EDI at Kiehn-Holz: efficient processes for DIY retail and trade

As a manufacturer of high-quality wood products for gardens and outdoor spaces, Kiehn-Holz GmbH works with major retail partners and DIY stores throughout Europe. For the company, this means that orders, invoices, deliveries, and inventory data must always be available in a reliable and structured manner. To manage these processes efficiently, the company relies on an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Service Provider that automates communication with its business partners.

The initial situation

Kiehn-Holz supplies various retail partners in the DIY sector, including companies such as Hornbach, toom Baumarkt, Markant, Bahag, and OBI. These partners have different requirements and processes. At the same time, expectations regarding speed, transparency, and data availability across the entire supply chain continue to increase.

Prior to the current solution, EDI was managed through two different service providers. The goal was therefore to consolidate all EDI connections into a single centralized solution in order to standardize processes and simplify day-to-day operations.

The implementation

The EDI processes are integrated into the existing system landscape, which is based in part on SAP Business One. The implementation was carried out in cooperation with ANG International, a partner that supports companies throughout the DACH region in the implementation and further development of this ERP solution.
Using a SAP Business One connector, EDI data is transferred directly between the systems via a REST interface, making it immediately available for further processing without delay.

The following EDI processes are used in daily operations:

ORDERS – processing incoming orders from retail partner systems
DESADV – transmission of despatch advice and shipping information
INVOIC – electronic invoicing
INVRPT – transmission of inventory reports

The result

Thanks to the EDI integration, processes between Kiehn-Holz and its retail partners are now clearly structured:

Orders are processed automatically
Deliveries can be planned in advance by retail partners
Invoices are processed directly
Inventory information is available at all times

Our day-to-day operations are now more structured and run reliably in the background.
John Stalbohm, Authorized Officer, Kiehn-Holz GmbH

About Kiehn-Holz

Kiehn-Holz GmbH is a modern family-owned company with a long tradition and specializes in the production of high-quality wood products for gardens and outdoor areas. Its product range includes garden houses, carports, fences, privacy screens, and log cabin kits.

Production takes place in Germany, primarily using Nordic softwood from Finland. Due to the slow growth of these woods, the products are characterized by exceptional stability and quality. In addition to product quality, Kiehn-Holz places great emphasis on comprehensive service. Retail partners receive support with product ranges, marketing, and sales, as well as customized solutions ranging from product portfolios to catalogs and sample materials.

About ANG

AN Group International is an experienced SAP partner with a strong focus on SAP Business One. The company specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises that want to make their business processes more efficient and develop them sustainably. With offices in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Mexico, the company has been helping customers implement, enhance, and integrate modern ERP solutions for more than 20 years.