Telephone and fax are a thing of the past: At KÖHRA-Frische GmbH in Saxony, the majority of orders are now processed digitally – 80 per cent of all order items are now automatically entered into the system. The company is thus demonstrating how far digitization has already progressed in the fresh produce trade. KÖHRA-Frische aims to increase the level of digitization in order entry to 90 per cent by the end of this year.
Faster, more accurate, and less dependent on personnel
"Our goal is to process orders not only faster, but also more accurately and with less dependence on personnel," explains Operations Manager Sandra Eckelmann. The central ordering solution: Chefslist – a combination of web shop and mobile app that allows customers to place orders anytime, anywhere. The digital workflow is supplemented by interface imports directly from customer ERP systems and the use of artificial intelligence, which automatically reads and processes PDF orders.
AI instead of pens in the fight against skills shortages
This automation is not only a convenience for customers, but also a response to the ongoing skills shortage. "There are simply too few people to handle all the processes manually. What AI does today frees up time for personal consultation and better customer service," says Eckelmann.
The foundation for Köhra's digitalization strategy was laid back in 2003 when the company switched to a new ERP system called Delta Business.
The BestellApp has also been met with a thoroughly positive response from customers. "With the BestellApp, our fruit and vegetable orders are finally digital and mobile. Everyone in the team can place orders – thanks to the images, even without language skills or the ability to write. I can keep track of everything and intervene at any time. This has made ordering a real team effort," says Markus Römisch, head chef at the "Zur Schiffsmühle" adventure hotel and a customer from the very beginning, when asked.
Increased efficiency, innovative strength, and future viability
Projects are also already being implemented on the purchasing side. "Among other things, a tool is being developed that will enable the goods receipt process and quality control to be carried out via a mobile application. The associated photo app is already in use," explains the management. "All these projects ultimately contribute to a higher level of digitalization. A higher level of digitalization in turn goes hand in hand with increased efficiency, innovative strength, and future viability."
Want to learn more about KÖHRA – Frische GmbH? Click here to read last year's interview about the 'RegioTeller' project.
For more information:
Sandra Eckelmann
KÖHRA- Frische GmbH
Leipziger Street 32
04683 Köhra
Tel: +49 34293 533-26
[email protected]
www.koehra.de