Wirtgen Streamlines Collaboration with SharePoint Intranet and PowerApps
Wirtgen Group improved communication and efficiency by implementing a SharePoint intranet with departmental sections, PowerApps for custom forms, automated workflows, and CRM integration.
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Wirtgen Group, a renowned manufacturer of road construction and maintenance machinery, employs a global workforce across diverse departments. However, their existing communication and collaboration systems limited information sharing and process efficiency. This case study explores how Wirtgen’s implementation of a SharePoint intranet portal and PowerApps empowered their workforce, streamlined workflows, and fostered a collaborative work environment.
Wirtgen sought a solution to:
- Centralize Communication and Information Sharing: Create a central platform for departmental communication, document sharing, and knowledge management, eliminating information silos.
- Streamline Workflows: Automate manual processes for improved efficiency and reduced errors.
- Empower Employees: Provide self-service access to information and resources, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Improve Data-Driven Decisions: Enhance visibility into departmental processes to facilitate informed decision-making by leadership.
- Increase Productivity: Reduce time wasted searching for information and completing manual tasks.
Zelite Solutions, a Microsoft partner with expertise in SharePoint and PowerApps implementations, collaborated with Wirtgen to develop a comprehensive solution:
SharePoint Intranet Portal:
A customized SharePoint intranet portal was created with dedicated sections for:
- Service and Sales departments
- HR and Administration
- Warehouse and Shipping
- Training and Support teams (Service & Sales)
- Management (CEO, MD’s Office)
- Various functional departments (Sourcing, Marketing, Accounts, Operations across Wirtgen, Hamm, Vogele, Kleemann, Paint)
PowerApps Integration
Custom PowerApps were developed for various forms, including:
- Capital Expenditure request forms
- New employee onboarding forms
- Vendor approval forms
- Customer visit forms
- Visitor management app
Workflow Automation:
Workflows were automated for processes like capital expenditure approvals, streamlining decision-making and reducing processing time.
CRM System Integration:
SharePoint was integrated with Wirtgen’s existing CRM system using XML for seamless data exchange and improved customer relationship management.
The project involved:
- Requirements Gathering: Extensive analysis of departmental needs and existing workflows.
- Solution Design: Development of a customized SharePoint architecture and PowerApps for specific departmental requirements.
- Deployment and Training: Seamless deployment of the SharePoint portal and PowerApps, followed by comprehensive user training for effective adoption.
By implementing the SharePoint intranet portal and PowerApps, Wirtgen achieved significant improvements in collaboration, efficiency, employee empowerment, and data-driven decision making:
- Enhanced Collaboration: Dedicated departmental sections within the portal facilitated communication, information sharing, and knowledge management across the organization. Discussion forums and document co-authoring functionalities further fostered collaboration.
- Improved Efficiency: Streamlined workflows with automated forms and approvals through PowerApps reduced processing time and manual errors. Centralized document management within SharePoint ensured easy access to critical information.
- Empowered Employees: Self-service access to information and resources within the portal empowered employees to take ownership of their tasks and make informed decisions.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Improved visibility into departmental processes through the SharePoint portal empowered leadership to make data-driven decisions for optimized operations and resource allocation.
- Increased Productivity: Reduced time spent searching for information and completing manual tasks due to the centralized platform and automated workflows, leading to increased overall productivity.
SharePoint Intranet Portal:
The portal provided a user-friendly interface with:
- Departmental Sites: Dedicated sections for each department with relevant news, announcements, resources, and discussion forums.
- Search Functionality: Robust search capabilities allowed users to quickly locate information across the entire portal.
- Permissions and Security: Granular access control ensured data security and compliance with industry regulations.
PowerApps Integration:
Custom PowerApps offered:
- Improved Data Collection: Intuitive forms for data capture, reducing errors and streamlining information gathering processes.
- Automated Workflows: Streamlined approvals and notifications for processes like capital expenditure requests.
- Mobile Accessibility: Access to forms and data on mobile devices for increased flexibility and efficiency.
CRM System Integration:
Integration with the CRM system via XML facilitated:
- Synchronized Data: Consistent customer data across both systems for improved customer relationship management.
- Streamlined Processes: Reduced manual data entry and improved overall sales and customer service workflows.
Wirtgen's successful implementation of a SharePoint intranet portal and PowerApps transformed their communication, collaboration, and process efficiency landscape.The solution empowered their diverse workforce, streamlined workflows, and fostered a collaborative work environment.
This case study demonstrates the power of Microsoft technologies like SharePoint and PowerApps in empowering large organizations like Wirtgen to achieve operational excellence. By leveraging a centralized platform for communication, document management, and streamlined processes, Wirtgen can now focus on core business activities with a more efficient and collaborative workforce, ensuring continued success in the construction equipment industry.
