We are always impressed that we have been able to implement every requirement with Simplifier.

Mathias Keilbach

Employees of Corporate Digital & IT

Optimized development of mobile applications to implement the digitalization strategy across the entire group of companies

Südzucker drives realization of self-service approach with Simplifier

Südzucker is an international group of companies that processes agricultural raw materials into high-quality products and thus offers industrial customers and end consumers plant-based solutions for nutrition, energy and other applications. The company already uses various applications in different areas of the company to support its business processes. However, with increasing digitalization and the need for mobile applications, it quickly became clear that the conventional approaches no longer met the requirements. Accordingly, it was decided to look for alternative solutions to meet future challenges.

An important requirement was the integration of new applications into Südzucker’s rapidly growing SAP system landscape. It was therefore crucial to find a technology that would enable simple integration of SAP data. In addition, mobile applications had to be able to be created independently of operating systems and end devices in order to meet the needs of employees and simplify business processes.

To develop mobile applications, Südzucker needed a solution that was device- and operating system-independent and could be created without a great deal of programming effort. The company became aware of Simplifier and after an intensive examination of the platform, all requirements were tested in a joint proof of concept (PoC). This resulted in the first applications, which were subsequently used in the areas of logistics and maintenance.

In comparison to native application development for mobile devices, Simplifier was clearly convincing in a further test phase. Südzucker was particularly impressed by the platform-supported development of UI5 apps and the smooth interaction with SAP. Simplifier also scored highly in the area of governance, as the platform enables transparent role assignment and thus the traceability of work steps and changes.

Südzucker was also convinced by the fact that the source code of all applications created remains in the company’s possession. This guarantees the sustainability and future-proofing of all applications for the Group. In addition, low-code development offers the opportunity to introduce citizen development in the long term and thus involve the specialist departments more closely in application development. Requirements and process expertise can thus flow directly into the applications.

Overall, Simplifier convinced Südzucker with a user-friendly platform that enables quick and easy development of mobile applications and at the same time ensures a high level of transparency and traceability of the development processes.

Results achieved
The long-term testing and familiarization with the Simplifier platform has definitely paid off for Südzucker. By using the low-code platform, it was possible to increase the complexity of the existing applications by expanding functions and features. In the area of maintenance and logistics in particular, five partly complex and multifunctional applications were created, which are characterized by a large number of integrated functions.

The applications created have a direct impact on the work of employees at Südzucker and promote the self-service approach within the company. This is particularly due to the efficient and effective integration of departmental employees into the processes, the simple familiarization with these processes and the quick and uncomplicated use of the applications. A key factor for the high acceptance of the applications is the appealing and simple user interface.

Mobile use
The mobile use of applications at Südzucker has also had a lasting positive impact on data collection. Direct on-site recording on mobile devices creates consistent and structured data, as transmission errors are avoided. The data is uploaded directly into the SAP system, which leads to leaner processes and higher data quality. This enables reliable traceability of work steps, the creation of real-time overviews and forecasts. The benefits are obvious: greater efficiency, fewer queries and better data availability. This makes mobile data collection an important factor in optimizing processes at Südzucker.

Collaboration within IT
Collaboration within IT at Südzucker has also changed with Simplifier. The teams can work together more efficiently and quickly as the platform supports agile application development. “The platform is an important factor for the agile way of working in IT. Thanks to direct collaboration and working in sprints, we can react flexibly to requirements and develop new solutions quickly,” explains Mathias Keilbach.

The Simplifier platform also makes it possible to involve the specialist departments in application development. As some applications at Südzucker are very complex overall and require a high level of data understanding in particular, the use of Citizen Developer is not currently planned. For this reason, Südzucker has successively established Fusion Team workshops for the creation of new apps. In these workshops, the requirements for the application and also for the UI are discussed together and initial versions of mockups or even applications with data simulations are created. In this way, the process expertise of employees from the specialist departments flows directly into the applications.

Südzucker is impressed by the close and flexible cooperation with Simplifier. In addition to excellent expertise, transparency is offered at all times in all projects. The permanent contacts at Simplifier offer support for joint projects at all times and are available as sparring partners.

However, the collaboration has also developed within the individual companies of the Group. Südzucker subsidiary Agrana has also been using Simplifier since 2022. Both companies actively use the synergies resulting from the use of Simplifier and regularly exchange information.

“This has created an intragroup knowledge hub for Simplifier that benefits all sides,” explains Mathias Keilbach. “The collaboration and exchange of knowledge within the Group is a good example of how digital solutions and technologies can be used in different companies and departments to achieve joint success.”

Südzucker plans to expand the functionality of the existing applications. Particular attention will be paid to the maintenance applications in order to gradually expand the user base and roll out the application in additional plants. By the end of the year, around 1,000 users should be using the applications. Simplifier plays an important role in the implementation of the digitalization strategy throughout the Group and in the implementation of mobile working.

The implementation of Simplifier is intended to drive forward the strategy of continuous digitalization at all of the Group’s plants. The existing applications have already been successfully rolled out to the subsidiaries.