The Best of Both Worlds
Interview with Jörg Brezl, Managing Director of SLA Software Logistik Artland GmbH
Accompanying companies from the food industry into the digital future with IT solutions and thus operating at the pulse of the times is the hallmark of SLA Software Logistik Artland GmbH from Quakenbrück. The exceptional combination of IT and industry expertise is a unique feature of the North Germans.
"The train is already moving and it's not slowing down, but speeding up. And those who don't jump on now will eventually miss it." For SLA Managing Director Jörg Brezl, digitalization is a challenge that no one can avoid and must face to remain competitive. Companies from the food industry that want to be one step ahead in digitalization have a strong partner in SLA: a partner that knows both sides - the IT and the food industry with its special requirements. It is no coincidence that an SLA slogan is 'connecting food.'
IT and Food - Two Elements of the Bigger Picture
Managing Director Jörg Brezl is also familiar with both worlds and skillfully combines them. "I first trained as a butcher, then completed a second apprenticeship as an industrial clerk, both at Herta," he says. "When I came into contact with IT in the 1980s, I immediately felt a strong affinity. My enthusiasm for IT and food has been ongoing for almost 40 years." Jörg Brezl worked in IT for Herta, and after the takeover, for Nestlé. He implemented SAP, studied part-time, and earned an MBA.
These diverse practical experiences were particularly valuable for him and also proved beneficial after his switch to SAP in 2004. Jörg Brezl took on project management for particularly challenging projects; among other things, he was responsible for the first fully integrated SAP implementation at a meat processing company. "I worked for SAP in the food industry and realized that SAP works excellently everywhere there are offices and desks; beyond that, it became difficult," he says. "When an IT partner was needed for a project in the meat industry, I remembered the SLA. The first joint project reminded me once again of the importance of combining genuine industry knowledge with technical solutions. Although it was a difficult decision, I later accepted the offer from the SLA founder and switched to SLA in 2009."
Digital, connected, automated, with added value
This change dates back 15 years; 15 years during which the team has grown from 15 to 80 employees. The portfolio has also evolved with the demands of the market - what remains is the combination of food expertise and IT know-how. SLA connects food production - connected, digital, automated. RFID and robotics integration, mobile app and web applications, business intelligence tools, and software and hardware solutions for process optimization shape the portfolio. "Our solutions are a combination of technical connections coupled with apps, real-time visualizations, business intelligence, and AI," says Jörg Brezl. "There are three major themes. The first theme concerns technical integration, the second web platforms. As a third theme, for which I am primarily responsible, I see working as a supplementary partner for other ERP providers." For about two years, the company has been dealing with AI, for example in article identification in process flows. "AI makes processes faster, more reliable, more precise, and better," emphasizes Jörg Brezl. "For example, there is predictive AI that helps to create sales forecasts based on data and influencing factors such as the weather. Not least, when it comes to the welfare of animals, AI is convincing: For example, it allows an objective assessment of whether all processes are animal-friendly. Despite these benefits, it is often a challenge to convey the qualitative added value to customers. It is mostly about quantitative benefits, which is very unfortunate. After all, we have the opportunity to achieve great benefits with a small investment. With AI, much more complex things can be realized; at the same time, the need for hardware is often smaller. The barriers to entry become lower, the successes faster and more measurable."
The Minds Are the Capital
With a focus on the food industry, SLA occupies a special role in the market. Decades of industry expertise form the basis for Jörg Brezl for mature solutions with added value. "We have always remained true to our creed to deliver quality," he emphasizes. "That means, we promise only what we can deliver." Customers from Germany and Austria, but also from neighboring countries, the USA and Thailand, appreciate SLA's expertise and commitment. For them, the company is available 24/7 by phone. Now the company wants to grow, nationally and internationally, but not at any cost. The existing culture of values will not change. "Our most valuable capital is our employees," stresses Jörg Brezl. "They should feel comfortable; only then can we deliver quality."