Axxence on the Path to a Digital Future – How a Niche Provider of Aromatic Substances Sets New Standards with PART Business Solution and SAP Business One
Our interview partner was the Commercial Managing Director of Axxence, Mr. Stefan Arntz.
A Company in Transition
The world of aromas is a science in itself. Behind every scent and every flavor lies a complex process that requires the highest precision and quality. The Axxence Group is one of the companies that has perfected this art. Since the 1980s, the manufacturer of natural aroma chemicals has evolved from a small trader to a globally operating producer.
What makes Axxence special? The company extracts natural fragrances and flavors from plant-based raw materials such as oils, herbs, and vegetables. The products are not only vegan, kosher, and halal-certified but also meet the growing demand for sustainable, natural ingredients. Early on, the company’s founder recognized the trend toward naturalness and systematically developed Axxence into a key niche provider.
“The unique aspect of our business model is that we extract aromatic substances from natural raw materials, process them naturally, and adhere to the highest purity standards in the industry,” explains Stefan Arntz, Managing Director of Axxence.
However, success also brought new challenges. In recent years, the company has developed rapidly—an expanded plant in Slovakia and a new production facility in the USA. Axxence grew, became more international, and thus more complex. The transformation from a family-run business to a global organization required not only investments in production capacity but also a fundamental modernization of corporate structures.
Challenges of a Rapidly Growing International Company
Rapid growth brought several issues that became increasingly noticeable. The existing IT systems reached their limits, and the digital infrastructure was no longer sufficient for the new requirements.
“We simply lacked transparency over our inventories. Digitalization is the key to efficiently managing our working capital,” says Stefan Arntz.
The central challenges were:
- Fragmented IT Systems: While a locally restricted ERP system was used in Germany, the sites in Slovakia and the USA worked with Excel, Access, and simple accounting programs. A unified system? Not in place.
- Lack of Transparency: Without an integrated database, making informed decisions was difficult. Production processes, inventory levels, and supply chains could not be efficiently managed.
- Inefficient Inventory Management: Without centralized control, high inventory levels tied up capital and unnecessarily burdened the company’s liquidity.
- Complexity Due to Internationalization: With sites in various countries, Axxence needed an ERP system that worked internationally while remaining flexible enough to accommodate local requirements.
The solution was clear: Axxence needed a well-thought-out IT strategy and a modern ERP solution to unify processes and prepare the company for further growth.
The IT Roadmap: A Plan for the Future
Together with external consultants, Axxence developed an IT roadmap to transform the company from a heterogeneous, organically grown structure into a data-driven, integrated organization.
“Our IT roadmap shows us the path to the future. The ERP system is the core of this transformation,” says Stefan Arntz.
The requirements for the new system were clearly defined:
- International Scalability: The solution needed to integrate all locations and be globally deployable.
- Integration of Production Processes: From raw material procurement to final delivery, all processes had to be mapped in one system.
- Transparency and Data Consistency: A central database should enable informed decisions based on up-to-date figures.
- Industry-Specific Focus: Special functions for the chemical and aroma industries were a must.
After an intensive evaluation, the decision was made in favor of SAP Business One with the industry solution C.One from PART Business Solution.
Why SAP Business One and PART Business Solution?
The selection process for the new ERP system lasted a total of nine months. Several providers were examined, requirements formulated, and systems tested. In the end, the solution from PART Business Solution and SAP Business One with C.One won for several reasons:
- Industry-Specific Functions: The C.One solution was specifically developed for the needs of the chemical and aroma industries.
- Price-Performance Ratio: A competing system was too expensive and oversized, while another solution lacked the necessary industry expertise.
- A Partner on Equal Terms: Axxence wanted to work with a mid-sized company that understands its challenges.
“The C.One industry solution from PART really convinced us, and the chemistry between our teams was just right,” summarizes Stefan Arntz.
Implementation: An ERP System for All Locations
Implementation began in Germany as a pilot project before rolling out to sites in the USA and Slovakia. Several challenges quickly emerged:
- Cultural Differences: The various locations had different work cultures and IT experience.
- Resistance to Standardization: Many employees were used to their own individual workflows. Transitioning to a unified system required a well-thought-out change management strategy.
“Change management will be a big challenge, especially in locations without prior ERP experience,” explains Stefan Arntz.
However, the effort will pay off. By standardizing processes, Axxence will increase efficiency, reduce costs, and significantly improve transparency across all business areas.
“Until now, every employee could create their own processes, which hindered efficiency. The new ERP system will significantly advance us here,” says Stefan Arntz.
Looking Ahead: Axxence as a Data-Driven Organization
With the introduction of SAP Business One and C.One, Axxence is laying the foundation for a modern, digital future. The key goals for the coming years are:
- A centralized database for all locations to enable fast and informed decisions.
- Efficiency gains through optimized processes, especially in inventory management.
- A sustainable IT infrastructure that enables further growth.
“Our vision is to bring all locations onto one platform to maximize transparency and efficiency,” says Stefan Arntz.
Conclusion: A Digital Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Axxence’s transformation shows that well-planned digitalization is not just an end in itself but a decisive competitive advantage. Thanks to a clear IT roadmap, the right ERP solution, and a strong partnership with PART Business Solution, Axxence is successfully preparing for the future.
“With PART and SAP, we have found the right partner to future-proof our company,” concludes Stefan Arntz.
