Case Study ERP release change as a lever for process optimization at Lödige
Gebrüder Lödige Maschinenbau GmbH used the switch to the new PSIpenta version to streamline processes, simplify the IT landscape, and further expand the possible uses of the ERP system.
With the ERP release change, Gebrüder Lödige Maschinenbau GmbH not only focused on technological modernization, but also deliberately used the step to optimize internal processes. The long-established Paderborn-based company simplified its IT landscape, replaced macros that were no longer needed with standard functions, and at the same time strengthened its employees' confidence in their own IT systems. Lödige has been relying on PSIpenta as its single source of truth since the end of the 1990s and uses it to map all its central business processes – from sales to production and delivery.
About Lödige
Gebrüder Lödige Maschinenbau GmbH has been developing and manufacturing machines and systems for industrial mixing and processing processes such as coating, drying, and reacting for over 80 years. The family-run company, based in Paderborn, holds over 500 patents and is represented on all continents. Every system delivered is unique, tailored to specific customer requirements – with high standards of quality, customization, and technological precision.
Challenges
Lödige is a project and custom manufacturer. Despite standardized assemblies, each machine is unique, which places high demands on planning and control. Added to this are volatile conditions such as delivery bottlenecks and fluctuating order situations. The ERP solution must therefore be adaptable, fail-safe, and user-friendly.
The planned release change brought further challenges: The IT landscape needed to be consolidated, established structures rethought, and unnecessary complexity reduced. Particular focus was placed on analyzing and cleaning up numerous macros that had accumulated over time and introducing a clearer role and authorization concept. At the same time, it was important to ensure system availability during the project and to involve all participants actively at an early stage.
Lödige's goals
With the upcoming release change, Lödige had a clear goal in mind: technology upgrade and process optimization should go hand in hand. In addition to IT security, the focus was on consolidating the infrastructure, simplifying the macro landscape, and improving the overview of processes and roles.
In addition, the company wanted to further consolidate the already high status of the ERP system in everyday work. The release change provided an opportunity to work with the specialist departments to review existing structures, identify potential, and actively pursue a process of continuous improvement—with a view to constantly developing system usage and collaboration.
The most important goals
- Migration to a modern platform for greater IT security and flexibility
- Consolidation and streamlining of the existing IT infrastructure
- Reduction and standardization of historically developed macros
- Introduction of a clearer and more maintainable role and authorization concept
- Optimization of existing processes
- Greater use of existing ERP functionalities
- Further development of system usage through active involvement of the specialist departments
- Tapping into new technical and functional possibilities through the release
Solution approach
The actual system changeover to the current PSIpenta version went smoothly using the standard migration path provided. From a technical perspective, the migration was clearly structured and easy to manage.
The real challenges lay in the preliminary work and in the strategic project goals, which went beyond a mere software update. The decisive factors for the successful outcome were therefore not only the technical implementation, but above all the intensive examination of processes and routines. The project management team focused on close involvement of the specialist departments, careful analysis of actual usage behavior, and consistent adjustment to standard functions.
Implementation
A key element of the implementation was the consistent involvement of key users from the specialist departments. Processes were reviewed in regular meetings, macro usage was analyzed, and potential for simplification was identified.
An automated database trigger recorded which macros were actually used over a period of one year. This enabled the project team to decide which routines could be eliminated—around 50 macros were deleted on this basis.
This approach proved particularly effective in the area of ERP authorization structures, for example, which had become highly differentiated, confusing, and difficult to maintain over time. Lödige opted for a new, department-based role model that not only simplifies administration but also increases transparency and traceability in everyday system use. The new authorization concept uses only the options available in the ERP standard – including the ability to grant users finely granular permissions down to the operation level without changing the assigned department role.
The release change to the new platform also gives Lödige access to configurable interfaces and dialogs. Lödige is making targeted use of these new options to make daily work even more efficient: Color-coded fields and standardized view profiles for each department make it easier to find your way around, while customizable dialogs reduce redundant clicks and lower the error rate. The result: structured, intuitive system views – and a new level of quality in daily work with the ERP system.
Result
The release change has had a noticeable impact at Lödige – both technically and organizationally. The company has consolidated its IT infrastructure, simplified and accelerated processes, and made daily use of the system much more efficient.
Lödige benefits in particular from:
- Consistent reduction of technical complexity
- Simplified administration
- Inbound dispatch of new functions such as configurable interfaces and dialogs
- Clearer distribution of tasks and better process overview
- Faster processes thanks to fewer clicks and optimized dialogs
- Greater use of existing standard functions
- Closer integration of specialist departments in daily system work
The structured project approach, intensive preparation, and close cooperation with PSI consultants have helped Lödige to establish a modern, future-proof ERP system. The willingness to question existing structures is also evident in everyday work, for example in in-depth key user meetings and regular comparisons between system functions and actual processes.
Conclusion
Lödige sees the ERP release change not just as a technical update, but as a targeted push to keep developing its own digital strategy. The machine and plant manufacturer is using the project to take a close look at processes, simplify structures, and keep improving how the system is used for the long term.
Thanks to continuous, close cooperation between IT, specialist departments, and external consultants, Lödige has a future-proof, ERP-supported process landscape and benefits from a deep understanding of efficient workflows, clear responsibilities, and smooth collaboration in everyday business.
The example of Lödige underscores how ERP projects can be the driving force behind an effective digital strategy – practical, structured, and with a clear view of long-term process and system optimization.
