The successful completion of the integration of the SAP division of the SSI Schaefer Group into the company, which began in 2021, the expansion of the SWAN management team and the founding of SWAN AT in Graz were important milestones in this regard. In addition to the successful project business in the area of SAP EWM in the automotive, food & beverages, pharmaceutical and fashion industries, the company focused on the consistent expansion of the SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM) division in 2022. For 2023, the project house is also aiming to further sharpen its product portfolio and corporate values. As in 2022, high levels of investment in employee training and development are again on the agenda.

With an expected increase in turnover of 13% to over EUR 14 million compared to the previous year and over 50 active customers in Customer Lifecycle Service, SWAN is more than satisfied. "Tense markets, supply bottlenecks and rising energy and raw material prices are also affecting our work. Thanks to the high level of commitment of the entire SWAN team and the trusting cooperation with our customers, we mastered the associated postponements in projects with ease and are confident about the coming year," says Managing Director Alexander Bernhard.

Growing customer base worldwide

The greatest challenges also led to the greatest successes. SWAN implemented SAP EWM intralogistics solutions for numerous international companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, fashion and food industries. In addition to intralogistics solutions for new warehouse buildings, the majority of orders involved the retrofitting of existing systems. Andreas Brand, authorized signatory and Director SAP Realization at SWAN GmbH: "Implementing SAP EWM solutions during ongoing operations posed a particular challenge, especially for projects in the automotive industry. However, thanks to our extensive expertise, we were always able to overcome this - at no time did production lines have to come to a standstill."

The high level of customer satisfaction beyond the go-live is reflected in the many follow-up projects. "We not only acquired numerous new customers, but also intensified our cooperation with satisfied existing customers," says Andreas Simon, Director SAP Sales.

Expansion of management and locations

In August, the company expanded its management team. In addition to the authorized signatories Yvonne Oehme and Kai Starke, Andreas Brand was granted power of attorney. Together with Managing Director Alexander Bernhard, they form the institutionalized management team in the SWAN management team. With the appointment of Martin Fröschl as Director SAP TM, SWAN has positioned itself more strongly in the area of SAP Transportation Management, which SWAN is continuously expanding. With the founding of SWAN AT GmbH in Graz and the establishment of a local consulting and service team in Mexico, the project house for SAP logistics took further steps towards internationalization.

Focus on qualifications and well-being

The success of recent years has seen SWAN grow to over 140 employees at seven locations. The branch in Nuremberg recently underwent a major expansion. The previous location in Altenstadt an der Waldnaab moved into a larger and more energy-efficient new building in neighboring Weiden. The new premises meet the needs of modern, flexible working models in the context of the SWAN New Work philosophy and deliberately create areas for personal collaboration and communication.

Training and further education have always played a central role. The high quality standards are reflected in the "European Training Award 2022", which SWAN won in the "Hybrid/Blended Training" category for its hybrid training concept for managers. The award was initiated by the Professional Association for Training, Consulting and Coaching (BDVT e.V.). In addition, the in-house SWAN Academy offers its trainees, career changers and long-term employees the opportunity to expand their specialist knowledge at any time. The company also invests in its team with other employee-friendly measures such as covering childcare costs, flexible working arrangements and modern company car models for all employees.

Finally, the concept of the subsidiary SWAN Consultancy GmbH has become well established and is experiencing moderate growth. SWAN founded the subsidiary back in 2019 in response to the increasing shortage of specialists in the IT sector. The company places IT specialists and digitalization experts with a focus on SAP, Microsoft Dynamics and IT project and change management with clients from all industries.

The signs continue to point to growth

With well-filled order books and promising digitalization projects, SWAN is optimistic and motivated about the new year. Strategically, the topics of "values" and "expanding the product portfolio" are on the agenda. As part of a large-scale values program with intensive workshops, SWAN's management would like to involve all employees in the further development of the corporate philosophy and company values. SWAN is also planning to further sharpen its already strong product portfolio. This will meet the changing needs and requirements of future digitalization projects in logistics even better.