How Elnic killed the "paper chase" and automated its shopfloor workflows
Elnic in Dresden GmbH uses Heisenware to build custom mobile apps that automate manual requests and photo documentation. A 10-minute process now takes just 30 seconds.
At a glance
The challenge
The company's efficiency was slowed by many small, manual processes: paper-based workflows for purchase requisitions (BANF) and quality documentation. These processes were slow, error-prone, and had no connection to the on-premise ERP system.
The solution
Two custom mobile applications built internally on the Heisenware platform. First, a digital "Purchase Requisition" app that scans QR codes and creates requisitions directly in the ERP. Second, a photo documentation app that links photos to ERP orders and automatically saves them to the local file server.
The result
The company's efficiency was slowed by many small, manual processes: paper-based workflows for purchase requisitions (BANF) and quality documentation. These processes were slow, error-prone, and had no connection to the on-premise ERP system.
Paper-based material requests and complex photo documentation
Hans Lehmann, CEO and mechatronics engineer, knew that his team was being slowed down by paper-bound processes. He had previously tried developing his own Android apps but quickly reached the limits of feasibility regarding maintenance and small changes.
The company set out to digitize two time-consuming manual processes:
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Manual material requests: When material ran low or threatened to run out, an employee had to stop work, fill out a paper requisition form, and bring it to the purchasing department. This process was slow, laborious, and led to transmission errors.
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Cumbersome photo documentation: The quality process required taking photos of finished cabinets with a digital camera, transferring the images to a PC, and then manually creating folders to file them. This 10-minute process was repeated several times a day for every order.
Mobile apps with ERP integration
Elnic discovered Heisenware as a "builder" platform for the company. They used the visual builder and on-prem connectors to design two apps and roll them out to the team, eliminating the biggest bottlenecks.
The "Digital QA" App
The 10-minute process now takes just 30 seconds. An employee selects the order from a dropdown menu (live from the ERP), takes photos with a mobile device, and clicks "Upload". The app automatically creates a new folder on the local file server, named after the order number, and saves the images.
Purchase Requisition App
An employee simply scans a QR code on the material bin with a smartphone. The app, connected live to the ERP, shows if a request is already pending or allows them to create a new one with a single click. The requisition is created directly in the ERP system. No paper, no errors, no risk of downtime.
Heisenware gave us the ability to connect our on-prem systems to the shopfloor. I can now design the exact apps my team needs in a fraction of the time. And without the maintenance nightmare of custom code.
Why it worked: On-prem integration and low-code
Elnic was able to implement this solution in a fraction of the time of a custom software project, thanks to two key functions of the platform.
The On-Premise Agent
The Heisenware Agent was installed in the Elnic network and created a seamless, secure bridge to the on-premise systems. This allowed the apps to communicate with the local ERP (via REST API) and the local file server (via File I/O connector).
The visual builder
The CEO, a process expert but not a full-time developer, was able to design these apps and implement them together with his team. The team doesn't have to wait for an external agency. If they want to add a new feature, they can do it in an afternoon.
95% time savings and internal independence
Elnic has successfully digitized its most complex manual workflows, saving time, reducing errors, and strengthening the team.
With this scalable infrastructure, the company has laid the foundation for the future. A third project (simple time tracking) is already in the works. The company now has a "construction kit" to solve any new shopfloor challenge itself and implement its own vision without the frustration of external projects.
