Customer Background

q.beyond is a Cologne-based IT service provider specializing in digital solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1997, the company offers a range of services, including cloud management, SAP solutions, AI services and Internet of Things services. With a team of over 1,100 specialists, q.beyond is dedicated to guiding businesses through their digital transformation journeys. 

The Challenge

Before partnering with Prospeum, q.beyond managed its supplier data manually using Excel spreadsheets and ERP system data. This approach led to outdated and inconsistent supplier information, making it difficult to comply with emerging regulatory frameworks like the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). As an IT service provider, q.beyond also needed to track specific details, such as manufacturer information for IT hardware—a requirement that standard Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions couldn’t fulfill. The manual processes not only consumed significant administrative resources but also hindered the company’s ability to provide accurate information to its customers promptly.

The Solution

To address these challenges, q.beyond implemented Prospeum’s centralized platform. This solution automated the supplier onboarding process, ensuring that all supplier data remained accurate and up-to-date. The platform was customized to include functionalities for collecting, storing, and analyzing IT hardware manufacturer information, tailored to q.beyond’s specific needs. Additionally, Prospeum’s tools facilitated compliance with supply chain regulations by incorporating robust risk management frameworks. The implementation process involved close collaboration between q.beyond’s procurement team and Prospeum’s technical staff, ensuring a seamless transition from manual methods to an automated system.

The Results

Since adopting Prospeum’s platform, q.beyond has achieved a 70% reduction in manual efforts related to supplier management. The company now manages over 2,000 suppliers efficiently, with improved data accuracy and transparency. Compliance with the LkSG and other relevant regulations has been streamlined, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

"Prospeum is a great opportunity for SMEs to level up supply chain management. What makes it so valuable is enterprise grade workflows and customization capabilities, while being easy to use."

Sascha Andresen, Chapter Lead

Conclusion

q.beyond’s partnership with Prospeum has revolutionized its supplier management, leading to significant efficiency gains and regulatory compliance. This success story highlights the value of adopting tailored digital solutions to overcome industry-specific challenges.