Leading German multinational conglomerate Thyssenkrupp has digitised the entire range of its materials services unit to set up the world’s biggest virtual warehouse.

Thyssenkrupp Materials Services is making rapid advances with its digital transformation, said a statement from the company.

With more than 3.5 million sq m of storage space at 271 operating sites around the world, the Materials Services unit is now closer than ever to its customers and offers round-the-clock access to more than 150,000 products and services through its new omnichannel structure, enabled by a powerful, self-developed AI (Artificial Intelligence) solution.

"Due to our holistic approach in the digital transformation of our business model, we have consistently and comprehensively created the important prerequisites over the last few years to enable the launch of innovative solutions," remarked Hans-Josef Hoss from the Board of thyssenkrupp Materials Services.

From plastics, steel products and nonferrous metals to diverse materials and supply chain management services – nowadays customers of thyssenkrupp Materials Services want customized access to the entire range, he stated.

"By digitally connecting our global inventories of roughly 150,000 products we can offer our customers the widest possible selection of our various materials and services and optimum availability 24/7," he added.

Hans-Josef Hoss said: "In surveys and personal discussions we listened closely to what our customers want, and for more and more of them the ability to order our products and services however and above all whenever they need them is of key importance. Our omnichannel solution guarantees direct access to us and our products – anytime and anywhere."

Providing all required channels is key to the success of an omnichannel approach. At thyssenkrupp Materials Services customers can place orders via individual customer portals, EDI interfaces, online shops and in the future also via external platforms.

“We digitize all our items and offer information in real time. Whether it’s just-in-time or just-in-sequence, customers will be able to order in line with their needs using the channel that’s most convenient to them. The focus is 100% on our customers and their requirements. That’s the basis for increasingly smart interaction in the future,” remarked Axel Berger, the head of Digital Transformation at thyssenkrupp Materials Services.

Positive experience with first customers has already been gathered during a practical trial. A new B2B portal as part of the omnichannel approach is already in use. It will go live in summer 2018.

“After the official launch we will of course continue to make further optimizations and integrate customer feedback. Work on our highly complex omnichannel structure is an ongoing process as the digital transformation of thyssenkrupp Materials Services also is,” stated Berger.

With around 480 locations in over 40 countries, the Materials Services business area specializes in materials distribution, logistics and services, the provision of technical services as well as services for industrial plants and steel mills.

In addition to rolled steel, stainless steel, tubes and pipes, nonferrous metals, specialty materials and plastics, Materials Services also offers services from processing and logistics to warehouse and inventory management through to supply chain and project management.-TradeArabia News Service