texware/web – web based portals

The aim was to develop a web based portal for suppliers, customers and representatives. update texware thereby used established technologies and network components. The user does not require any local software components on site. The user surface is similar to the Internet user profile. This results in the avoidance of duplication of data input what means time saving while minimising errors. Structured data input and the verification of plausibility enables the integration into the existing IT infrastructure. This is a service for the customer, the supplier and the sales force. Decisions can be made properly only when all required and present data are current and reliable.

The textile ERP software texware/CS was developed to integrate all process and production levels considering the specific demands of the textile production chain. Optimal storage, effective utilisation of capacity and knowledge of the current production progress and delivery dates increase the productivity and reduce the costs. texware/CS gives you the option of prompt information and reaction. Bottlenecks and interruptions can be recongnised at an early stage and are the basis for decisions at all levels of production and internal organisation.

Mr. Friedrich J. Römer - CEO of update texware - points out that the problem is "to obtain qualified data from your suppliers and customers and the presence of external influences. You will need prompt and exact information about the entire production process chain."

Nowadays, such data arrives by phone, fax or email. However, this information is not structured and the further processing can be a cause for faults. "Sometimes such an information just remains on a desk". For an exact planning and economic working procedures a qualified feedback is required. Production delays, changes in quantity and/or possible delays of delivery must be registered in the management information system (MIS) in time. Römer shows that the main advantage of such a system is the early passing on of information what stabilises customer and supplier relationships.

This can be achieved with the use of our new internet portal texware/web. All partners involved in the processes (supplier, production plant, customer) can access the ERP System via web browser with texware/web - according to their individual access authorisation. There is no further software required. Via Internet any partner can log into this portal and view or edit relevant data. This portal has been specially designed for the demands of the textile industry as well as their customers and suppliers. For example, information on the production process or the confirmation of appointments can be entered online. After that, these data will be processed by the system and then they are available for all users.

texware/web for customer relations

A typical use for customers would be order entry with texware/web. Customers may - according to their own allocated article base and terms of payment and delivery enter their orders. In addition, each customer can retrieve information about availabilities, delivery dates, stocks and reserved goods. The management of contracts can also be integrated - including call offs. This results in a quicker response and transparency in the customer/supplier relationship.

Through a full integration exact delivery dates can be given. Partners, customers or suppliers can get information about requested or actual delivery dates via texware/web. An important part is the direct entry of requested delivery dates with an online verification of the feasibility or the possibility to confirm a delivery date via Internet by manual handling. Delivery and planning schedules can also be accessed by texware/web.

Producers of furnishing fabrics can use texware/web for object-related inquiries, confirming of terms or exclusivity arrangements with expiry dates. All this data will be included in an object file, to be complemented by the customers and then be used for further references. Even "todo`s" can be installed to enable a structured workflow.

texware/web for supplier relations

In this case orders will be transmitted and converted into production orders for various production levels. These orders will have given dates for delivery and can be reconfirmed via texware/web. They can be confirmed via texware/web. Actual delivery dates can be entered to check the process of production. This module is complemented by queries and supplier announcements. The supplier has the option to print out the production orders or to integrate these data directly into his own IT structure.

During the feedback from the production steps actual figures will be entered. This enables the monitoring of differences in quantity. In this way measures to avoid any possible conflicts with the final customers can be taken at an early stage.

By entering the final stage of production and quantity produced, a delivery advice will be given for further processing and planning of the final completion of the product.
A typical use would be the finishing and/or the sewing process, which can be done internal or in contract manufacturing. Also the timely dispatch can occur via teware/web.

Moreover, the textile and software experts in Kulmbach are developing further modules for texware/CS.
With texware/web it will be possible to obtain information about available stock quantities or to realise stock takings at external warehouses. The online approval of milestones in order handling, such as, for example the sample release, will be possible soon.

Conclusion

With texware/web an integrated communication chain between supplier, producers and customers is being established. Structured data allows a textile specific workflow for timely planning and the avoidance of conflict situations. A simple user surface facilitates the work. Through the web based technology, the software no longer requires any maintenance at the external user. Therefore this management tool is worldwide usable in the textile chain.