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Thyssenkrupp opens ‘world’s biggest virtual warehouse’

Thyssenkrupp Materials Services is digitising its entire range of more than 150,000 products and services and consolidating it in the world’s biggest virtual warehouse.

With more than 3.5 million square meters of storage space at 271 operating sites around the world, Materials Services offers round-the-clock access to through its new ‘omnichannel’ structure, enabled by a powerful, self-developed artificial intelligence solution.

“By digitally connecting our global inventories we can offer our customers the widest possible selection of our various materials and services and optimum availability 24/7,” said Hans-Josef Hoss, from the Board of Thyssenkrupp Materials Services.

From plastics, steel products and nonferrous metals to diverse materials and supply chain management services –  customers want customised access to the entire range, says the company.

“In surveys and personal discussions we listened closely to what our customers want, and for more and more of them the ability to order our products and services however and above all whenever they need them is of key importance,” added Hans-Josef Hoss.

Customers can place orders via individual customer portals, EDI interfaces, online shops and in the future via external platforms.

Positive experience with first customers has already been gathered during a practical trial. A new B2B portal is already in use and will go live in summer 2018.

“After the official launch we will of course continue to make further optimizations and integrate customer feedback. Alongside the new digital channels, the human factor – personal customer support by our experienced sales staff – will always be a key success factor for our business,” said Axel Berger, Head of Digital Transformation.