"We Speak IT" - and Live It
Interview with Volker Lehnert, Managing Director of c-entron Software GmbH
ERP software for system houses - specialized and very close to the customer: c-entron Software GmbH from Ulm has been one of the leading providers in its niche for years. In a conversation with managing director Volker Lehnert, it quickly became clear why: Industry knowledge, digitalization, AI, and a strong corporate culture seamlessly interlock here. A look behind the scenes of a company that delivers comprehensive solutions.
c-entron Software GmbH has established itself in a clearly defined market segment: ERP solutions for IT system vendors. Since its founding in 2003, what began as an internal need has developed into a specialized complete solution, which today is used by around 20% of IT system vendors in the DACH region. With 43 employees, headquartered in Ulm and an annual turnover of 6 million EUR, the company is the market leader in its field – and has been stable for years. The software is modular yet fully integrated: from merchandise management to ticket systems to individual service components, c-entron centrally maps all processes. The transition to subscription models and the planned shift to SaaS offerings in the future mark the latest step in its evolution. "We noticed that the willingness to invest was decreasing – so we adjusted our model," explains Managing Director Volker Lehnert, who has been with the company since 2012 and has been managing its affairs for the past seven years.
Focus on DACH, new impulses through AI
In 2022, the company was sold to a German investor with the aim of further expanding its market position. However, the focus remains on the DACH region, where c-entron already maps numerous specifics of the country-specific requirements in its software. International expansion is currently not a topic, according to Volker Lehnert: "ERP is always also shaped by process and tax laws – and this can vary significantly from country to country." Instead, the focus is on AI as a strategic driver of innovation: A new training portal with AI-supported dubbing is intended to train customers more quickly and intuitively in the future. AI also supports service areas – such as in the automatic creation of tickets or translation of technical content. Especially in times of skilled labor shortages, the technology offers valuable relief.
Strong Customer Loyalty through Employee Culture
Software, consulting, and support - c-entron combines it all under one roof. This is made possible by a corporate culture that relies on trust and personal responsibility. "I want to become dispensable - by delegating responsibility and strengthening my team," says Volker Lehnert. Customers also feel this attitude - and it leads to stable, long-term partnerships. Thus, the company plans to increase its presence at trade fairs and to expand its product range within the group. The goal remains the same as today: to deliver the best solution for IT system houses in the German-speaking region.