Author: Kloepfel
Mobile Robotics for Automated Warehouse Solutions Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is deploying mobile robotics from Geekplus Robotics in Dubai. According to the logistics company headquartered in Osnabrück, this move involves transforming its e-commerce center in Dubai CommerCity into an automated warehouse. In its press release, Hellmann explains that by integrating mobile robotics into its operations in Dubai, it is successfully continuing its innovation strategy. The implementation of Geekplus technology is part of a strategic direction to continuously integrate innovations into operational and process workflows. Enhanced Warehouse Capacity and Efficiency The new robotic solution, according to Hellmann, enhances operational efficiency. The press…
DHL Global Connectedness Tracker on Trade, Capital, Information, and People Flows Last week, DHL released the new DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, which is a report on the state of globalization. According to the logistics provider’s press release, the tracker shows how trade, capital, information, and people flows move around the world. Ratio of International to National Activity The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, as explained by DHL, measures the ratio of international to national activity on a scale from 0 percent to 100 percent. The current value, according to DHL, is 25 percent, indicating a record level of globalization. This is…
Senior Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com
Hamburg, – 19. November 2024 – The HWWI-Commodity Price Index continued its downward trend from July in August and September, falling by -0.9% in August and -3.0% in September. In October, however, the index rose by 4.1% to 180.8 and is therefore -6.5% below the level of the same month last year (as of 15 November 2024). The decline in the HWWI-Commodity Price Index during August and September was mainly driven by falling oil prices. A combination of abundant supply and weakening global demand led to the price drop, with China’s slowing economy playing a significant role. Additionally, the transition…
Kloepfel Consulting and Crayon Help: Navigating the VMware Cost Explosion After Broadcom Acquisition The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom in November 2023 has far-reaching consequences for users of virtualized data center infrastructure. Following the fiscal year-end on October 31, 2024, Broadcom has announced significant price increases for VMware products, causing concern among many customers. Criticism from User Associations The VOICE Federal Association of IT Users has sharply criticized Broadcom’s and VMware’s market behavior in an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The criticism includes the following points: Transition to a cloud subscription model, disadvantaging users Bundling…
Mastering Challenges, Seizing Opportunities Asia Sourcing as a Strategic Lever In our increasingly globalized world, procurement plays a crucial strategic role. Discussions and exchanges with the procurement community reveal that Asia Sourcing offers significant potential but also comes with a range of challenges. This article summarizes key insights and current trends in Asia Sourcing, which expose both risks and opportunities. Local Teams and Stakeholder Management as Success Factors One of the central insights is the importance of local teams. On-the-ground procurement professionals, combined with Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs), are the backbone of successful global procurement strategies. They bridge the gap…
How Germany’s Key Industries Can Navigate the Crisis Germany’s industrial sectors, especially mechanical engineering and automotive suppliers, face significant competitive pressures. High costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and rising energy prices burden companies, along with the shift towards electric mobility. To maintain Germany’s position as an industrial hub, bold steps from both policymakers and businesses are required: innovations must be accelerated, costs reduced, and key location factors fundamentally improved. Innovation as the Key to Long-Term Success The German mechanical engineering and automotive industries are characterized by their innovation and adaptability. While mechanical engineering increasingly invests in technologies like digital…
Shipping Center with Nine Halls The Otto Group has opened a new logistics center in the small Polish town of Iłowa. According to the retail group’s press release, the foundation stone for the facility was laid nearly two and a half years ago. The site is described as one of the most modern and largest logistics hubs in Europe, according to the Otto Group. Regarding the investment amount, the group only hints in its press release at a mid-three-digit million euro sum. Michael Otto, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Otto Group, said during the opening: “The Otto Group…
Around $4 Billion for Ships from China Hapag-Lloyd is purchasing 24 new container ships from China. The Hamburg-based shipping company has signed contracts with two Chinese shipyards for the orders. According to Hapag-Lloyd’s announcement on Wednesday, the new vessels will have a total capacity of 312,000 TEU. Some of the ships will be used to expand capacity in existing services, while others will replace older units in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet. Dual-Fuel Liquefied Natural Gas Engines All the new ships will feature low-emission high-pressure dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, according to the logistics group’s press release. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd states that the…
Integrated Supply Chain Solution for Industry The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has won one of the prestigious Supply Chain Excellence Awards (SCEA). The rail logistics company received the award jointly with Transporeon, a transport management platform, in the category “The Digital Transformation Award.” According to RCG’s press release, the two companies collaborated on a project that created a seamless integration of multimodal transportation into a single platform. This innovation is described by RCG as unparalleled across Europe. The SCEA ceremony took place on October 28, 2024, in London. Representatives from both companies were present to accept the award, according…
The collaboration between TESVOLT AG and EPSA Deutschland GmbH embodies a shared vision: promoting green energy solutions that empower people worldwide to use energy independently and sustainably. As a leading provider of battery storage systems for commercial and industrial applications, TESVOLT prioritizes quality and innovation. With tailored storage solutions, TESVOLT meets diverse needs—ranging from smaller applications to large-scale megawatt projects. Thanks to EPSA’s expertise, innovative projects have been efficiently promoted and implemented, making this partnership a strong example of success. www.epsa-deutschland.de
The Key KPIs Every Buyer Should Track In procurement, it is crucial not only to claim one’s performance but to substantiate it with concrete figures. This is also highlighted by the 2024 Buyer Salary Report based on 1,394 participants. When comprehensive procurement controlling is in place, buyers tend to earn higher salaries on average. A thorough controlling system enhances motivation, professionalism, and the visibility or position of procurement within the company. Key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the company’s overarching goals are essential for performance measurement. Continuous monitoring of these KPIs enables procurement departments to increase efficiency, achieve cost…
A Practical Guide Annual negotiations and price discussions are among the most important appointments on a buyer’s calendar. They provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set the course for the future. But how can these conversations be truly successful? Here are our twelve practical tips: Tip 1: Choosing the Right Time Many companies use year-end meetings to review the business year and set new goals for the coming year. However, it can sometimes be more effective to negotiate at the start of the new year, particularly in industries where market conditions change rapidly or for companies…
How the experienced interim manager Torsten Althaus built up a strong global team with the support of the management and optimized processes in order to sustainably increase efficiency and liquidity What was the initial situation? H2Stamping (formerly Härter) is a stamping and plastic composite technology company. The company was acquired in February 2023 by a fund advised by Orlando (private equity). H2Stamping had a bottleneck in purchasing due to staff turnover and brought me on board as interim purchasing manager within a few days and gave me the following priorities: elimination of advance payments to suppliers and optimization of payment…
Video tip on the topic of AI in procurement The most viewed video on the Procurement Channel in September 2024 is called “AI in Procurement: How to Implement 2024’s Top Use Cases”. The 30-minute video offers practical insights into the implementation of current AI use cases in procurement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8di3fvCPiKw
Since 2013, the Kloepfel Group has conducted an annual survey of German specialists and managers in the fields of purchasing and supply chain management. This year, around 1,300 people took part. The report highlights salary differences and their causes, including country- and industry-specific differences. It also examines whether and how the use of AI affects salaries. Average salary by position CPOs (Chief Procurement Officer) generally earn the most with an average of 167,670 euros per year. Purchasing Manager: The heads of a purchasing department earn an average of 115,651 euros per year. Lead Buyer or Commodity Manager: Receive an average…
Responsible Sourcing Report for the Care Chemicals division BASF’s Care Chemicals division has published the second edition of its Responsible Sourcing Report (RSR). According to the chemical company’s press release, the report provides an overview of the progress made in 2023 with regard to sustainability. The company refers to the three pillars of sustainability: economy, environment and society. At the same time, BASF emphasizes that the publication confirms its commitment to sustainability. For example, the company says it is active in promoting sustainable practices. Focus on important raw materials from Care ChemicalsFocus on important raw materials from Care Chemicals According…
Exports Could Decrease by 2 Percent Due to Tariffs The Ifo Institute reports on the assessment by Stormy-Annika Mildner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Germany, regarding the Biden administration’s trade policy in the U.S. This policy has focused on supporting American workers and reindustrialization. The goal is to reduce dependency on global supply chains. This policy could continue under a potential Kamala Harris administration. In contrast, a second Trump administration would pursue an aggressive tariff policy, which could lead to trade conflicts. The nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate has significantly improved their chances in the…