Bosch Optimizes Online Spare Parts Logistics

At PACK EXPO 2012 in Chicago, Bosch Packaging Technology builds upon its services portfolio with two new features that simplify spare parts logistics – the Open Catalog Interface (OCI) and the Corporate Portal.

Both technologies enhance the E-Portal, Bosch’s online ordering platform that gives customers immediate access to up-to-date information on availability, price and delivery times. With the OCI and Corporate Portal, customers can now individually synchronize their spare parts logistics with internal processes.

Thanks to the OCI function of the online platform, actual information from the E-Portal is available in either the customer’s own purchasing or ERP system. This reduces efforts for data entry and updates and simplifies the spare parts ordering process. A customized link to the E-Portal is embedded in the customer’s system, giving direct access to up-to-date spare parts prices and availability details. This information can then be transferred into the customer’s purchasing system with a single click, saving time with data entry and allowing faster processing of orders and enquiries. The type of transferred product data is pre-defined in the interface and Bosch can further customize parameters based on the customer’s needs. Setting up OCI is simple as Bosch provides the link specifications and system configuration information.

The Corporate Portal function allows companies to combine E-Portals across multiple geographic locations and centrally control spare parts ordering and logistics. Depending on the customer’s needs, the central access can be used for a region, business unit, or a purchasing or logistics organization. The Corporate Portal helps plan and coordinate maintenance projects across different sites, minimizing production stoppages caused by maintenance works. Additionally, the All-in-One function enables production managers to transfer product and machine information from individual E-Portals to one shared portal, allowing them to further process spare parts data. The Corporate Portal enables the customer to access multiple E-Portals and provides a clear overview of the installations at the sites. In each E-Portal and also in the shared portal, all standard functions of the E-Portal are available – from product search to creation of memos, requests and orders.

“Spare parts logistical and coordination needs are so specific to individual companies,” says Ray Nungesser, Sales Manager at Bosch Packaging Services USA. “With the OCI and Corporate Portal, customers can fully customize the E-Portal to their distinct requirements, resulting in increased efficiency for spare parts ordering.”