NetSuite for Schüttflix - we delivered!
The end of paperwork
With its digital logistics platform, Gütersloh-based Schüttflix GmbH connects construction companies, bulk material suppliers, freight forwarders and waste disposal companies. In addition to the specially developed Schüttflix app, the core of the successful business model is the Oracle NetSuite ERP system. While the Schüttflix app is used to process orders for crushed stone, sand and gravel and plan transports, NetSuite ensures the smooth handling of financial accounting processes. A largely integrated system landscape guarantees consistent, digitalized processes with high efficiency for users and transparency for management.
Together we got things rolling
During its rapid development, Schüttflix opted for Oracle NetSuite early on as a solid ERP foundation for its targeted growth and started the ERP implementation "on a greenfield site" in 2020. The go-live then followed at the beginning of 2021. For capacity reasons on the partner side, the decision was made at the end of 2021 to involve the PDG NetSuite team in order to jointly broaden the NetSuite platform and prepare it structurally for the upcoming growth, including beyond Germany's borders.
Well connected
The central element of the Schüttflix business model is the Schüttflix app, which brings together supply and demand from construction companies, bulk material suppliers and freight forwarders. The company's own application can be used to buy and sell building materials, order waste disposal services and organize transport. One of the core challenges for the ERP team was and is to ensure a stable integration between the app and the ERP at all times and at the same time to support further developments and optimizations of the app processes on the ERP and integration side.
In addition to NetSuite and the Schüttflix app, other 'best-of-breed' solutions such as Moss and Declaree for expense and travel management, Personio for HR management and Zone Capture for processing incoming invoices complete the integrated and automated system landscape.
Crossing Borders
Schüttflix continues its success story in other European countries. The ERP team provided support with the implementation of the other locations (Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic) and their localization. The company structure was also adapted and the reporting structure converted to several books (NetSuite Multibook) to ensure more efficient reporting in an international context. The topic of "electronic invoicing" is currently at the top of the agenda for some companies.
Flexible Structures
In order to create the organizational foundation for rapid growth, Schüttflix is also constantly faced with changes within the organizational structure. In this context, the PDG team provides support with conceptual decisions and the implementation of restructuring projects. NetSuite offers maximum flexibility with its multi-subsidiary features. In addition to reorganizations, carve-outs or mergers, changes in the company hierarchy can also be implemented with reasonable effort.
Service and Booking Period
The technical and functional implementation of period allocation in accounting proved to be a particular challenge. Naturally, service and booking periods often differ in a service offering.
Task for the ERP team:
To develop a solution for the correct accounting accrual of periods and the VAT incurred for the "NetSuite Legacy Tax" tax engine used at Schüttflix. With individual adjustments, the team succeeded in mapping the accrual of the service to the booking month in a tax-compliant manner.
Continuing the journey
Winner of the German Founder Award 2022, Schüttflix has now become a permanent fixture in the building materials business. With the aim of becoming the leading international digital platform for bulk materials, Schüttflix has already established itself in Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic. In Germany, the Schüttflix portfolio has been expanded to include waste disposal.
About Schüttflix - the digital logistics hub for the construction industry
Schüttflix is the first digital logistics hub for the construction industry. The platform connects contractors, building material suppliers, waste disposal companies and freight forwarders with each other. With just a few clicks, contractors can compare prices in the app and order or dispose of bulk materials and transports directly. Instead of being regionally fragmented and untransparent, Schüttflix thus creates for the first time a functioning, efficient market for all common bulk materials in Germany, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic.
For its partner forwarders, Schüttflix enables optimized route planning, which leads to fewer empty runs and thus more sustainability. In addition, Schüttflix supports construction companies in optimizing and digitizing their processes with data for real-time analysis and digital documents (invoices, delivery bills, weighing documents).
Founded in Germany in 2018, the company made a turnover of 87 million Euros in 2022 and currently has over 12,500 customers and partners on the platform with 162,000 completed transports.
Photo Credits: The photos were made available with the friendly support of Schüttflix GmbH.