Supply chain consulting requires practical experience
Founded 20 years ago as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Society, ebp-consulting GmbH now specializes in customized and company-specific solutions in the fields of logistics and supply chain management. In an interview with Wirtschaftsforum, Managing Director Frank Gehr looks back on years of success and describes how the role of the management consultant has fundamentally changed.
“It has become more demanding,” says Frank Gehr. “Twenty years ago, consultants gave presentations on new methods and theoretical approaches in supply chain management. Today, this theoretical knowledge has already found its way into companies. Now, the focus is much more on practical implementation.” It goes without saying that every company faces different challenges in this regard. “Our clients find in us a partner who can offer concrete experience in the tailored implementation of sustainable solutions,” explains Frank Gehr. “Personal contact is very important in this process and is often initiated through a workshop or an on-site visit. ‘We try to immerse ourselves in our clients’ world so that we can provide them with the optimal concept.’”
Aiming for the Optimal Solution
Access to new and state-of-the-art solutions has also become easier. “In the past, it was virtually impossible to navigate the market without consulting support when it came to technology or software,” recalls Frank Gehr. “Today, you can find all sorts of information on supply chain management and logistics directly from providers at numerous trade shows or online. Theoretically, anyone could try to develop their own solution.” But it is precisely this oversupply that makes expert consulting all the more important. “In the end, it all comes down to the experience we bring to the table and our ability to tailor the optimal solution to each customer’s needs,” notes Frank Gehr. “Our expertise spans the optimization of everything from warehouse and production logistics to entire supply chains. This also includes the planning of new logistics centers or factories. In doing so, we employ both a strategic and an operational approach, which we apply across all industries.”
ebp-consulting’s historical focus has been the automotive industry. Over the years, other sectors such as consumer goods, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and mechanical engineering have been added, in which ebp-consulting is now a leader. The company has always had an international presence, initially with a branch in Brussels, and later with offices in Shanghai and Johannesburg. “The industries have remained the same, but the key focus areas are changing,” says Frank Gehr. “Currently, for example, the topic of e-mobility is omnipresent, including here at our firm. We are involved in interesting projects in this area with both manufacturers and suppliers.”
Consulting is personal
Much has changed, but Frank Gehr knows that one thing will always remain the same: “Today more than ever, consulting is a people business. The client quickly recognizes whether you bring practical experience and problem-solving expertise to the table. For us, what counts are the personal connections and the trust that results from them—this is often the foundation for a long-term partnership.”