Spain Spice-maker Raps outsources IT services to TDS (a Fujitsu company)

Raps GmbH & Co. KG, a leading manufacturer of spices, seasonings and flavourings, has tasked TDS with the provision of extensive IT services, including operation of servers, central services, the ERP system and HR solutions. Moreover, TDS will take charge of local networks at Raps’ headquarters in Kulmbach, south east Germany, and at four further sites. The IT service provider will also deliver user support for desktop PCs, laptops and other end-user devices. It will also establish an online portal with employee self-service functionality that will enable Raps staff to order IT products direct from TDS. Furthermore, TDS will be responsible for the data link between Raps site in Kulmbach and TDS data centres in Neckarsulm. By outsourcing such a wide range of services, the seasonings manufacturer has made TDS a strategic IT partner.

Better quality, greater transparency

Raps is one of Europe’s most forward-looking seasonings manufacturers. The company has approximately 900 staff at 60 locations around the world, including some 45O in Germany. Prior to the TDS deal, Raps had critically examined all areas outside its core business with regard to the relative merits of an in-house or external solution. When it came to IT, Raps decided to outsource — with the aim of improving quality of service and increasing transparency for business-critical IT services.

The right kind of partnership for a midmarket player

TDS came out on top in the bidding process — against a number of competitors with proven experience of serving the midmarket. “TDS employees’ expertise was evident even at the proposal stage. They pointed out issues that are of great significance for us,” states Dieter Moser, head of IT. “For example, TDS developed scalable solutions that give us a flexible basis for future growth and change.” For instance, Raps intends to implement a new version of its ERP system in 2010. Moreover, the company is considering taking advantage of TDS services for the HR space, too. “With TDS, a partner who offers IT outsourcing, ERP consulting, SAP expertise and HR business process outsourcing, we are ready to tackle future challenges head on,” concludes Holger Popp, head of procurement at Raps. “And as a medium-sized business, we share the same mindset as the team from TDS.”