Friedrich von Lien AG – Report

For more than 6 decades, Friedrich von Lien AG, an owner-managed, medium-sized family business, has ensured that creative ideas come to life in construction. Through all the ups and downs of the market, the Zeven site has made a name for itself in the industry, known for innovative products, reliable logistics, fair prices and expert advice! In this interview, Heiko von Lien, CEO of the public limited company and involved in the company for over 40 years, describes his experiences with VIEBROCK, the SelectLine and the mobile SelectLine Client, experiences that are based on 25 years of co-operation.

VIEBROCK: Mr von Lien, let’s take a look back: what was the initial situation and what was your original objective?

Heiko von Lien: Before we bought SelectLine, we worked with a DOS program (1996). This was no longer sufficient. It did not provide enough information and was not fast enough. We were looking for a software solution that would also include article management, stock levels, etc. We also wanted to link the financial accounting. In addition, the financial accounting should be linked so that it is immediately apparent whether, for example, a customer has open invoices.

VIEBROCK: How did you proceed at that time?

Heiko von Lien: We have compared various merchandise management programs. A big advantage of SelectLine is that you can program it yourself and create queries, for example. This was very important for us, as we need special data. From production to the warehouse to sales, all steps are networked and tailored precisely to our company. We are also focused on long-term and sustainable solutions. It is very important to us that we can continue to develop our merchandise management program as our company grows and that we can gradually incorporate additional modules. This was not possible with the other programs, as they only had ready-made masks.

VIEBROCK: What has changed for you with the introduction of the mobile SelectLine Client (WebClient), how does its use affect you in practice?

Heiko von Lien: The WebClient has many advantages for us, otherwise we had double the work. In the past, the field service used to note down the orders by hand and fax them to the company in the evening, where they were entered into the merchandise management by the office staff the next morning. Now the AD employee has access to all the necessary data, is always up to date with regard to orders and stock levels and can enter orders directly. This saves the field and office staff an enormous amount of time. There is nothing better for the field service than the WebClient.

VIEBROCK: Software is a tool designed to streamline processes, rationalize routine work and thus free up time for more important tasks where people cannot be replaced by computers. IT should also pay for itself, that is our claim! Mr. von Lien, in your opinion, has this goal been achieved?

Heiko von Lien: Since we have been working with SelectLine, the processes have improved considerably, they have become more transparent and clearer. The whole process has become easier and faster. We have grown a lot as an AG and SelectLine has supported us very positively. We can implement everything “special” that was necessary for our growing business in all departments. The SelectLine Toolbox with extra fields is very helpful for this. The clarity of the SelectLine filters and statistics help for a quick overview and recognition of processes. With SelectLine and a route planning program, we plan the truck routes with over 55 crane trailers according to delivery locations and unloading points for loading and final loading. The trucks are loaded with mobile MDE devices and unloading with MDE devices takes place directly on site at the customer’s premises. The GPS tracking (web client and SelectLine connection) of the trucks can be viewed by us and the end customer. With the help of SelectLine, the CNC production lines are pre-planned according to article, quantity and order backlog and controlled directly. The field service in sales can record their visit reports via web client and recognize everything important about the customer. Article tracking in the production processes is scanned with MDE devices and posted accordingly in the warehouse. The comprehensive accounting system with posting, also from purchasing associations, provides an overview of open documents and all evaluations. The BWA/balance sheet also provides an overview for several SelectLine clients. All data is sent to the tax consultant and auditor via the Datev interface. Large trading partners and important sales customers are connected electronically via EDI-Fakt. Orders / delivery bills / invoices are sent and received electronically via the EDI-fakt.

The investment has definitely paid off, we are absolutely satisfied and the program runs smoothly.

Over the years, we have grown enormously and the software has grown with us. We currently employ around 270 people in the von Lien Group. The 7th production hall was completed in 2019 and the production site and pick-up warehouse in 06526 Sangerhausen was put into operation in 2021.

VIEBROCK: Perhaps as a kind of conclusion: How do you rate the cooperation between your team and the employees of VIEBROCK?

Heiko von Lien: The installation and customization of SelectLine worked really well. We have a competent, experienced and fair IT partner in VIEBROCK DatenService. The team works reliably and is always friendly. We would therefore be very happy to recommend VIEBROCK DatenService.

Friedrich von Lien AG in profile:

• Founded in 1959
• Sales of steel profile sheets, plastic light elements, gutter systems and building element accessories
• Known for innovative products, clever logistics, fair prices and competent advice
• 270 employees in the von Lien Group

The project at a glance:

• SelectLine Merchandise Management Diamond license on MS SQL Server database
• Financial accounting, mask editor
• Toolbox
• Shipping module
• EDIFACT
• Production control via web client
• Automations via SL.API
• Warehouse app via SL.API
• Android app for truck tours loading and delivery