Keep track with InPact: the logistics solution at KAEFER

Imagine coming home after a long day and looking forward to cooking a certain dinner. As you gather the ingredients, you realise that you are missing key ingredients. You have to scrap your plans. The frustration is great, but fortunately, the number for the delivery service is quickly dialed. Many can identify with this situation. But what happens when there is a lack of inventory control on large construction sites or offshore platforms?

In our dynamic working environment, running out of essential materials is not just an inconvenience – it can cause serious delays. This is where KAEFER’s InPact solution comes in, revolutionising the way KAEFER teams manage their inventory and logistics through this in-house methodology.

A game-changer in inventory management

For Dominik Kowalewski, Material and Logistic Coordinator, from KAEFER in Norway, the biggest challenge was the lack of visibility of stock levels. The situation offshore can change quickly, so it is crucial to know exactly what materials are available at any given time. InPact has transformed this process. “Instead of manually counting what we have, I can now click into the app and get all the information I need. It has saved us an incredible amount of time and money,” he explains.

More than just a tracking tool, InPact was designed with usability in mind. The simplicity and graphic design immediately caught Dominik’s attention. For someone who was part of the team that implemented the app in Norway, it’s been a source of satisfaction to see it evolve.

Boosting efficiency in PPE management

The challenges may be different at each KAEFER site, but InPact’s adaptability is evident. In the UK, the move away from complicated spreadsheets and manual data entry has simplified the management of personal protective equipment (PPE) on site. “The use of QR codes allows us to track transactions digitally and report on total usage – even in environments without connectivity,” says Alvin Stephen, Operational Excellence Co-Ordinator, KAEFER UK & Ireland. This has created accountability among employees and helped to eliminate errors caused by duplicate data entry.

When asked to describe InPact to a colleague who has reservations about using it? Alvin says: “The way InPact is set up, it’s very user friendly and easy to learn quickly, even for people who are not tech-savvy. This is one of the highlights of InPact, because of its simplicity the application can be mastered after one hour of practice.”

Looking to the future, Alvin adds: “InPact isn’t just a PPE management solution. Its potential goes far beyond that, developing into a complete inventory management system that will eventually include all consumables and tools. It’s a solution that grows with the needs of the business.”

Data-driven decisions in the Middle East

In the Middle East, the focus is on improving logistics efficiency. For the KAEFER team in Qatar, InPact has made it easier to track inventory levels in real time and manage stock across multiple locations, which has been critical to achieving project goals. “With better control and management of inventory levels, we’ve been able to reduce both overstocks and out-of-stocks,” explains Sivaprasad Surendran, Head of Department Inventory. “The system’s predictive analytics also help us make smarter decisions by forecasting demand more accurately.”

InPact integrates seamlessly with the existing systems, allowing the teams to manage the entire logistics process, from order processing to delivery tracking. The ability to monitor operations in real time has been a game changer. Personalised dashboards help each user focus on the data most relevant to their role, and the system continues to evolve with regular updates to meet each business unit’s specific needs.

Real-time financial data: Improving inventory and cash flow control

Effective inventory management is critical to controlling cash flow, and the combination of InPact and SAP provides KAEFER with real-time monitoring and predictive insight. This integration enables teams to make informed decisions about stock levels, reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring that materials are always available when they are needed.

Joaquín Palacios, Financial Controller at KAEFER Spain, explains: “InPact gives us real-time insight into our inventory, so we always know what we have, what we need to buy and where the money is being spent. It’s not a tool for the future; it’s essential for managing our operations today. This end-to-end solution goes beyond logistics to provide financial information that helps optimise cash flow and streamline decision-making.”

The competitive edge

For many KAEFER business units, one thing is clear: InPact gives KAEFER a competitive edge. In the UK and Qatar, where manual systems still dominate in our industry, InPact’s digital solution sets KAEFER apart. It’s not just about keeping up with industry trends – it’s about continually improving and adapting to the demands of modern business.

The benefits are felt at many levels, from simplifying daily operations to future-proofing the business for tomorrow’s challenges. Whether it’s ensuring the right tools are available in the warehouse, optimising PPE usage on construction sites, or streamlining logistics on major projects, InPact is a valuable tool in KAEFER’s journey towards more efficient and digital operations. As Dominik puts it: “InPact isn’t just about logistics management today – it’s about being one step ahead tomorrow.”

And the potential of InPact doesn’t stop there. With over five years’ experience in developing internal logistics solutions for KAEFER entities within a range of different industries and countries, the InPact team is now also focusing its efforts on new developments for the insulation business and workshop management.