SPH

What SPH does

SPH AG is a privately held German IT and consulting firm founded in 1975 and headquartered in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart. The company specializes in the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP systems — Finance & Supply Chain Management for enterprise customers and Business Central for mid-market customers — targeting fashion, textile, footwear, mail order, and omnichannel retail companies primarily in the DACH region. Since 2026 the legal entity has been described as operating between 11 and 50 employees (per the input firmographics) with a managing board led by Stefan Lerchenmüller and a supervisory board chaired by Dr. Stefan Elßer.

The core technology offering layers SPH's proprietary industry solutions on top of Microsoft Dynamics 365 standard functionality: IN:FASHION delivers fashion-specific processes from product development to invoicing; IN:OMNICHANNEL unifies retail, e-commerce, and wholesale on a single stock and price layer; AI:REPLENISH provides AI-driven demand forecasting and replenishment; IN:FINANCE consolidates finance, reporting, and cash flow; and IN:SERVICE delivers structured managed support with binding SLAs. The stack also integrates with complementary ISVs including K3 Fashion/Pebblestone, WAIR Retail Geeks, LS Retail (LS Central), Colet, TrueCommerce, Setlog OSCA, Orderbase, Rezolve AI, and IBM i, and embeds Microsoft Copilot and Automated AI capabilities.

The business model rests on three revenue streams: (1) ERP consulting and implementation services from assessment through go-live and handover; (2) recurring IN:SERVICE support subscriptions starting at €1,800 per month on transparent fixed-rate tiers (base, extensions, peak); and (3) AI consulting engagements including strategy, use-case workshops, technology evaluation, and pilot projects. Go-to-market is consultative enterprise direct sales targeting IT directors and executive management at fashion and retail mid-market firms, supported by webinars, content marketing, and industry partnerships (Microsoft, Roland Berger, IFH Cologne, EHI, BEVH).

Name

SPH

Legal name

SPH AG

Website

https://sph-ag.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SPH AG is a German IT consultancy that implements Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP systems for fashion, retail, and mail-order companies in the DACH region. It bundles proprietary industry solutions (IN:FASHION, IN:OMNICHANNEL), AI inventory tools (AI:REPLENISH), and managed ERP support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

ERP Software for Fashion and Retail

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

ERP Implementation & Systems Integration Services (BPAEAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Core ERP Suites (Financials, Procurement, Projects) (HDAEAEAA), Retail ERP (Merchandising, POS Back Office) (HDAEAEAD)

Keywords

• ERP consulting services
• Fashion retail solutions
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Omnichannel management software
• AI inventory optimization

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. ERP Consulting & Implementation: Professional services for ERP implementation projects including project management, system configuration, change management, and organizational adoption. Projects span from initial assessment through go-live and include ongoing operational handover.
2. IN:SERVICE Support Contracts: Modular support packages starting at €1,800 per month covering base support, extended hotline hours, release management, training, and peak services during seasonal high-load periods. Revenue is recurring based on contracted service tiers.
3. AI & Technology Consulting: AI consulting services including strategy development, use-case workshops, technology evaluation, enablement programs, and pilot project implementation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SPH AG implements and supports Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP solutions tailored for fashion, retail, mail order, and e-commerce companies, using proprietary industry-specific solutions IN:FASHION, IN:OMNICHANNEL, IN:FINANCE, and AI:REPLENISH. The offering bundles ERP consulting and implementation services, AI consulting, and a recurring managed-support service (IN:SERVICE) with binding SLAs covering the full lifecycle from strategic assessment through go-live and ongoing operation.

Product overview

SPH AG is an IT and consulting partner specializing in digital solutions for the fashion, retail, mail-order, and e-commerce industries. The company's core offering is built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 platforms (Finance & Supply Chain Management for enterprise; Business Central for mid-market), supplemented by industry-specific solutions and AI capabilities. The main products are IN:FASHION (fashion industry ERP), IN:OMNICHANNEL (omnichannel management), AI:REPLENISH (AI-powered inventory optimization), IN:FINANCE (financial management), and IN:SERVICE (structured ERP support). These are complemented by AI Consulting, Digitalisation, Process Consulting, Service Management, and Customer Support services. The technology stack includes Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, Business Central, Microsoft Copilot, Automated AI, and support for IBM i systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IN:FASHION Industry-specific ERP solution built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management and Business Central for fashion, textile, and footwear companies, covering product development, purchasing, merchandise management, inventory, wholesale, retail, e-commerce, and finance from a single platform.
• IN:OMNICHANNEL Omnichannel management solution connecting retail, e-commerce, and wholesale within one control layer, maintaining consistent prices, stock levels, and availability across all channels with real-time inventory visibility.
• AI:REPLENISH AI-powered inventory optimization solution that uses automated forecasting and intelligent replenishment to optimize stock levels, avoid overstocking and out-of-stocks, and unlock sales potential while keeping human planning in the loop.
• IN:FINANCE Financial management solution that connects finance, reporting, and cash flow management within a single central system, providing rapid evaluations, reliable planning, and informed decision-making capabilities.
• IN:SERVICE Structured managed-support service for Microsoft Dynamics ERP environments across all generations, with binding SLAs, end-to-end ticket tracking, direct access to experienced Microsoft specialists, vendor coordination, monthly KPI reporting, and modular extensions for 24/7 coverage and peak periods.
• AI Consulting Consulting service helping companies develop AI roadmaps, identify use cases, evaluate technology, enable internal teams, and scale AI implementations with governance frameworks.
• Digitalisation Digital transformation consulting service spanning ERP, CRM, web shop integration, Business Intelligence, AI, and digital 3D product development, accompanying companies from strategy definition through technological implementation.
• Process Consulting Business process transformation consulting covering analysis, optimization, and future-proofing with intelligent ERP systems, specializing in fashion and retail sector processes.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management (ERP platform) Cloud-based Microsoft ERP platform for international companies, providing end-to-end business process automation and control across finance, supply chain, and operations, implemented for customers by SPH AG as a long-standing Microsoft partner.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (ERP platform) Cloud-based Microsoft ERP platform for mid-market companies, providing integrated business management for finance, operations, sales, and customer service, implemented by SPH AG with industry-specific extensions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 60 successful ERP go-lives and rollouts
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Microsoft DeutschlandcoreTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft is the worldwide leading manufacturer of standard software, services and solutions. With the ERP platform Microsoft Dynamics 365, particularly Dynamics 365 Finance for international companies and Dynamics 365 Business Central for mid-market, Microsoft offers scalable, cloud-based solutions for comprehensive business process management. SPH AG is a long-standing Microsoft partner.
• K3majorTechnology or IntegrationK3 Technologies from the United Kingdom and its solutions K3 Fashion and K3 Pebblestone represent the ideal extension for future-oriented fashion companies. As strategic partner of K3 since 2016 in the DACH region, SPH AG has delivered the most projects with K3 software in the region. K3 Fashion addresses larger international fashion companies, while K3 Pebblestone targets small and medium-sized fashion enterprises.
• WAIR Retail GeeksmajorTechnology or IntegrationWAIR has created an AI-powered inventory manager (Inventory Geek) for inventory optimization in the lifestyle and fashion industry. The autonomous AI agent is networked with the world's largest retail database and analyzes SKU-level forecasts from one hour to six weeks ahead with accuracy far surpassing manual planning.
• Rezolve AImajorTechnology or IntegrationRezolve is a global market leader in mobile commerce and specializes in AI-powered engagement solutions including Brain Commerce, Brain Checkout, and Brain Assistant that enable seamless shopping experiences and improve operational efficiency. Rezolve works with industry leaders like Google and Microsoft.
• ColectmajorTechnology or IntegrationColect is the leading Dutch wholesale management platform for optimizing B2B sales for fashion and lifestyle brands. With over 12 years of experience, Colect offers digital tools (iPad sales app, B2B webshop, digital showroom solution) that optimize order processing, improve storytelling, and enhance data analysis.
• LS RetailmajorTechnology or IntegrationLS Retail, a company of the Aptos group, is worldwide leading in developing software solutions for retail, hospitality, and leisure/service businesses. LS Central is fully based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and combines ERP, Point of Sale, store management, e-commerce, customer loyalty and analytics.
• Roland BergerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoland Berger, founded in 1967, is the only globally leading consulting firm with German origin. With 2,400 employees in 35 countries, the company ranks among the top providers of global top management consulting.
• IFH | ECC Club KölnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs an industry insider, IFH Cologne provides information, research and consulting on trade-relevant topics in the digital age. Since 1929, IFH Cologne has been the first point of contact for independent, well-founded data, analyses and concepts.
• hachmeister + partnerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe focus of their work is on strategy, processes and organization across all stages of the value chain. The team of management consultants offers objective consulting with expertise and specialist knowledge for sustainable value increase.
• STZminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTZ dedicates itself exclusively to the topic of Enterprise Resource Planning. Besides theoretical work in training and academic teaching, STZ employees have been operationally active in numerous software evaluations and implementations.
• TEXOVERSUM LDT NagoldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEXOVERSUM LDT Nagold is one of Germany's most traditional fashion management academies with excellent industry network offering excellent career perspectives. Besides practice-oriented full-time and dual study programs in Fashion Management and Textiles & Shoes, the LDT Nagold also offers international study programs.
• TEXOVERSUM Hochschule ReutlingenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEXOVERSUM Fakultät Textil Reutlingen is an internationally renowned faculty training students in bachelor and master programs. As a member of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) and Netfas, TEXOVERSUM participates in the global network of leading educational and research institutions.
• Hochschule Albstadt-SigmaringenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen offers numerous, in part highly specialized bachelor and master programs in technology, business, computer science and life sciences. The university is active in research, especially providing opportunities for students to participate in research projects.
• EHI Retail InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEHI is a research institute of the retail sector focusing on research and experience exchange between its 800 members. EHI promotes young academic talent in retail through conferences and networking.
• BEVHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBEVH represents the future of retail and is an important point of contact for media, politics, institutions and market participants. The association represents the interests of all trading companies that use e-commerce for innovative business models.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• ToolsGroup: Specialist vendor for retail and CPG demand sensing, inventory optimization, and supply chain planning. Directly comparable to AI:REPLENISH for fashion/retail mid-market and increasingly adjacent to SPH AG's AI agent roadmap.
• RELEX Solutions: Provider of AI-driven retail and CPG supply chain and inventory planning (forecast, replenishment, allocation). Competes with AI:REPLENISH; aligned with fashion/retail verticals SPH AG serves.

Direct peers

• BlueCherry: Apparel and soft goods-focused ERP suite covering product lifecycle, supply chain, wholesale, finance and retail. Targets the same fashion/textile vertical as IN:FASHION with a more US-centric install base.
• LS Retail (LS Central): Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central-based retail/hospitality ERP with unified POS, e-commerce, and store management, an Aptos company. A direct rival for SPH AG's IN:FASHION / IN:OMNICHANNEL positioning in the omnichannel retail ERP market while also being a co-selling partner.
• Coresystems: Swiss vendor specializing in industry-specific business software for the fashion and apparel industry with global wholesale and retail modules. Targets the same fashion/mail-order vertical on Microsoft Dynamics 365, competing head-to-head with IN:FASHION for mid-market accounts.
• K3 (K3 Fashion / K3 Pebblestone): UK-headquartered vendor of K3 Fashion and K3 Pebblestone, ISV solutions for fashion and apparel companies built on Microsoft Dynamics 365. SPH AG's named strategic partner since 2016 in DACH but a parallel route to market — K3 could supply fashion ERP without SPH AG's implementation layer, making them a comparable competitor as much as a partner.

Broad incumbents

• NTT Data Business Solutions (SAP / D365 consulting): Global IT consulting firm (formerly SAP Business One / itelligence) and Microsoft partner delivering large-scale ERP implementations for fashion, retail, and wholesale customers. Competes with SPH AG for the same DACH mid-market ERP deals.
• Aptos: Global retail technology platform serving apparel, footwear, and specialty retailers with merchandising, POS, and unified commerce software. A broader incumbent that competes across SPH AG's full retail/omnichannel footprint via its LS Retail subsidiary and adjacent Aptos CRM/Aptos One products.
• Blue Yonder: Major enterprise platform for retail demand planning, forecasting, allocation, and supply chain (formerly JDA). Competes with SPH AG's AI:REPLENISH inventory optimization offering and with broader retail planning at fashion/lifestyle customers.
• T-Systems: Deutsche Telekom's enterprise IT services arm delivering large-scale SAP and Microsoft Dynamics implementations across DACH. Competes with SPH AG for mid-market and upper-mid ERP implementation work in Germany.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sph_ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SPH