Hunkeler AG optimizes its production and service processes with state-of-the-art ERP technology.
Hunkeler AG, a leading company in the field of paper processing and digital print finishing, has been using proALPHA ERP since 2006 to digitize and automate its processes. With the latest upgrade, the company has reached new levels of efficiency and productivity.
Since its foundation in 1922, Hunkeler AG has made a name for itself in the development and production of finishing systems for digital printing. The company from Wikon near Lucerne has made it its mission to process paper optimally, relying not only on high-quality hardware but also on high-performance software solutions. With around 260 employees and locations in Switzerland, Germany and Hong Kong, Hunkeler is a globally active medium-sized company that is up to the challenges of modern production thanks to proALPHA ERP.
Maximum efficiency thanks to proALPHA
The company decided to introduce a complete proALPHA system in 2005. “Maximum efficiency and reliability with as little ERP effort as possible - these were the reasons for our decision,” explains Hugo Zetzsche, ERP project manager at Hunkeler. Avoiding costly customization and third-party connections reduces life cycle costs and increases the reliability of the system.
The implementation of proALPHA ERP 7.1 brought additional modules such as the Integration Workbench (INWB), automated production data acquisition (PDA) and Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS). INWB in particular makes it possible to seamlessly integrate the subsidiary Hunkeler Fertigung AG into the parent company's processes. This leads to a considerable reduction in administrative work and an increase in efficiency.
Paperless processes for greater sustainability
In addition to process optimization, Hunkeler attaches great importance to sustainability. “Paper processing is a prerequisite for our business model. At the same time, paper is a resource that is only available to us to a limited extent worldwide. That's why it's so important to print the right things. Not everything possible!” explains CEO Michel Hunkeler. By introducing paperless processes in after-sales service and using the mobile service solution from L-mobile, the company not only saves paper, but also valuable working time.
Hunkeler's technicians now plan their service assignments completely digitally. They receive all assignment details on their notebooks, book spare parts and enter their activities directly into the system. This transition to paperless processes has significantly increased efficiency and simplified administrative tasks.
Total cost of ownership – also decisive for the ERP system
For Hunkeler AG, the total costs over the entire life cycle of a machine are decisive. This also applies to the ERP system. “Thanks to the gains in efficiency with proALPHA, we have been able to increase our turnover and market share further and further - with largely unchanged staffing levels,” says Michel Hunkeler.
The new ERP setup enables Hunkeler to benefit from the wide range of modules while keeping customizations to a minimum. “For an ERP project of this size, several hundred adjustments would not be unusual. With proALPHA, we have only had to make 30 adjustments so far,” confirms Hugo Zetzsche.
Future-oriented further development
Hunkeler AG plans to further expand data exchange with suppliers via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and to fully exploit the potential of production data collection and evaluation. These continuous improvements will further strengthen the strategic use of proALPHA ERP and consolidate the company's position as market leader.
he digitalization and automation of processes at Hunkeler AG show how traditional industries can be transfoTrmed through the use of modern technologies. Thanks to proALPHA, Hunkeler is ideally equipped for the challenges of the future and continues to set standards in paper processing and digital print finishing.
