Success Story
Klüh Catering
Thousands of Meals Daily, Many Needs – and a System That Finally Fits
Klüh Catering is a division of the internationally operating Klüh Service Management GmbH, headquartered in Düsseldorf.
With more than 200 locations, the company is one of the leading providers in the field of communal catering in Germany, serving people daily in canteens, clinics, senior facilities, schools, and daycare centers. With high gastronomic competence, a clear focus on quality, sustainability, and process reliability, as well as state-of-the-art digital solutions, Klüh stands for sustainable catering concepts.
Initial situation
Before the introduction of necta, Klüh relied on a system from another provider. However, this system showed serious weaknesses: it was not possible to map the desired processes, important interfaces to MBS systems were missing, and the production module did not function reliably. Particularly problematic was the frequent delivery of unsolicited replacement articles by suppliers, which led to increased costs, increased coordination effort, and a lack of planning security.
Goals & Decision Basis
Klüh pursued several strategic goals with the switch to necta:
- Establishment of an independent inventory management system without dependence on an external purchasing company
- Building an internal team for the active support of the locations
- Mapping of individual desired processes
- Provision of a scalable solution for various types of operations in B&I, Care, Clinics, Schools, and Daycare Centers
necta impressed with its adaptability, high level of integration, and professional support during the implementation process.
Project progress
The implementation took place in close coordination with a central core team and an extended project team, consisting of around 20 location and kitchen managers, as well as key users from the respective areas. Together, the process requirements were analyzed and the system was individually adapted. The continuous exchange, an extensive test phase, and subsequent professional training ensured a smooth introduction.
Special requirements
The project was characterized by complex customizing requirements, which included both content-related and technical challenges. Important contractual conditions and industry-specific requirements had to be mapped exactly, especially with regard to transparency, efficiency, and controllability of the purchasing processes.
“The structured introduction of necta and the early involvement of our kitchen and location managers have made a decisive contribution to the high level of acceptance. necta was perceived as a solution, not a burden.”
Thorsten Schumacherformer Project Manager Inventory Management and Catering Management Systems, now Managing Director Keros Consult
Results & Added Value
The effects of the system changeover to necta can be clearly seen at Klüh. User satisfaction has noticeably increased. Employees particularly appreciate the practical mapping of their processes and the noticeable relief in their daily work. The number of replacement deliveries has been significantly reduced, as orders are processed more transparently and specifically. At the same time, desired processes are reliably implemented at all levels – a significant advantage in view of the diverse operating structures at Klüh.
Thanks to the connection to MBS systems, noticeable personnel cost savings have also been achieved. Further savings potential arises from the central management of LMIV values and the standardization of recipes. The binding specification of approved articles and recipes also creates planning security – both operationally and in terms of calculation.
With the introduction of necta, the transparency of operating figures and recipe usage has also been significantly improved. At the same time, internal communication benefits from central control: information, specifications, and changes can be transmitted to the respective locations more easily, quickly, and uniformly. Overall, necta strengthens Klüh’s competitiveness – through a modern, scalable software solution that continuously grows with it.
“necta has not only stabilized our processes, but also strengthened them strategically. The standardization and transparency in purchasing as well as the precise mapping of our operational processes are real success factors.”
Michael Ihm formerly Project Manager and Trainer at Klüh Catering, now Head of Project Management and Training at Keros Consult
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User feedback
The feedback from the locations is consistently positive. Employees experience the system as practical, flexible, and significantly more powerful than the previous tool. The precise mapping of the needs from the various segments is particularly appreciated.
Training requirements
The changeover required comprehensive training of all previous users of the old system. The basic training comprised three days per user, supplemented by further training for specific modules (e.g. MBS, Controlling). Continuous training is also necessary after releases in order to pass on innovations and refresh knowledge.
Technical insight
necta integrates seamlessly into the existing system landscape at Klüh and ensures automated processes through intelligent interfaces. In addition to DigiRev for accounts payable, POS systems and menu ordering systems are also connected, fed via necta. The connection of automated belt portioning via robotics is currently in progress. The central control via necta as the leading system ensures a homogeneous, transparent data structure.
Future Perspective
The digital journey at Klüh is far from over: The connection of accounts receivable is an integral part of the next expansion stage. With necta, Klüh is relying on a future-proof platform that scales with the requirements of a growing, multi-layered operating environment and is continuously being developed.
Klüh sees necta not only as a technical tool, but as a strategic partner for the further development of a modern, flexible, and sustainable catering organization, with the goal of permanently harmonizing quality, economy, and sustainability.
Company
Klüh Catering GmbH
Industry
communal catering, Facility Services
Location
Germany, nationwide
Application Areas
B&I, Care, Hospitals, Schools, Daycare Centers