SIMONSWERK: A scalable, AI‑enabled business portal for efficient processes

A modern, high-quality door hinge attached to a wooden door. A large piece of wood, suspended by a rope, is positioned nearby, with one end resting on the floor. The background features a minimalist industrial-style space with concrete walls and flooring. The hinge has a sleek, stainless steel finish with multiple screws securing it to the door.
Microsoft Azure - Cloud Services und beratungs Agentur SUNZINET

The project

A scalable platform for international growth

SIMONSWERK is a globally leading premium manufacturer of hinge systems. As the company expanded internationally, demands on processes, systems, and collaboration with customers, employees, suppliers, and partners increased accordingly.

As part of the SAP implementation, SIMONSWERK required a company-wide portal to serve as a single source of truth, centrally supporting operational and sales processes as well as partner interactions. To meet this need, we worked closely with SIMONSWERK to design and implement a scalable, future‑proof platform.

An illustration with several individuals interacting with a large screen displaying hexagonal icons. These icons represent various concepts, including finance (dollar sign), data analytics (graph), GDPR, security (lock), and a magnifying glass (search). The scene includes a person climbing a ladder to arrange the icons, one sitting at a desk working on a laptop, and another reaching up to place an icon on the screen. The setting conveys a collaborative approach to managing digital processes, emphasizing data security and analysis.

The goal

A central platform for real-time data, efficiency, and GDPR compliance

The goal was to create a central, user-friendly platform that provides all stakeholders—from employees to customers and suppliers, as well as partners—with real-time SAP data.

The platform was designed to:

  • increase efficiency
  • improve transparency
  • ensure compliance with all legal requirements
  • guarantee GDPR-compliant data processing
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Technology

Scalable MACH architecture on Microsoft Azure

The technological foundation of the solution is based on modern MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless). The following technologies were integrated:

  • Microservices, API-first, cloud-native, headless
  • 15 domain-specific services, independently deployable and scalable
  • Frontend built with Vue.js and backends developed in Go
  • Headless CMS (Contentful) and Tyk API Gateway
  • GDPR-compliant consent and document management
  • Operation on a Kubernetes cluster in the Microsoft Azure Cloud
The image features a visual flow with four key icons connected in a circular arrangement, each representing a different concept: API-Portal - Depicted with an icon of a structured webpage; Time Tracking - Represented by a clock icon; Media Center - Illustrated with a file browser icon; DocuWare Integration - Shown with a settings gear icon. These elements are arranged in a flowing design with soft, curved lines linking them, signifying integration and a smooth process between the stages. The icons are modern and simple, using a pastel color scheme for a clean, professional look.

Our approach

Role-based business portal with SAP integration and flexible extensions 

We implemented a multilingual, role-based business portal that delivers real-time SAP data via defined APIs. Microsoft Entra ID (SSO) and Keycloak provide centralized management of identities, roles, and permissions, ensuring secure access. The portal is designed for maximum flexibility, enabling future extensions and seamless integration into existing business processes.

Advanced features include:

  • API portal for automated ordering with centralized authentication management
  • Time tracking, including support for employees without a PC-based workplace
  • Media center with external sharing and consent management logic
  • DocuWare integration for order-related documents
The image features a digital illustration showing a woman standing and holding a laptop, interacting with circular profile icons that represent different people. The icons are arranged around a large, segmented circle, which is divided into four parts. The woman is pointing at one of the icons, and the scene conveys a sense of data or team management, with a focus on individual profiles or user selection. The color scheme uses soft blues and greens for a modern and professional look.

Target group–specific benefits

Efficient order processing and AI‑driven automation

The business portal delivers target group–specific value, offering optimized functionality and an enhanced user experience for suppliers, employees, customers and partners, as well as administrators.

Suppliers

  • Transparency on orders, delivery status, and provided materials
  • Direct access to order documents and production drawings
  • Filters and search, proactive notifications, delivery date confirmations

Employees

  • Product and inventory research, training and product media
  • Role-based data access, including consent and compliance documents of business partners
  • Time tracking reports
  • Approval of AI-based orders
  • Access to customer orders without requiring an SAP client

Customers & Partners

  • Order overview, document downloads, designated contact person per order
  • Product data for ERP and e-commerce systems, API-based ordering
  • Marketing and product materials with documented consent

Administrators

  • Central management of users, roles, and access rights
  • Consent and compliance management, including audit trails
  • Control of API access and automated synchronization of business partners
The image shows a person with a beard, wearing a teal shirt, pointing towards an upward-trending graph displayed on a screen. The graph is made up of a teal line with circular nodes indicating data points. The person is focused on adjusting or highlighting the final point on the graph, which is marked by a blue circle. The background features a soft, light blue shape, creating a clean and modern look, emphasizing the theme of growth and progress.

Results & Impact

Efficient order processing and AI‑driven automation for sustainable growth

Thanks to the new business portal, SIMONSWERK was able to significantly improve the efficiency of order processing for all stakeholders involved. Self-service capabilities reduced the number of manual inquiries, leading to noticeable operational relief. At the same time, a unified and up-to-date data foundation was established, ensuring a high level of compliance and security.

With the introduction of AI-driven order processing, incoming orders from emails, Excel files, and PDFs can now be automatically captured and transferred seamlessly to SAP without media breaks—marking a major step toward greater automation and efficiency.

The SIMONSWERK Business Portal forms the digital foundation for a transparent, efficient, and scalable process landscape. As a central interface connecting ERP systems, employees, customers, and partners, it strengthens operational excellence and provides a solid basis for sustainable growth.

 

About SIMONSWERK

SIMONSWERK is an internationally leading manufacturer of hinge systems, providing innovative solutions for industrial applications. The company develops, produces, and markets high-quality door hardware that meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.

With more than 130 years of experience, SIMONSWERK stands for quality, precision, and sustainability in door technology. The company offers customized products for a wide range of markets, including architecture, furniture manufacturing, and industrial applications. SIMONSWERK relies on advanced technologies and innovative manufacturing methods to meet the highest standards.

Turn complex processes into a connected, future‑ready platform

Let’s talk about how a central, AI‑enabled portal can simplify your workflows and support sustainable growth.

Simply fill in the form to arrange an initial, no-obligation meeting and we will get back to you within 24 hours on working days.
Lukas Kamm - CRM & Digital Marketing - SUNZINET

Lukas Kamm

Team Lead CRM & Digital Marketing

kamm.lukas@sunzinet.com

+49 221 / 355 009 0