Nowel

The key business challenge requiring a technological solution was to create a reliable, fully automated information flow between two separate systems: Nowel’s ERP system and NewCold’s warehouse. The project involved developing an interface that would enable seamless data exchange.

The Hicron solution was designed to work as follows:

• the Nowel system notifies the NewCold system that a batch of goods has been produced and dispatched,

• once the products have entered through the tunnel, the NewCold system reports back that they have been received and assigned to specific storage locations,
• the Nowel system requests the release of specific products to the customer,
• the Nowel system reports the release of the products to the customer and enables the outbound delivery to be posted in the ERP system

The challenge for Hicron: solutions tailored to Nowel’s needs

Implementing the project concept involved a range of technical and logistical tasks for the Hicron development team.

The main challenges for the implementation team were:

• Integration of heterogeneous technologies: the SAP system used by Nowel had to be connected to NewCold’s external frozen storage system, which is not based on SAP standards and communicates via files.

• Limited test environment: when the project work began, the physical infrastructure (the frozen storage facility and tunnel) was still under construction; the developers had to build and validate technological solutions without being able to fully test them under real-world conditions (on an existing system).

From concept to implementation: a success story

Hicron handled the integration process end to end – from the concept stage to implementation. The resulting solution is entirely innovative and was created in response to the client’s specific, individual needs. Although our experts relied on SAP standards, a large part of the project required an original approach and building tools from scratch.

A key element of the system is synchronization with iPoint. The solution relies on cameras installed on conveyor belts that read codes on pallets headed to the cold storage facility, with the data sent directly to Nowel’s SAP system. From there, the information is automatically transmitted to the NewCold system.

As part of the project for Nowel, we developed solutions for:

• implementing programs to read SSCC numbers from text files generated by the cameras and creating the appropriate documents in the SAP system,

• automating the pallet posting process and generating IDoc messages sent to both partners’ systems,

• fully automating the flow of information: Nowel’s SAP system receives detailed feedback on the pallet numbers received and posted in NewCold’s cold storage facility,
• adapting scanner transactions to support supplying the cold storage facility via SAP WM,
• verifying and synchronizing inventory levels.

The entire process is fully automated. It requires no operator intervention and relies exclusively on machines and algorithms.

Benefits of the project for the client: an automated future for Nowel

The implementation was a complete success – the automation operates reliably and efficiently. The client gained a number of tangible business and operational benefits, including:

• full automation and integration between the production warehouse and the external frozen storage facility, eliminating the need for manual process control,

• elimination of human error and operational mistakes by replacing manual work with digital processes,

• workforce optimization – reducing the number of employees required to handle warehouse processes,

• real-time data access – inventory levels at Nowel and NewCold are updated continuously,

• ability to respond immediately to potential data transmission or processing errors, preventing logistics issues from escalating,

• new distribution model – ability to supply Nowel customers directly from an external warehouse,

• maximizing SAP’s potential for advanced integrations.

Benefits for Hicron: developing expertise and business relationships

The project delivered for Nowel also brought significant benefits to the Hicron team, strengthening our position as a leader in innovative SAP implementations and system integration in environments requiring advanced automation.

Participation in this project enabled our organization to:

• expand its expertise in integrating SAP with external systems, including those based on different technologies and communication standards.

• develop and implement original solutions – the project required the development of dedicated programs and tools, which helped us expand our SAP know-how,

• gain additional project experience in highly automated warehouse processes and the use of modern production technologies,

• strengthen the relationship with a key client by effectively supporting Nowel in achieving its strategic business objectives,

• validate the effectiveness of an approach based on flexibility and innovation, which is an important element of Hicron’s competitive advantage in the IT services market.

Hicron and Nowel: technology in the service of business

The project delivered for Nowel demonstrates that SAP can serve as a flexible management hub even in the most complex, automated logistics environments. For Hicron, this partnership provided an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in developing innovative, tailored solutions that integrate SAP with external technologies. We created a system that not only supports the client’s day-to-day operations but also provides a solid foundation for further technological development.

Through its partnership with Hicron and the implementation of modern technologies, NOWEL has once again strengthened its position as an innovator in the baking industry. The implementation of advanced SAP solutions and their integration with external systems streamlined day-to-day processes and opened up new avenues for growth. The company can continue to pursue ambitious and bold business plans while strengthening its position in the Polish and European markets.