Autonomous reporting with SmartNotes.

Task

Meyer Burger did a scheduled redesign of its financial reporting and at the same time sought to increase the degree of automation in its production. The annual report and the media produced on its basis are tailored across media to the user behaviours of the various groups of stakeholders. In a one-stop-shop capacity Linkgroup took charge of concept, design and production as well as for the deployment of SmartNotes. SmartNotes is a disclosure management system and publishing platform rolled into one. From the first data import through to the final version, users work in the familiar MS Office environment. Finally a layout robot produces a fully designed PDF from the Office templates. The software is also established at EFG, Geberit, Allreal, Swatch, Swissquote, Swiss Re and more than 200 further customers.

Client

Meyer Burger is starting production of high-performance solar cells and solar modules in 2021. Its proprietary heterojunction/SmartWire technology enables the company to set new industry standards in terms of energy yield. With solar cells and modules developed in Switzerland and manufactured in Germany according to high sustainability standards, Meyer Burger aims to become a leading European photovoltaic company. The company currently employs around 600 people at research facilities in Switzerland, development and manufacturing sites in Germany and sales offices in Europe, the USA and Asia.

Special features

SmartNotes: data flow from upstream and consolidation systems, data remains in house for highest level of security. Print-ready PDFs with layout robot. 

Online report

“The tool impressed with a high degree of automation and easy handling. Practical features such as the rounding assistant and validation option made the production process immensely easier. One of the reasons why Meyer Burger chose SmartNotes is that it is based on the familiar Office environment (Word and Excel), with no gaps in the information process between it and graphics software. Linkgroup guided us professionally and expertly throughout the project, from introduction to delivery.”

Dr. Anke Gerding
Managing Partner Finance AG, Zürich