“What a fantastic joint opportunity!“

It's one of those meetings where everyone quickly realizes that this won't be an afternoon like any other.
In October 2022, six colleagues from the Business Areas Pharma and Supply Chain met in Lüneburg, Germany, to jointly solve a clearly defined software problem: How can we optimize the interface that links the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and WMS (Warehouse Management System) control systems even more seamlessly? This was the occasion in the beginning. But the scope quickly widens. The teams analyze and compare jointly. Followed by the creation of a common understanding and joint inspiration. Everybody quickly agrees on how compatible Werum PAS-X MES and STEPLogic Warehouse - the name of the two Körber software products - are. And at the end of the day, a new idea is born: Why not just connect MES and WMS even better, but also offer them perfectly coordinated from a single source? Two involved creators from the team: Wiek de Winter and Lars Hornung.

"It was clear to all of us: this is what we should offer our customers in an integrated way," explains Wiek de Winter, Director of Professional Services Consulting in the Körber Business Area Supply Chain. "In the era of building ecosystems and end-to-end solutions, this is a great joint business opportunity." Especially since the advantages are obvious: shortened implementation time by parallel introduction of an integrated solution. Lower complexity in procurement by one-stop-shop. Ongoing support from a single vendor. This is where an integrated ecosystem approach delivers significant benefits to customers. Was this a natural path? Not at all.

A special entrepreneurial culture including maximum creative freedom for employees plays a key role at Körber. "This spirit is reflected in the Group's purpose as being the home for entrepreneurs," adds Wiek de Winter. This positioning is now more important than ever for overarching business success and the development of integrated end-to-end solutions along the entire customer value chain: "Companies increasingly expect us to offer a one-stop shop, which means a central point of contact for various challenges."

"It’s fantastic that we made great progress during our constant synchronization of our teams and Business Areas." The Business Areas Supply Chain and Digital play a driving role here, as they operate across industries and connect the various systems. A decisive point also for Lars Hornung: "Anyone who offers end-to-end solutions must exemplify them internally."