FH project paves the way for new ERP solution in skilled trades
- 26.02.2025
- Practical Project
Hannes Koidl (left) and Martin Praxmarer (right) of Prakom: the goal is practical solutions.
The ERP competence center of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol has once again been able to demonstrate its practical expertise: an evaluation project dealing with digitalization in the skilled crafts sector has now led to a specific pilot project with a Tyrolean software company.
In spring 2024, students in the part-time Master's program in ERP Systems & Business Process Management analyzed the existing industry software for chimney sweeps in Tyrol. The results showed great potential for optimization, particularly in terms of process mapping and user-friendliness.
One of the project's main objectives was not only to identify weaknesses but also to demonstrate practical solutions for the digitization of this trade sector. Thanks to the broad network of the Kufstein Uni, a connection was established with PraKom Software GmbH, a Tyrolean company that develops an ERP system specially tailored to the needs of craft businesses.
PRAKOM AS NEW PARTNER FOR DIGITALIZATION
PraKom Software GmbH, under CEO Managing Director Hannes Koidl, is now developing an optimized version of the VenDoc ERP system as part of a pilot project. The software is designed to map the specific processes of several chimney sweeper companies in Tyrol in the best possible way.
The close cooperation between the companies involved, the Tyrolean Chimney Sweepers' Guild and the software developers enables a practical implementation. “The cooperation is uncomplicated, with short communication paths and a high degree of flexibility with regard to the individual needs of the customers. This is one of the strengths of PraKom and VenDoc,” explains Bernhard Mandl, MSc, research associate in the area of ERP systems and business process management.
THIS PROJECT SHOWS THE VALUE ADDED THAT CAN BE CREATED BY PRACTICE-ORIENTED UNIVERSITY PROJECTS.
Bernhard Mandl, MSc
Research associate in the field of ERP systems and business process management
“This project shows the added value that practice-oriented university projects can create. Students gain insight into real digitization processes, while companies benefit from in-depth analysis and new impulses,” says Bernhard Mandl, a former PraKom employee who established contact between the partners.
NEXT STEPS AND LONG-TERM PROSPECTS
The pilot project has now officially started. In regular coordination meetings – both digital and in person – the requirements of the companies are compared with the technical possibilities of VenDoc and implemented. “A major advantage of this project is that, for the first time, the real needs of Tyrolean leading companies are digitally mapped. This makes daily work much easier, as the latest technology is used in a targeted manner,” says Mandl.
Although there are no measurable successes yet, as the pilot phase has only been running for about a month, the start can already be seen as a success. “The long-term perspective is exciting: if the conversion of large Tyrolean leading companies is successful, it could send a strong signal throughout Austria. There is now a technologically mature alternative to existing solutions,” Mandl continues.
After successful implementation in the first leading companies, VenDoc could be used by other chimney sweep companies in Tyrol and beyond. This offers PraKom the opportunity to establish itself as a leading provider for this industry and to actively shape the digitalization of the trades. “Precisely because there is often a lack of alternatives in the industry, there is great potential for industry-specific solutions. We are currently evaluating which other trades could benefit from similar digitalization,” Mandl concludes.