Process optimization in service procurement

Gerolsteiner, one of Germany’s leading mineral water exporters, identified potential for improvement in its service procurement processes. There were recurring incorrect allocations in the ordering process and many personnel capacities were tied up in operational activities. Inconsistent processes led to inefficient use of resources and made it difficult to process strategic tasks quickly.

1. Assessing the current state of service procurement
   • Conducting interviews and collecting data
   • Definition of initial optimization approaches
2. Implementation of a workshop on process automation
   • Alignment of procurement processes to product groups
   • Automation of the BANF process
   • Standardization of contracts
   • Standardization of service procurement in the SAP system
   • Design and implementation of the automated procurement process

As part of the project, optimization approaches were developed through workshops and a detailed analysis of the current situation, leading to a significant increase in efficiency. The automation of the BANF process and the standardization of contracts and procedures within the SAP system reduced sources of error and simplified administrative workflows. This freed up personnel capacities and enabled employees to focus more on strategic tasks. The results include faster processing of procurement requisitions and greater process reliability.

Thanks to the close cooperation, Gerolsteiner was able to successfully optimize its service procurement processes and create the basis for process automation. The project has strengthened Gerolsteiner’s procurement organization in the long term and enables focused processing of strategic tasks.