11 minute read
Erhardt Partner Group (EPG
Pioneering optimum, holistic Supply Chain Execution Systems
Focus on Supply Chain order fulfillments, e-commerce and automation
With deep roots in the region spanning almost a decade and half and a laser-like focus on developing and providing Software Solutions for the Supply Chain Execution, Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) has built its solid reputation as a leading and dependable provider of comprehensive solutions with the capability to deliver customized services.
Established 1987, Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG), headquartered in Germany, is in the frontlines of developing its proprietary software solutions for the logistics sector.
Since its inception, the privately-owned company has expanded exponentially and globally and is today a force to reckon with in all matter related to Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and
Dr. Makrem Kadachi
is the General Manager of Ehrhardt Partner Middle East & APAC since 2015. His group is the worldwide leader in providing warehouse solutions.
Before moving to Dubai, Dr. Kadachi had the opportunity to gain international experience at Jungheinrich and Kardex. He holds a Ph.D. in Logistics Science and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich, Germany.
He has more than 20 years of experience within the supply chain. In his present professional role, he is responsible for providing supply chain execution software, responsible for MEA and Asia-Pacific region.
Ehrhardt+Partner Solutions was the first company to be set up in Dubai Logistics City (Dubai South) in 2006.
Dr. Makrem Kadachi, General Manager of Ehrhardt & Partner Middle East & APAC
Team EPG offers an efficient and ergonomic solution in Lydia® Voice for voice-guided process
Pick-By-Voice solutions. With offices and representations in 17 locations, around 700 staff, overseeing more than 1,500 warehouse projects, and in excess of 100,000 users of its in-house and ingeniously-developed solutions and services around the world, the company is a name to reckon with in the supply chain digital domain.
EPG LFS is a high-performance fully configurable software control and monitor of all processes and all available resources in the warehouse.
The company prides in its trademark LFS software offering that can be tailored to their clients ‘existing and future processes.
Furthermore, it is easy to integrate with most leading enterprise resource planning systems (ERP systems) and all major technology platforms. This ensures seamless assimilation with current and future infrastructure, regardless of whether it is in the cloud or on premise.
Ehrhardt Partner Solutions (EPS) was the first company to be set up in Dubai Logistics City (Dubai South) in 2006.The goal in setting up full-fledged operations and a regional presence in the UAE in its owned premises was to offer the brands trademark, advanced solutions and to integrate the latest technologies in smarter connected warehouse logistics for local and regional companies.
Global Supply Chain journeyed to Dubai World Central to conduct an exclusive, on-site interview with Dr. Makrem Kadachi, General Manager, Ehrhardt Partner Solutions, Middle East Africa (MEA) & Asia-Pacific (APAC), at the company’s sprawling complex housing its regional office and a Logistics Solutions Center (LSC).
“Our core business is developing the finest, best-practices Warehouse Management Systems for our corporates, developing effective IT and digital solutions for the Supply chain. Our USP and primary asset is our expertise in this core domain,” affirmed Dr. Kadachi.
“We understand warehouse operations, we offer optimum technology solutions that best fit the demands of our clients
Sanil Girija
from automation, optimizing inventory management, managing resources.
“The solutions we offer are to meet the individual needs of our customers and therefore tailored accordingly although our standard indigenously-developed solutions cover almost all client requirements. To an extent we are also industry-agnostic and our solutions and services cover a wide spectrum of industries from FMCG, retail, logistics, pharmaceutical and many other sectors. ”
Our especially comprehensive configurable solutions are developed to empower customers by giving them full control to set up the software as per their needs. We are fully mindful that in any EPG is global leader in smart logistics and computerized warehousing, serving the most prestigious clients all over the world including DHL, Hellmann, Lulu, Al Maya, Union Coop, Jumbo, aswaaq, HALA and others. EPG provides integrated supply chain execution software including Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Control System (WCS) and Transportation Management Software (TMS) among a slew of other related services. business immediacy is key; order fulfillment should be treated urgently and timely. We offer both integral and supplementary solutions harnessing the best new and emerging technologies on offer from IoT to Blockchain,” continued Dr. Kadachi.
The following is the transcript of the interview with Dr. Makrem Kadachi:
Global Supply Chain: Briefly trace your company’s origins in the Middle East and bring us to current on how you are now positioned in the region?
Dr. Makrem Kadachi (DMK): The Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is today the leading global logistics expert and warehouse-related solutions providing company. The foundation of the success is
EPG SES Warehouse of tomorrow
EPG Service Offerings:
Warehouse Management System (LFS) Warehouse Control System (WCS) Workforce Management (WFM) Transportation Management Solutions (TMS) International Shipping System (ISS) Contract and Billing (CnB) Cloud and Hosting Solutions Lydia® Voice Solutions (Pick by Voice) Warehouse hardware and IT Infrastructure Warehouse design and planning Consulting Suite: Online Optimization Platform Logistics Trainings and Seminars Others
the warehouse management system EPG, which has more than 100,000 users today.
Over the years, the software has developed into a comprehensive supply chain execution suite and allows smart control of all manual and automated logistics processes in the warehouse (LFS and WCS) and on the road (TMS) – including workforce management and employee deployment planning (WFM) and Contract & Billing (CnB).
In addition to that, EPG offers an efficient and ergonomic solution in Lydia® Voice for voice-guided processes. Lydia® Voice works based on neural networks and AI components and is therefore technologically pioneering. In addition to these core products, private cloud solutions, logistics consultation supplement the overall offering of solutions from the internationally operating group of companies.
In addition, EPG has its own training centers, the Logistics Solution Center (LSC), at the headquarters in Germany as well as in Dubai for the practical advanced training and continuing education of employees and logistics experts. Over 1,500 corporate customers from all industries trust the expertise, the cross-sector offering and the know-how of EPG.
We are present in Dubai since 2006 and subsequently in 2010 in Dubai South we acquired our own facility including a Demo Centre.
In the Middle East, EPG is one of the most reputed provider of WMS, known for highly configurable solutions, and as well having the capacity to delivery any customer-specific customization. EPG offers solution not only for big companies, but as well for small and midsize SMEs. We do have the right solutions to
support our customer grow!
GSC: What are your core activities of Erhardt + Partner Solutions DWC (EPS) and what industry verticals do you cover?
DMK: We provide all kind of software and services needed for the supply chain to perform and to be sustainable and resilient. We serve all industrial verticals, from FMCG, manufacturing, 3PL and pharmaceutical just to name a handful in both B2B and B2C.
GSC: What sets EPS apart? What are your innate brand strengths and how are you leveraging these capabilities to increase your market share in the region?
The foundation of the success is the warehouse management system EPG LFS, which has more than 100,000 users today for their logistics management.
DMK: Our motto is “We love supply chain’. We are focused in this business for over 30 years. We are present here in the region, with our own teams and our own solutions. This ensures the highest quality of solutions and services. This guarantees the sustainability of our company. Customers trust us, our solutions, our services and advice.
GSC: How significant is the Middle East for EPS?
DMK: Both the Middle East Africa and APAC regions offer much potential and are high growth areas for our company. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are important countries with promise of potential; also Dubai is a hub for the vast hinterland including the Indian subcontinent and East Africa comprising Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and North Africa notably Egypt where we foresee good demand.
GSC: How wide is your current network and which are among the top three performing countries in the region?
DMK: UAE and Saudi are two of the most important countries in the GCC and the region. There are many positives signs coming from many countries across Africa as they develop their supply chains and warehousing technologies. India is also a force to reckon with and is considered as one of the biggest markets for the supply chain industry given its vast size and population.
GSC: How has the onset of the pandemic impacted your business and operations?
DMK: As per today, we have even started executing project implementation online, with limited on-site presences. This new approach would not be possible before the actual pandemic. In the past six months, video conferencing has become the norm. There is no doubt that business travel around the world will decrease. This will indeed change our lifestyle and the manner we do business. I am convinced the world
will get closer and cohesive.
Covid-19 has not altered the demand for primary goods and essentials. There clearly has been a shift towards e-commerce and online shopping. Therefore, what we now need is better supply chain, warehousing, order-fulfillment, transport and delivery mechanisms. I foresee a higher demand on our services and we are prepared and able to meet current and future contingencies.
GSC: Talk to us about EPS’ newest innovations and technologies in the region?
DMK: Since we are focused only on supply chain, our main target is to always present the latest and available futuristic solutions and technologies.
Our R&D-Team based in Germany is constantly working on our high-calibre standard solutions, to provide the market with state-of-the-art software. We are constantly updating and refining our highly-prized core technology offerings.
Digitalization in the supply chain is not just a word or phrase, it is already a reality. An efficient and resilient supply chain is only attainable by using the best software fully integrated to ensure a perfect and seamless data flow. EPG provides high modern solutions allowing us to seamlessly integrate with any other software including ERP, last mile delivery, point of sales, and other modules.
We have recently launched a unique solution, Contract & Billing (CnB), an integrated contract management, service recording and billing system. This is an audit-proof and certified software. With CnB, all logistic services will be billed. No services will be kept un-invoiced, nothing is lost anymore thus ensuring no loss of revenues.
In the next few weeks we are launching a redesign for our dock management and a brand new dashboard called TimeSquare, online, configurable and including historical and predictive data. Watch this space as we prepare to make this official announcement shortly!
GSC: How did the region fare in 2019 and what is your outlook for 2020?
DMK: 2019 was a successful year for us. 2020 started very well, we are hopeful and optimistic we will close strong.
However, especially during this period, the emphasis is on supply chain becoming the proven key for success. The demand for software solutions is increasing on daily basis as more and more companies come to grips with the notion that effective supply chains and technology can drive profits and success.
GSC: How is EPS adapting to new market realities given that Covid-19 is still gripping the region?
DMK: As mentioned earlier, the pandemic is putting the supply chain in the front seat. It is the key to success. For us there is no limit for growth as the appetite for technology is progressively growing and the need for streamlined systems is becoming the norm.
GSC: Do you currently have or envisage production facilities in the region?
DMK: Yes we have had it for several years in Dubai. We are a one-stop complex offering exhaustive and complete solutions in warehouse management and operations.
GSC: What are you expansion plans for the region?
DMK: We anticipate growth in the Far
East, Australia, Japan and South Africa. These countries are exhibiting much potential and promise.
GSC: What are the opportunities and challenges for EPS going forward?
DMK: There is a growing demand for sophisticated and supply chain management systems such as ours and we are clearly in growth mode. The current environment is only accelerating the process. Our approach is to listen to our customers and innovate constantly, updating with the latest available unrivalled technologies and then to customize packages for individual clients.
GSC: What business potential do you foresee for the region and how optimistic are you going forward?
DMK: As a leading and key provider of supply chain execution solutions, we are more than optimistic and confident. I predict vast growth prospects for our company going forward.
GSC: What is your wider vision for EPS for the short and long term futures?
DMK: My objective is to make EPS the dependable, go-to provider of solutions in the warehousing domain. This after all is our core business. To this end we have the talent and competence to match our customers’ needs and expectations.
We are doing everything to retain our efficient workforce, to motivate, train and constantly develop our employees so we can offer unmatched digital solutions, host technology services and offer consultancy for our customers. This is and will always be our goal for the future. n
