"With Magic xpi Integration Platform and Business-Critical SharePoint applications we have cost-effective and efficient visibility and transparency across information management systems."

Christian Neugebauer, Chief Information Officer, AVL List GmbH

AVL List GmbH, a leading developer of powertrain propulsion systems sought to integrate its information management systems in multiple countries. Magic Software Enterprises helped them connect Magic xpi on Microsoft SharePoint with multiple Enterprise Resource Planning and Customer Relationship Management systems to improve reporting efficiency, forecasting accuracy, and return on investment.

Business NeedsBased in Austria, AVL List GmbH is the world's largest privately-owned company specializing in the development of powertrain propulsion systems (combustion engines, hybrid systems, electric drive) as well as simulation and test systems for passenger cars, trucks and marine engines.

AVL sought to build a unified model to integrate information management systems in multiple countries using uniform processes, systems, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Up until now, this data exchange had to be performed manually. Their systems worked well as long as the work was restricted to a specific team. However, communication siloes became apparent as soon as any cross-departmental collaboration was required. As an example, when a marketing manager wanted to get manufacturing data for forecasting or the manufacturing team needed engineering designs, they had to resort to slow, manual, traditional processes, such as calling or e-mailing people and waiting days for reports or answers. Global operations across multiple time zones and locations and yet more local informational systems just added to the complexity. This in turn slowed down processes, hindered productivity, and kept costs high.

SolutionAVL selected Magic Software Enterprises Ltd., a Microsoft Business-Critical SharePoint partner and a provider of application platforms and business and process integration solutions, to help with the integration. They used Magic xpi Integration Platform and SharePoint with back-end systems to ensure the accurate, real-time exchange and display of data throughout AVL’s global operations. This solution was faster and more cost-effective than other deployment solutions. The project at AVL involved connecting Magic xpi on Microsoft SharePoint with multiple Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

BenefitsThe Business-Critical SharePoint connection with multiple back-end systems provides the following important benefits:

Better Decision-Making and ForecastingThe integration of multiple back-end systems improves reporting efficiency, and also enables the creation of accurate product forecasts. Now the marketing team is able to develop more realistic forecasts, as they now have insights into data previously hidden in other teams’ systems, such real-time manufacturing

Company: AVL List GmbHWebsite: http://www.avl.comCustomer size: 4,500 employeesCountry or Region: AustriaIndustry: High-technologyDiscrete ManufacturingAutomotive Partner: Magic Software EnterprisesPartner Website: http://www.magicsoftware.com

Company ProfileAVL List GmbH is the world's largest private developer of powertrains. AVL develops simulation methods and instrumentation for measuring and testing technology for the engine and automotive industry. Software and ServicesMicrosoft® SharePoint® 2010Magic xpi Integration Platform

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Solution Case Study

High-Tech Company Improves Forecasting and Decision-Making in Global Operations

SharePoint CustomerSolution Case Study

data. Furthermore, marketing can easily cooperate with the sales, finance, and manufacturing teams online to decide on forecast figures using SharePoint’s collaboration capabilities. Finally, automated workflows and built-in alerts ensure that the decision process is moving along. More precise forecasts translate into less wastage due to overproduction and less out-of-stock situations due to underestimations. This, in turn, results in improved customer satisfaction and higher bottom line figures.

Automation and Real-Time Visibility Comprehensive integration of information management systems provides simultaneous and real-time views into several ERP systems. Automation, monitoring, and alerts allow prevention vs. reaction, reducing business risk and therefore cost.

Unified View for Disparate SystemsNow all the backend systems share the familiar SharePoint user-interface and one login for all. The user-friendly look and feel enables better self-service for all authorized employees across the organization – even for SAP and Oracle-users that required require special training.

Higher ROIWhen implementing the Business-Critical SharePoint solution, there was no need to rip and replace the existing information systems with major financial investment. Magic xpi Integration Platform on SharePoint allowed for fast, simple, and cost-efficient implementation, using AVL’s existing ERP systems to their full advantage. Looking ahead, the systems also provide a flexible and future-proof solution that will work well with future implementations AVL might have.

Business-Critical SharePoint (BCSP) is a Microsoft partner program that includes top solution and service providers who focus on line-of-business (LOB) integration with SharePoint.

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Document published 04/02/13