WEINIG Group, a leading manufacturer in the wood processing industry, partnered with Hitachi Solutions to consolidate a highly decentralised ERP landscape into one global Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution hosted on Azure. By moving from more than 80 separate ERP systems to a unified platform, WEINIG gained shared financial services, better inventory visibility, and common processes and data to support informed decision-making across its international operations
The Customer
The WEINIG Group, headquartered in Tauberbischofsheim, is a global leader in the manufacture of machines and systems for solid wood processing. With over 2,500 employees and 17 locations worldwide, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio—from stand-alone machines to fully automated production solutions—for trade and industry.
The Challenge
WEINIG recognised early on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to redesign internal processes and drive digital transformation within the company. Faced with significant cost pressure, the company sought ways to both reduce costs and increase efficiency. The targeted use of AI initiatives was intended to help achieve these goals while simultaneously increasing flexibility and responsiveness to customer requests.
In a joint workshop with Hitachi Solutions, key challenges were identified, concrete potentials were recognised, and initial solutions were developed—always with the goal of a pragmatic, agile implementation.
The specific challenges to be addressed were
- Cost pressure: Looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency
- Limited personnel capacities
- Complex system landscape with existing solutions such as SAP and Salesforce
- High demands on security, scalability, and system integration
- Structured access to internal knowledge
To overcome these challenges, suitable data sources had to be identified, interfaces created, and information prepared in such a way that it could be used for AI-based applications.
WEINIG was looking for a partner that not only brings in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing industry and AI but also the ability to implement digital projects in an agile and holistic manner—from strategic consulting to technical implementation. In Hitachi Solutions, WEINIG found exactly that partner: an expert in digital innovations with comprehensive expertise in Microsoft technologies and a clear focus on industrial applications.
The Solution
With Hitachi Solutions as a partner, WEINIG was able to quickly to develop concrete, AI-powered solutions that both increased efficiency and put the company on the path to digital transformation. Two initial use cases were identified and successfully implemented:
1. AI assistant for knowledge transfer
Hitachi Solutions developed an AI-based “Customer Lifetime Service Agent” based on Azure OpenAI Services. This agent provides employees with relevant knowledge across all locations—quickly, securely, and contextually.
Advantages:
- Intelligent search function based on large language models (LLMs), fed from a structured knowledge database (Azure Cosmos DB)
- Compliance with all security requirements thanks to Azure Entra ID, Key Vault, and role-based access controls
- Versatile use: e.g., for service requests, translations, or document consolidation
2. Automated document capture
To optimise administrative processes, an AI-supported solution for document recognition and processing was implemented.
Advantages:
- Automatic extraction, verification, and delivery of relevant content to downstream systems
- Direct connection to existing systems such as SAP as well as to documents from emails and other sources
The Implementation
The implementation of these solutions followed a structured, iterative process that ensured that results were delivered quickly and efficiently:
- AI Envisioning Workshop: Joint identification and prioritisation of relevant use cases
- Prototyping: Technical validation and feasibility analysis
- MVP development: Building a scalable, secure architecture based on Microsoft Azure
- Rollout: Expansion to other departments and use cases
- Change management & training: Supporting employees in accepting new technologies and methods
Working with Hitachi Solutions allows us to implement our AI strategy in a targeted manner. The close cooperation and in-depth understanding of our requirements have contributed significantly to the project’s success.
Frank Decker
VP Group Process Excellence, Information Technology and Organiaation, WEINIG
The Results
Through close collaboration with Hitachi Solutions, WEINIG was able to digitally transform key business processes and achieve measurable benefits:
- Increase productivity through automation of repetitive tasks
- Efficient knowledge transfer via the AI assistant, which significantly simplifies information searches and makes knowledge permanently available
- Improved response times in customer service—location-independent and consistent
- Future-proof architecture, flexibly scalable for further innovations
- Fast return on investment—already in the first year
- Reduction of previous license costs through consolidated solutions
The introduction of AI-supported processes with Hitachi Solutions has brought WEINIGtangible progress. From more efficient processes with effective cost reductions in the P&L to sustainably strengthened digital competitiveness. The Microsoft technologies used provide a flexible and secure foundation for further digital transformation.
Why WEINIG relies on Hitachi Solutions
- Holistic consulting approach with a focus on processes, people, and technology
- Change management as an essential component of accepted implementation
- In-depth understanding of the mechanical and plant engineering industry
- Technological expertise in Microsoft Azure and especially in the AI Foundry for the application of generative AI
- Comprehensive know-how in cloud-based data management platforms such as Microsoft Synapse, Microsoft Fabric, and Microsoft Purview
- Generate business value systematically and methodically
- View business processes end-to-end
- Support—from vision to rollout
- Fast implementation through agile project methods
- Scalable solutions, future-orientated and modular
- Reliable partnership at eye level
The Future
The successful partnership between WEINIG and Hitachi Solutions continues. Another use case for AI-supported optimisation of procurement and financial processes is currently being developed. Generative AI models, intelligent services, and predictive services will also be deployed in the future.
Other goals include:
- More quality and recognition rates > 90% through AI-supported image recognition
- Fewer machine downtimes thanks to improved Advanced Predictive Maintenance
- Better decision-making basis through structured data and automated processes
Hitachi Solutions remains a key partner in digital transformation, focusing on innovation, manufacturing know-how, Microsoft expertise, and people at the centre.
