A mobile sales app that automated the selection and order fulfillment process combined with handheld scanners was a natural fit, as was Neptune Software’s low-code, SAP-centric, app development platform.

The ability to digitize and optimize business processes and user interfaces – at scale and with ease means that apps and users can be productive within days.

“We built the app in just one week, then completed testing and some rework,” says Dave. “Within one month, the scan-to-order app was in production at another facility.”

Keller’s IJzerhandel went live in just two days.

And when users requested changes after the app was live, they were pleasantly surprised at just how quickly requested changes could be made. Dave adds, “With Neptune DXP, the speed of development and making changes is a big advantage. And the offline capabilities always just work.”

Today, filling customer orders at the shop is easy. After a customer points out which products are needed, all that Keller’s IJzerhandel must do is go to the warehouse, collect and scan the products using their Zebra handheld device loaded with their customer Neptune DXP sales app, and quickly complete the order.

“Users are enthusiastic,” says Dave. “Today they have the available stock and pricing information right at their fingertips, all within a cost-effective solution that brings a good return on investment.”

Where previously, they manually marked the goods one by one, today all order information is collected in the app and communicated directly to the SAP system, ensuring inventory stays up to date.

“Using a modern mobile app has been very good for us,” says Ard. “Not only has it helped us reduce waiting time for our customers, but it has also made us realize we should include self-scanning capabilities for our regular customers. We’ve found that Neptune DXP provides possibility, more easily and quickly.”

“It’s now a simple process to scan products and have that information updated immediately in our SAP back-end sales system,” says Ard, “My 80-year-old father, who helped build this business all those years ago, finds it easy to use the handheld scanner and Neptune DXP app for inventory.”

That’s exactly what contemporary businesses like Keller’s IJzerhandel need to satisfy customers and keep up with the competition.

“Being able to deploy apps quickly within one organization is important in today’s market,” says Dave. “For Keller’s IJzerhandel and its purchasing association associates within Ferney Group, being able to leverage low-code, rapid development efforts across organizations is something that can really help businesses scale and grow to meet the times.”

“We continually look for ways to save time and improve the experience for our customers, and we’ve just started to think of all the possibilities for what we can do with Neptune Software,” says Ard. “If something saves time, we’re going to do it.”

Moving forward, the company plans to provide the order fulfillment app as a self-service offering for its customers. After their initial go live, they also added an app that automates their inventory counting process. Not only does this inventory app eliminate errors in updating SAP, it saves on average about half an hour of work during inventory jobs. Keller’s Ijzerhandel handles about 6 inventory jobs a week which saves over 18 days of work per year utilizing this application.

For more than 80 years, Keller’s IJzerhandel Rotterdam has supplied a wide range of premium hardware, tools, hinges and locks for the construction industry to customers spanning contractors, housing associations, maintenance companies, government institutions, and public organizations. The company also provides climbing safety materials, tests and repairs electronic tools, and provides value-added services for customers throughout the country. A flexible and reliable partner, Keller’s IJzerhandel provides a high degree of automation, and professional expertise, along with short lines and transport services to help meet the unique needs of construction clients throughout the Netherlands. Keller’s IJzerhandel is a member of the Ferney Group purchasing association. More info at: https://www.keller.nl/

Industry Focus: Construction
System Version: SAP ERP R3
Timeline: Up and running in 2 days
Devices: Zebra TC-20 and TC-25 mobile scanning devices using Android