Success Story: Federation of Migros Cooperatives

On behalf of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives, Sowatec completely updated and extended the capabilities of the electronic procurement management EDI software solution for Migros’ suppliers.

The Federation of Migros Cooperatives

On behalf of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives, Sowatec completely updated and extended the capabilities of the electronic procurement management EDI software solution for Migros’ suppliers.
 

 

 

Success Story

Our customer and the project

Migros is Switzerland’s largest retail company. It is an association of different cooperatives, represented by the Federation of Migros Cooperatives.

Retail accounts for over 60% of core turnover, with various other specialist stores, restaurants, travel agents and Migros Bank generating the remainder.

The Group employs more than 97,400 people in over 1000 branches, specialist retailers/stores, gastronomy operations and restaurants. The revenue of the Migros Group in 2016 was 27.7 billion Swiss francs.

Details

  • Challenge

    Our partnership with Migros goes back 14 years. They have been successfully using our individual EDI  (Electronic Data Interchange) solutions since 2003. This allowed over 300 small and mid-sized suppliers to connect to a SAP-based ordering system. To keep up with current technology and meet modern demands (e.g. web client access and group-wide application) Migros announced an invitation to tender for the development of a new solution in 2015.

     

     

  • Goal

    Our customer was looking for a tailored software solution, which would enable efficient, cost-effective electronic data exchange between themselves and their suppliers. The aim was to better support business processes and improve procedures throughout the logistics chain.

    This included:

    • Digitalisation and automation of all processes between suppliers connected to the Migros SAP ordering system
    • Software operation via a web browser
    • Option of deploying the solution throughout the Group, e.g. interio, Globus, Office World (which have their own SAP instances)

     

     

  • Solution

    In close collaboration with the customer, we implemented MLS+, a modern web application that digitally automates and manages the whole order process and all related support processes including:

    • Contract administration
    • Product management
    • Electronic support of the ordering process
    • Merchandise planning
    • Delivery planning and control (e.g. direct delivery from supplier to Migros Markets)
    • Warehouse management (e.g. stock control, reception and withdrawal of goods)
    • Billing and invoicing

    Our system enables the customer to handle over 20 different types of ordering processes. The software is supported by the customer, with Sowatec providing second level support. 

     

     

"MLS+"Integration

"MLS+" an convincing solution

  • Over CHF 650 million turnover annually in MLS+
  • Over 575,000 orders per year
  • Over 518,000 delivery slips per year
  • Over 568,000 invoices per year
  • Over 164,600 articles in the system
  • Over 2,500 users
  • Over 300 suppliers
  • Approx. 10% increase in user numbers annually

Excerpt of an interview with Marc Inderbitzin, Head of Supply Chain Information Solutions at the Federation of Migros Cooperatives

What challenges did you face during the project?

One of the challenges was managing the entire project with a relatively small team, including internal and external coordination and ensuring quality control throughout. Thanks to our many years of experience with WebEDI and agile planning, we were able to identify, together with Sowatec, upcoming issues early on and take appropriate measures to deal with them. The entire team did a great job!

What feedback did you receive from suppliers using the software?

Prior to the development of this new software, we worked with selected suppliers on design and usability, using User Centric Design principles. In conjunction with a group of users that we worked with for the entire duration of the project, we developed a user persona and a prototype solution, which was immediately subjected to user testing. Following migration to the new system, the feedback from suppliers responding to our survey was positive. Of course there are always things that could be improved, and we are in a process of continual optimization.

What was working with Sowatec over the last 14 years like?

Sowatec has proved to be a solid and reliable partner over all the years we have worked together. Working with Sowatec is a positive experience. They understand customer processes and come alongside you to develop solutions together. Sowatec has also demonstrated an understanding for our operational issues (support/care) over the last few years, always delivering prompt solution proposals to our enquiries.

Marc Inderbitzin Marc Inderbitzin

Head of Supply Chain Information Solutions, Federation of Migros Cooperatives

„The electronic procurement management solution with its EDI web-client access makes our ordering process efficient and cost-effective. We are totally satisfied!.“

Business Case as PDF
Business Case as PDF