of an ERP system through a recommendation from another company. Ultimately, however, it was the commitment and expertise of our employees that convinced the automation technology experts. “The priority was there and they were willing to get stuck in. That's what gave us a good feeling,” says Christian Koch, CEO of Reko GmbH & Co. KG.
Since the project started and Microsoft Dynamics NAV was first introduced in December 2007, 14 years have passed. To date, we have continuously developed the system and adapted it to new customer requirements. The integration of various additional modules, such as DynamicTimes, our add-on for time management, was an important part of this.
Reko GmbH & Co. KG
Project dates
Reko GmbH & Co. KG is a specialist in automatic doors and gates, based in Dörth in the Hunsrück region. Founded in 1984, the company is now one of the leading manufacturers of door and gate automation systems in Germany.
Theme
Product Solution
Branch
Company size
Target
In 2007, the company's goals were clearly defined: Reko wanted to grow in the service sector. Expand sales nationwide. Expand the product portfolio. Above all, one thing was needed: a complete solution to bring together all business data from the previously separate systems. Microsoft Dynamics NAV (today: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central). With the Microsoft ERP system, we offer a comprehensive business solution designed specifically for medium-sized companies.
The primary project goal was to create a uniform database and optimize old processes in order to further strengthen the company in the long term. That's why we started with organizational consulting and developed the solution together with the customer. This is one aspect that sets us apart from other partners. We attach great importance to providing our customers with comprehensive advice and avoid rigidly working through the specifications. “What I particularly appreciate about working with SOCITAS is the constant exchange and mutual inspiration,” explains Christian Koch.
SOCITAS is a partner that understands the needs of the customer and is able to offer solutions.
CHRISTIAN KOCH
CEO | Reko GmbH & Co. KG
Challenges
The partnership with Reko is characterized by a constant further development of the system and the integration of various additional modules. In recent years, it has been necessary time and again to react to new requirements and to actively find solutions together.
Doch vor Projektstart gab es zunächst eine andere Hürde zu meistern: Denn die Vorteile, die die Einführung eines ERP-Systems für ein Unternehmen bereithält, wurden nicht von allen Mitarbeitern gleichermaßen erkannt. Es gab Bedenken bezüglich der bevorstehenden Veränderungen. Mitarbeiter bekamen neue Aufgaben. Prozesse wurden grundlegend verändert und dem neuen System angepasst. So war es eine der größten Herausforderungen, alle Mitarbeiter von der Umstellung auf Microsoft Dynamics NAV zu überzeugen. Das gelang vor allem im direkten Austausch und durch intensive Schulungen der Mitarbeiter, bei denen wir Reko bis heute unterstützen.
Solution
With the introduction of Microsoft Dynamics NAV (today: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central), as the ERP system for medium-sized companies, Reko decided on a system that meets all requirements. On the one hand, the consolidation of the individual business data and its mapping in the financial accounting, time and materials management (excluding production) modules. On the other hand, the option of being able to independently make adjustments using the development tools integrated in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and thus to be able to make customized functional extensions for the company. Both increase the productivity and efficiency of the company.
However, the main focus was on the goal of expanding the service area. With its service module, the ERP system offers a range of tools that simplify the planning and control of service and support processes in the workshop and in the field. For example, service orders can be planned and set up directly in Microsoft Dynamics NAV and service personnel can be assigned based on qualifications and availability. To make optimal use of these functions, Reko first had to optimize the old processes in order to then map them in the service module.
In all our projects, we make sure that the system is as scalable and upgradeable as possible. To achieve this, we always work closely with the standard. In contrast to the use of industry solutions, where the customer is dependent on the respective partner, our customers have the advantage of remaining independent throughout the entire project and beyond. In consultation with Reko, we decided on a ratio of 80% standard and 20% customer-specific adaptations for this project.
Exkurs: DynamicTimes
Less administrative work, transparent recording and ensuring compliance with the legal framework. At the same time, the training effort for employees had to be kept to a minimum and new terminals had to be installed for administration and production. These were the requirements with which Reko approached us in 2008 for a sub-project in the field of time management. The aim here was also to optimize internal processes.
The solution was provided by our Microsoft-certified time tracking module DynamicTimes, developed in-house, in combination with terminals from Datafox. This allowed us to fully meet the requirements. In addition to a time management system with person-time tracking, we introduced automatic project integration for post-calculation and a report form for service technicians.
Benefit
With Microsoft Dynamics NAV, we were able to meet all of Reko's requirements. Additional locations were connected to the system, and new possibilities were created. It is only thanks to the ERP system that Reko is able to serve major customers. This is because the system can be used to provide exactly the data that potential customers require in their tenders. Christian Koch sees further advantages of the ERP system, for example in the digitization of reporting, the faster training of new employees and a simplified substitution arrangement. In addition, the inventory value could be reduced by 50% thanks to better resource planning within the ERP system.
We were able to achieve the next goal in 2015: the nationwide connection of service technicians. Thanks to the web client, they have access to the ERP system and all relevant data anytime, anywhere – on any device, even while on the road. In addition, we created the option of location-independent working for all employees.
Throughout our collaboration, we have continuously developed the system with regular upgrades and the integration of various additional modules, thereby adapting it to the developments of both the company and the industry. To ensure that it remains up to date, the next upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is already planned.
Do you have any questions? We look forward to hearing from you.
More reference reports
New partner, new luck. Upgrade and process optimization from a single source
Poor support and decreasing adherence to deadlines. Good reasons to change your NAV partner. And precisely the reasons why Austrian Standards was looking for a new partner in 2016 after many years of cooperation and finally...
Equipped for the future. Regular solution enhancements on the way to digitalization and greater efficiency.
2,600 square meters of storage space. 8,000 products permanently in stock. That's an average of 98% of all catalog items permanently in stock. In addition, CIMCO promises less than 36 hours...