Brückner Maschinenbau future-proofs its HR with Centric

Some years ago, Brückner Maschinenbau introduced a digital employee filing solution. However, the system needed to be replaced with a more modern solution because it was no longer being maintained, as well as being difficult to use and not audit-compliant. When looking for providers, the IT department came across Centric. Katharina Lamprecht, the HR Specialist in charge of the migration project, explains why Centric impressed them in subsequent meetings:

“Centric presented itself as a modern partner with a focus on customers and the future. That is why we chose Centric.”

From the very beginning, the HR team wanted more than just a change of system. Their stated goal is: “We want to go paperless.” Centric has met these expectations as a reliable software and implementation partner on this journey. In 2023, the company introduced the Centric Employee File solution; it added additional Centric products in subsequent years following positive hands-on experience.

Future-proof technology based on SAP

The project managers learned more at the annual Centric Customer Days and decided to implement the PLX/PLK and MADAP Audit and Compliance tools in 2024, as well as Document Builder in 2025.

The HR team is also considering Reference Letter, a reference generation product, as a potential addition. Katharina Lamprecht notes:

“Our goals with the Centric products are process optimization, cost and time savings, user-friendliness, and audit compliance.”

The Centric tools are integrated into SAP HCM at Brückner Maschinenbau.

The central HR department at the Siegsdorf site is already transitioning to SAP SuccessFactors and will be able to continue using Centric’s compatible products in the new cloud environment. The HR department uses the tools for Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH as well as for the sister companies it supports – Brückner Servtec GmbH and Brückner Corporate Services GmbH. A total of approximately 3,200 active and inactive files are managed in Centric Employee File.

Fast and secure implementation

Centric’s Employee File, Document Builder, and Audit & Compliance Tools were rolled out over three subsequent years – all according to plan. On each occasion, Centric supported the team during implementation and conducted training sessions. Katharina Lamprecht highlights the professional project execution and constructive collaboration:

“The project with Centric went picture perfect. The training sessions were also well-structured, easy to understand, and practical.”

The solid groundwork – such as defining processes and file structures during the rollout of Employee File – contributed significantly to the successful implementation. As a result, file migration from the legacy system to the new solution also went smoothly. Once the old file structure had been mapped to the new one, the large volume of data was downloaded and imported cleanly into the Centric environment.

Document Builder increases process speed

With Centric Employee File, Brückner Maschinenbau has a modern, easy-to-use, and secure cloud solution developed on the SAP Business Technology Platform and seamlessly integrated with SAP. In 2025, it introduced Centric Document Builder – the ideal addition for digitalized document processes. All letters and form letters previously created, filed, distributed, or mailed manually are now generated digitally. Features such as automatic master data import from SAP and the use of standardized templates with ready-made text modules save time and prevent errors.

Brückner Maschinenbau uses Document Builder, including the e-signature feature, and has mapped approval processes within the workflow. This has also reduced turnaround times for standard letters, as signatories can now approve and sign documents even while on the go. As a result, the HR department has significantly increased document processing speeds. System-supported creation, standardized templates, digital signing processes, and automated document filing and dispatch make these processes significantly faster and more secure.

Audit-compliant payroll processing

The HR team has been using the PLX/PLK checking tools since 2024 to validate payroll statements and maintain master data. While all pay statements were once checked individually by payroll staff, this is now done within the system via automatically generated error messages. The master-data check tool MADAP also helps verify digital documents – for instance, address changes or changes to employment contracts – and provides documented proof that the four-eyes principle was followed.

In the future, MADAP will also be used to check accounting documents.

The Audit & Compliance Tools also support the HR team during audits by external parties. For staff members, it is important that the system is also recognized by auditors. Katharina Lamprecht summarizes:

“Centric’s tools make our day-to-day work easier, improve our processes, and enhance the quality of our results.”

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