What 3E data technology does

3E Datentechnik GmbH is a German private limited company (GmbH) headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, specializing for 30 years in industry software for window manufacturing and window trade. The company sells a vertical ERP product (3E-LOOK) plus a companion solution for trade operations (LOOK Trade), delivered as a platform-plus-modules architecture covering window design, order handling, flexible planning, e-procurement, digital production, web sales, time tracking and post-calculation, and workflows/dashboards. Alongside the ERP line, 3E resells and implements ELO-based document management and enterprise content management (DMS/ECM) modules, including automated workflows, digital archive and email management, invoice management, and paperless office capabilities. Multi-language support (English, German, French, Dutch) and a dedicated Swiss sales line indicate a DACH (Germany, Switzerland) go-to-market, executed primarily through direct enterprise field sales with consultative, quote-based pricing.

The business model is anchored in subscription/recurring licensing for ERP and DMS software, complemented by professional services for implementation, customization, and consulting. Customer segments are vertically segmented: window manufacturers (primary) and window trade companies (secondary). Marketing reach is concentrated in the German window industry through partnerships with ELO, Microsoft, VFF (Verband Fenster + Fassade), Bundesverband ProHolzfenster, and Bundesverband IT Mittelstand, supplemented by the company's website, news/magazine content, and industry events. 3E has recently been acquired by Forterro, a pan-European mid-market ERP software group, marking a transition from independent operation to operation within a broader European ERP consolidator. No revenue, headcount, or AI/ML capabilities are disclosed in the source material.

Name

3E data technology

Legal name

3E Datentechnik GmbH

Website

https://3e-look.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

3E Datentechnik GmbH is a German vertical-software vendor providing the 3E-LOOK ERP suite and ELO-based DMS/ECM solutions to window manufacturers and window trade companies in the DACH region, now operating as part of Forterro.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vertical ERP Software for Window Manufacturing

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Manufacturing ERP (Discrete, Process, Batch) (HDAEAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Distribution & Wholesale ERP (Inventory, Order, Warehouse) (HDAEAEAC), ERP Implementation & Systems Integration Services (BPAEAGAA)

Keywords

• Window manufacturing ERP
• Industry-specific ERP software
• Document management systems
• Enterprise content management
• Window trade software

Headquarters

HQ city

Oberkochen

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 Software Licensing and Subscription: Annual licensing and subscription fees for 3E-LOOK ERP and LOOK Trade software solutions for window manufacturers. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed.
2. DMS/ECM Solutions: ELO-based document management system solutions including implementation and ongoing support services.
3. Professional Services: Implementation, customization, and consulting services for ERP and DMS deployments.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

3E Datentechnik GmbH develops and sells industry-specific ERP software (3E-LOOK ERP and LOOK Trade) for window manufacturers and window trade companies, covering window design, order handling, production planning, e-procurement, digital production, time tracking, post-calculation, web sales, mobile access, and workflows. The company also provides ELO-based Document Management System (DMS) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions, including digital archive, email and invoice management, automated workflows, and paperless-office capabilities, sold and implemented alongside the ERP suite.

Product overview

3E Datentechnik GmbH offers a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on two core product lines: (1) 3E-LOOK ERP, a comprehensive ERP solution for window manufacturing and trade, which includes multiple functional modules such as order handling, flexible planning, e-procurement, digital production, web-sales, time tracking and post calculation, workflows and dashboards, and mobile solutions; and (2) a Document Management System (DMS) and ECM solution built on the ELO platform, offering modules for automated workflows, digital archive and email management, invoice management, ELO business solutions, and paperless office capabilities. The company specializes in industry software for window companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 3E-LOOK ERP: ERP solution for window manufacturing
• LOOK Trade
• 3E-LOOK
• DMS & ECM

Products and services

• 3E-LOOK ERP Comprehensive ERP solution designed for window manufacturing companies, covering window design, order handling, flexible planning, e-procurement, digital production, web sales, time tracking, post-calculation, workflows, dashboards, and mobile solutions. Sold to window manufacturers in the DACH region.
• LOOK Trade Specialized software within the 3E-LOOK product family for window trade and distribution businesses, supporting order management, supplier coordination, sales, and inventory operations for companies that resell windows without in-house production.
• Document Management DMS / ECM Enterprise-wide document and information management system (DMS and ECM) built on the ELO platform, providing digital archive, email management, invoice management, automated workflows, and paperless-office functionality. Sold to window manufacturers, window trade companies, and enterprises seeking ELO-based ECM solutions.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• ELO Business PartnercoreTechnology or Integration3E Datentechnik operates as an ELO Business Partner, implementing and reselling ELO-based document management and ECM solutions alongside their ERP offerings.
• Microsoft PartnercoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Microsoft Partner status, enabling access to Microsoft technology stack and enterprise customer base for integrated ERP deployments.
• VFF - Verband Fenster + FassademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry association partnership with the German Window and Facade Association, providing marketing access and credibility within the window manufacturing sector.
• Bundesverband ProHolzfensterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with the German Federal Association for Wood Windows, targeting the wood window segment of the window manufacturing market.
• Bundesverband IT MittelstandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembership and partnership with the Federal Association for IT SME, providing visibility among small and medium-sized technology businesses.
• digiZ OstwürttembergminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional digitalization initiative partnership in the Ostwürttemberg area where the company is headquartered, supporting local digital transformation efforts.
• FC HeidenheimminorOthersSports sponsorship providing local brand visibility and community engagement in the region around Oberkochen.
• ForterroflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner3E has joined Forterro, a pan-European group of SMB-focused ERP companies. This represents a major strategic partnership for growth and expansion, marking a new era for the company as part of a larger ERP software group.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Klaes GmbH & Co. KG: German software specialist providing ERP and trade solutions for the window, door, and façade industry. Directly comparable to 3E in target customer (window manufacturers/trade), product scope (ERP for window production and trade), and geography (DACH).
• Orgadata AG: German vendor of LogiKal software for window, door, and façade construction. Comparable as a direct vertical competitor to 3E-LOOK, focused on the same German and adjacent European window manufacturing customer base.
• FeneTech: US-based software provider for window and door manufacturers, offering ERP-adjacent functionality for production, ordering, and shop floor. Comparable as a vertical SaaS peer to 3E serving window/door manufacturers with integrated business software.
• Windowmaker Software: UK-based provider of window and door manufacturing and design software. Comparable to 3E in vertical specialization (window/door manufacturing) and product scope (design, production, pricing, ordering), though operating in a different geographic market.

Emerging players

• Microvellum: Provider of CAD/CAM and ERP solutions for wood products manufacturing including cabinetry, doors, and millwork. Partially comparable to 3E as a vertical software vendor for finished wood-product manufacturers with overlapping production management capabilities.

Others

• ELO Digital Office: Provider of the ELO DMS/ECM platform that 3E resells and integrates. Comparable as 3E's underlying document management technology partner, with potential overlap in selling ECM solutions to similar enterprise customers.

Broad incumbents

• Forterro: Pan-European acquirer and operator of SMB-focused ERP brands; 3E's new parent. Comparable as the broader group whose portfolio strategy and capital allocation shape 3E's growth path; provides both competitive context and strategic constraint.
• Aptean: US/EU vertical ERP software group with manufacturing-focused solutions. Comparable to 3E's parent Forterro in business model (vertical SaaS roll-up of SMB ERP brands), serving as a benchmark for Forterro's strategic path.
• SAP SE: Global ERP incumbent with broad manufacturing functionality. Comparable as the dominant general-purpose ERP alternative that window manufacturers could choose over 3E-LOOK; represents the competitive ceiling on specialization premiums.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365: Cloud ERP/CRM platform from Microsoft, a direct technology partner of 3E. Comparable as both a competitor (general ERP) and enabler (3E integrates with Microsoft stack), creating an ambiguous competitive-cooperative dynamic.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/3EDatentechnik
• Facebookfacebook.com/EmployedByTheBest
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3e-datentechnik-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 3E data technology