In 2007, the company was fully transferred to the Gold Kraemer Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with disabilities and those in need. Purchases from Kraemer GmbH directly support the foundation’s charitable initiatives. “Our unique history is both a motivation and an obligation for us to continue thriving responsibly into the future,” says Markus Viegener, CFO of Kraemer GmbH.
Business case
Before moving to LS Central, Kraemer GmbH relied on multiple systems from different providers, which became problematic as the company grew. While day-to-day operations continued without major issues, the existing setup began to strain resources and made it difficult to connect multiple channels including eCommerce platforms. To overcome these challenges, the company sought a solution to modernize their IT setup, improve data consistency, and boost operational efficiency across the organization.
Solution
Kraemer GmbH selected the LS Central retail solution for two key reasons:
- It’s unified: LS Central covers all aspects of the business - from point of sale and store operations to financials, eCommerce, and inventory – with just one system.
- It works as an extension of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP: LS Central communicates seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, which provides a range of business applications, from CRM to business intelligence, accessible through a single, familiar Microsoft interface.
Kraemer GmbH chose to collaborate with LS Retail partner KUMAVISION based on a personal recommendation. “KUMAVISION was the ideal partner for us as a medium-sized company,” says Viegener. “Their technical expertise in retail made the collaboration truly effective, and their extensive knowledge of the Microsoft Dynamics platform ensured the futureproofing we needed.”
KUMAVISION successfully implemented LS Central and carried out the necessary customizations to address Kraemer's specific requirements and the unique needs for the jewelry and watch industry. "For us, an ERP project was a whole new territory, but for KUMAVISION, it's routine," says Viegener. The team also implemented Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing CRM. “The great thing about our new ERP is that it allows us to rapidly introduce new solutions and enhances our agility,” says Viegener.
One of the key challenges was convincing employees, some of whom have been with the company for many years, to adopt a new system. To ensure a successful implementation, Kraemer GmbH involved their staff early on during the project and took the time to thoroughly review internal processes. “For each process, we carefully considered what data was needed and what steps came before or after,” says Viegener.
Benefits
LS Central quickly demonstrated its benefits, with many operations running more smoothly and requiring fewer adjustments than anticipated. "Certain tasks that may seem more complex at first glance actually lead to significant simplifications during operations,” says Viegener. "LS Central delivers valuable benefits to our business, both in the short term and long term."
With LS Central, employees across Kraemer GmbH’s 45 stores can work more effectively and deliver exceptional customer service through:
- A simple, streamlined POS system for quick checkout.
- Seamless management of orders and repairs.
- Simplified use of vouchers in transactions.
- Smooth processing of complex orders, such as custom wedding rings made from various materials and manufacturers with personalized finishes.
LS Central has also significantly optimized the company’s inventory management, resulting in better control and efficiency across operations with:
- Real-time data: LS Central combines all channels, updating stock quantities in real time as sales occur. This ensures that Kraemer GmbH maintains accurate inventory levels, while reducing the risk of overselling or stockouts.
- Effective store replenishment: The Replenishment for LS Central module, combined with automated inventory reports, simplifies employee inventory tasks, and ensures optimal product availability for customers.
- Centralized information: By consolidating product and pricing data into a single platform, LS Central automatically updates both physical stores and online channels, ensuring consistent pricing and product information across all sales channels. Updates only have to be made once in the system rather than individually across multiple platforms, which also reduces the time spent on managing information and minimizes the risk of errors.
- Enhanced supplier data: When placing large orders, the purchasing department at Kraemer GmbH can record supplier discount conditions, allowing the financial team to plan liquidity based on accurate data.
With the LS Central solution, Kraemer GmbH is well-prepared for future success. Kraemer GmbH and KUMAVISION are also actively working on upcoming projects, reflecting their commitment to a long-term partnership.
