SUSS MicroTec boosts data analysis capabilities with Qlik Sense implementation by BE-terna

The SUSS MicroTec Group develops and manufactures equipment and process solutions for microstructuring applications. With over 1,200 employees and more than 70 years of experience, SUSS MicroTec offers solutions for advanced backend lithography, wafer bonding and photomask processing, complemented with micro-optical components. SUSS MicroTec's solutions are used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes, including the production of memory chips, cell phone cameras, and tire pressure sensors.

The company faced a challenge of making better use of its extensive data to gain valuable insights and make data-driven decisions. The goal was to move away from Excel spreadsheets and to rely more on automation. To achieve this, SUSS MicroTec was looking for a robust data analysis solution. It had to combine data from different sources, enable real-time analyses, and offer user-friendly visualization functions. Previously, the company had been using Qlik View, but only sporadically and without integrating it into its processes. The company was not satisfied with the performance of the solution, which is why the tool was not fully rolled out.

Tobias Nottelmann, Vice President Group Controlling at SUSS MicroTec, says about the decision-making process after the initial consultation with BE-terna: "We compared Qlik Sense with a competitive solution. Qlik already existed, and since we did not have a cloud strategy at the time of the decision, the option of an on-premises installation was decisive. After the comparison, everyone agreed that Qlik Sense was the best choice."

With around 200 active users, Qlik Sense is now firmly established in the company. The rollout has been gradual across departments such as HR, Operations, Sales and Service, and Research and Development. In the Operations department, Qlik Sense is mainly used in the areas of quality and purchasing. It enables analysis of supplier quality, delivery performance, inventory levels and purchasing data. 

In the Sales and Service departments, CRM data flows directly into Qlik Sense with the aim of displaying it graphically. This includes the visualization of customer discounts as well as other key sales and service figures. In Research and Development, a first app was developed that enables the evaluation of project costs and hours. This app is available to project managers and helps to manage development projects efficiently. The use of Qlik Sense has thus led to improved data analysis and information availability in various areas of the company, enabling informed decision-making and efficiency gains. 

Tobias Nottelmann emphasizes the benefits of the cooperation with BE-terna: 

"The collaboration was very good. We developed some apps internally, but particularly when it came to interfaces with the CRM system, we worked closely with BE-terna to take advantage of their special expertise in this area. We have always received fast and good quality support." 

Additionally, Nottelmann emphasizes that the solution also impacts upstream systems, and that data quality is critical. "Because of the intensive use of Qlik Sense, gaps and errors in data entry quickly become apparent and can be addressed. It's also important to think about visualization and design to achieve uniform and consistent representations across use cases and apps” he said. 

Results:

• Consolidation of data from multiple sources into a single, unified view. 
• Actionable insights through real-time analytics and visualization capabilities. 
• Streamline processes and improve operational efficiency. 
• Improve decision-making through data-driven insights. 
• Increased visibility of key performance indicators. 
• Improve customer satisfaction through faster response times.