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Enhancing Steel Procurement with Satellite Monitoring

Imagine having the ability to anticipate market shifts in the steel industry before your competitors even become aware of them. In collaboration with the Zehnder Group, we developed a unique satellite monitoring solution that transforms how steel procurement decision-makers access and utilize real-time information. This case study explores how this innovative approach enables strategic planning and capitalizes on emerging trends, providing our clients with a decisive edge in a competitive market.

Three individuals presenting the Procurement Intelligence web app on a screen, highlighting its features and capabilities for procurement analysis.
Josef Berger, CPO Zehnder Group (left), Sven Büeler, Founder LaGrand (middle) and Dirk Bumüller, Procurement Manager Zehnder Group (right)

What We Did

In collaboration with the Zehnder Group, we created a specialized satellite-based monitoring system designed to track selected steel producers. Our solution provides key decision-makers in steel purchasing departments with up-to-date information, allowing them to plan their procurement strategies more effectively. By leveraging satellite data, our clients can capitalize on market shifts before other participants even become aware of them.

Project Name: Steel Procurement Intelligence

Client: Zehnder Group Internationl AG

What We Did

In collaboration with the Zehnder Group, we created a specialized satellite-based monitoring system designed to track selected steel producers. Our solution provides key decision-makers in steel purchasing departments with up-to-date information, allowing them to plan their procurement strategies more effectively. By leveraging satellite data, our clients can capitalize on market shifts before other participants even become aware of them.

Three individuals presenting the Procurement Intelligence web app on a screen, highlighting its features and capabilities for procurement analysis.
Josef Berger, CPO Zehnder Group (left), Sven Büeler, Founder LaGrand (middle) and Dirk Bumüller, Procurement Manager Zehnder Group (right)

Project Name: Steel Procurement Intelligence

Client: Zehnder Group Internationl AG

Unique Aspects of Our Collaboration

Our partnership with the Zehnder Group is uniquely tailored to their specific needs in steel procurement, delivering targeted value for their business case:

  • Tailored Monitoring: We customized our satellite tracking to focus on selected steel producers, ensuring they received only the most relevant and actionable data.
  • Early Market Insights: By providing real-time updates on steel production and market changes, Zehnder can proactively adjust their purchasing strategies, gaining a competitive edge.
  • Enhanced Strategic Planning: The precise data enables Zehnder to make informed decisions, optimize contracts, and improve supply chain resilience, directly boosting their operational efficiency.
A laptop and smartphone displaying insights from the LaGrand web application. The laptop screen shows a Satellite Insights Summary and plant activity trends, while the smartphone displays a Steel Producer Overview with news articles and market analysis.

Current Status

We have successfully handed over the login access to the web application, marking the beginning of a comprehensive testing phase. This phase is crucial for refining our solution and quantifying the added value it brings to our clients. To ensure continuous improvement, we conduct several review meetings each year, following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. This approach allows us to adapt our solution dynamically to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Next Steps

Looking ahead, we plan to enhance our solution with the following features:

  • Traffic Light System Integration: This feature will make changes in the selected steelworks easily understandable for management. The traffic light system will provide a quick visual representation of any significant changes, facilitating rapid decision-making.
  • Alarm System Development: We aim to establish an alarm system that delivers critical information to buyers immediately after a satellite overflight. This will enable procurement teams to adjust their strategies promptly, even before board meetings take place.

The Best is Yet to Come

Stay tuned for more success stories and updates on how innovative technology solutions are transforming industries.