CeramicSpeed is the world's leading manufacturer of ceramic ball bearings for cycling and industrial applications. Their mission is to deliver the highest quality to their customers, whether they are cyclists looking to reduce friction or industrial customers who need reliable ball bearings for electric motors and conveyor belts.
9altitudes' role in the digital journey
For many at CeramicSpeed, cycling is not only a hobby, but also a source of inspiration and balance.
‘In my spare time I cycle a lot. Some would say I cycle a bit too much, but it's a good way for me to either completely relax or to go all out,’ says CeramicSpeed CEO Jacob Csizmadia.
He adds: ‘There's a good parallel between cycling and work - sometimes we work alone and immerse ourselves, other times we work at high speed with others. It's all about balance and that's something CeramicSpeed brings from cycling to working life.
A word of advice from CeramicSpeed
‘Our ambition is to deliver a unique product that never fails. Whether it's ball bearings for large wind turbine generators or for professional cyclists,’ says Jacob.
CeramicSpeed has an impressive track record, such as having cyclists winning the Tour de France and the Olympics with their products. Their ball bearings are also used in radiation cannons for cancer treatments.
‘We have supplied ball bearings for radiation cannons for cancer treatments, which are now running without breakdowns. It's a great success for us to have made a difference for the customer and for the unfortunate people who have to undergo such treatment,’ says Jacob.
From inefficient processes to growth with 9altitudes
Outdated system
CeramicSpeed was stuck with an old system from several years ago that was nearing the end of its useful life. This can lead to many challenges, including lack of functionality, performance issues, legal compliance, etc.
Lack of functionality
Previously, CeramicSpeed faced many challenges, including inefficient invoicing and complicated tendering.
The systems could not keep up with the company's growth
CeramicSpeed has grown significantly in recent years, which has placed great demands on their IT solutions, as their previous system could not keep up with the company's development.
The implementation of Microsoft D365 FO in collaboration with 9altitudes has proven to be just right. Today, CeramicSpeed has grown from 40 to over 110 employees and the number of licences has increased from 20 to around 80.
More wins with Microsoft Dynamics in partnership with 9altitudes
Important collaboration
CeramicSpeed has found a partner that understands them as a customer and delivers a future-proof solution that can handle a growing pipeline.
One integrated IT solution
CeramicSpeed now has a digital thread running from the time they make offers to customers, to the purchasing department, to their production and finally to the goods being dispatched from the warehouse.
A team of specialists
The right mix of available specialists - regardless of whether it is about reporting or new legislation such as EU time registration.
We only want to use one integrated system to tie our entire business together, and that's what we got with D365 FO and the partnership with 9altitudes.
9altitudes' role in the digital journey
Working with 9altitudes has been instructive and important from the start.
'It's important for us to have a house that knows our history and follows the journey we're on. They have the right mix of specialists, whether it's Business Intelligence we need to look at or whether it's the new EU hour registration legislation,’ Jacob explains.
He continues: ‘9altitudes’ understanding of the journey and their willingness to have employees on-site has given us peace of mind and made learning faster.’
Frederik Eilschou Holm, Head of ERP at CeramicSpeed also adds: ‘By having one-point-of-contact, we have avoided working in different directions. We avoid the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing when tasks are coordinated through one overall internal ERP resource dedicated to the project, combined with one single supplier.’
By having one-point-of-contact, we have avoided working in different directions. We avoid the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing when tasks are coordinated through one overall internal ERP resource dedicated to the project, combined with one single supplier.
A word of advice from CeramicSpeed
Jacob has one piece of advice for other companies: ‘I wish we had started this process a few years earlier. We were falling behind and there was a lot to catch up on. The longer you wait, the more complex it becomes to switch from Excel sheets and old systems to a new platform.’
Frederik also emphasises the importance of a dedicated ERP resource: ‘A dedicated ERP resource ensures that employees and the company have been able to keep up with the growth, which has made the implementation more efficient and reduced the need to change direction along the way. Lack of resources can lead to extra work for both the company and the consultancy.’
Another important learning that Jacob shares with us: ‘It would have been beneficial from the start to have a smaller group of employees who could have developed into super users throughout the implementation.’
Frederik and Jacob both emphasise that an internal ERP resource ensures that daily operations are not negatively affected, as changes often require extra effort from a department. Also because the systems continue to evolve - new functionality is added all the time.
CeramicSpeed's journey with 9altitudes has been an exciting transformation that has made them more efficient and ready for the future. A future we are looking at together, one step at a time.
9altitudes' understanding of the journey and their willingness to have employees on-site has given us peace of mind and made learning faster.