Otto Lehmann GmbH Drives Efficiency with AI-powered Digital Conversion
Otto Lehmann GmbH, a leading supplier of over 1,800 roof products with locations across Germany adn Austria, has significantly streamlined its operations through the implementation of AI-based solutions. The company, employing approximately 400 people, reports a substantial advancement in order processing and overall efficiency following the adoption of Albert | AI, an AI platform designed for medium-sized businesses by agorum®.Previously, Otto Lehmann GmbH faced challenges common to many mid-sized companies: a patchwork of processes developed over time, combining both analog and digital methods. These included document storage scattered across network drives and individual computers, order management heavily reliant on email and manual input, isolated systems lacking a unified overview, and lengthy communication cycles for both customer service and complaint resolution. A shift in company leadership underscored the need for a more comprehensive digitization strategy.
The solution centered around Albert | AI, chosen for its seamless integration with the company’s existing Agorum Core document management system (DMS). Key implementation milestones included:
Centralized Document Management: All relevant emails,quotations,and process documentation are now consolidated within Agorum®,enhancing data security and process openness.
Automated Order Processing: Albert | AI now automatically recognizes email-based orders and creates corresponding entries in the ERP system. Following a final verification step,production and shipping are initiated without manual intervention. Managing Director Sebastian Engelskirchen described this as a “game changer.”
Intelligent Correspondence & Customer Support: The platform identifies incoming inquiries and complaints, triggering pre-defined workflows and automatically assigning tasks to the appropriate teams.
ERP & Shopfloor Integration with Chatbot Functionality: Interfaces connecting Albert | AI to the ERP and shopfloor systems, coupled with an integrated chatbot, allow both internal staff and customers to access real-time information, such as stock levels and appointment availability.
Ongoing Training & User Adoption: Continuous training programs for key users and teams were crucial to ensuring a smooth and rapid implementation of the AI technology.
Beyond the standard functionalities, Otto Lehmann GmbH customized workflows, including those for delivery and invoice reconciliation, to align with its specific internal processes.
The company views this implementation not merely as process optimization,but as a foundation for ongoing IT agility and a culture of innovation. Future applications under consideration include automated compliance checks and intelligent email responses.
Planned Future Developments:
Automated matching of delivery notes and invoices.
AI-driven prioritization of incoming emails.
Integration of shopfloor data and image analysis capabilities.
Sebastian Engelskirchen advises other medium-sized companies to embrace new technologies, noting that the initial benefits are often realized more quickly than anticipated.
About Otto Lehmann GmbH:
Based in Neutraubling, near Regensburg, Germany, Otto Lehmann GmbH is a construction supplier specializing in roof products. The company offers a range of products including PV mounting systems, snow guards, drainage solutions, and galvanization services.