Essmann's Backstube Digitalizes and Automates Logistics and Customer Processes in 67 Branches
Mississauga, CANADA – February 29, 2024 - Essmann's Backstube has digitized and automated over 70 different business processes in the areas of order, branch and personnel management as well as internal communication with SOTI Snap. These include work instructions, hygiene regulations, ordering promotional items, viewing the stock book, ordering price tags and employee communication.
Essmann's Backstube, a craft bakery founded in 1845 with almost 900 employees, offers a diverse range of bread and confectionery products, snacks and coffee specialities as well as organic products in 67 branches, adapted to current trends.
Decentralized Analogue Processes Are Now in the Past
Since Essmann's Backstube operates in a decentralised manner, internal communication needed to be optimized. The company wanted to transform the fax, telephone and paper processes at the head office and its 67 branches into a digitalized operational structure. The IT service provider ncc guttermann GmbH, a member of the Compass Group, was called in for the implementation. The owner-managed family business has been offering consulting and services for innovative IT systems and software concepts for over 25 years and was the ideal planning and realization partner for the implementation of SOTI Snap.
"We have been successfully planning and implementing projects of this kind for small and medium-sized enterprises for many years together with SOTI. The implementation of SOTI Snap at Essmann`s Backstube was a prime example of a cooperative and all-round successful implementation of all defined goals," emphasizes Thorsten Konrad, Head of Sales and Project Management at ncc guttermann GmbH. "The satisfaction of our customers and the fact that they also consult us for updates and further implementation requests is the greatest praise for us."
In order to meet the high internal and external requirements, many forms were developed at Essmann's Backstube and all processes are controlled by using these forms as well as checklists and protocols. For example, temperature and cleaning protocols must be recorded in detail on site and be easily retrievable later. The training of employees is also a challenge, as it is time-consuming and resources are lost due to recurring queries elsewhere.
More Flexibility and Security Thanks to App Development and Mobile Device Management
The team started the implementation with a two-day workshop. In this workshop, process flows were identified and evaluated and corresponding forms were created. Operational priorities were then identified and categorized. The goal was to provide the entire staff with an understanding of critical processes and simple routines. In the end, many paper-based processes were transformed into apps with SOTI Snap, and the operation was digitalized. Five employees from different departments - branch support, management, IT and sales management - were involved to teach the rest of the staff how to use the new technologies.
The impact of SOTI on the digital operations of Essmann's Backstube has been immense. The entire business operation now runs more efficiently and the branch employees have a digital connection to the processes in the head office. Equipped with tablets, they can simplify their workflows and increase their productivity by using the apps developed with SOTI Snap. In addition, external systems such as the online shop are now connected and can be accessed via the company's own tablets.
"With SOTI, we enjoy full flexibility in implementing our digitalization strategy," comments Marek Helfer, Head of Accounting at Essmann's Backstube. "SOTI enables us to significantly reduce the workload in our branches and at the same time offers a high level of process reliability. By connecting our existing systems, we have been able to increase efficiency and reduce our compliance risks."
"Essmann's Backstube has used SOTI Snap to quickly create a variety of customized, company-specific apps to streamline previously paper-heavy processes and save their employees valuable time," said Stefan Mennecke, VP of Sales, Central, Eastern and Southern Europe at SOTI. "In a company that places great emphasis on customer service, the relevant employees are very quickly freed from time-consuming, repetitive activities when these can now be digitized instead by SOTI Snap."
To learn more about Essmann's Backstube and its results with SOTI Snap, click here.
About SOTI
SOTI is a proven innovator and industry leader for simplifying business mobility solutions by making them smarter, faster and more reliable. With SOTI’s innovative portfolio of solutions, organizations can trust SOTI to elevate and streamline their mobile operations, maximize their ROI and reduce device downtime. Globally, with over 17,000 customers, SOTI has proven itself to be the go-to mobile platform provider to manage, secure and support business-critical devices. With SOTI’s world-class support, enterprises can take mobility to endless possibilities. For more information, visit soti.net.
About Essmann’s Backstube
Essmann's Backstube is an artisan bakery founded in 1845 with almost 900 employees in 67 branches. The company offers a diverse range of bread and confectionary products, snacks and coffee specialities as well as organic products adapted to current trends. The company's own natural sourdough is used in proven recipes that have been cultivated for generations. Most branches have a gastronomy/café area where guests can be catered for.