🔎 Behind the scenes at Nepata Vertrieb GmbH: An interview with Sebastian about his work placement across all departments
From plotter testing in the warehouse to day-to-day sales work: in this experience report, I share the most fascinating insights from my work placement at Nepata.
During my school work placement at Nepata Vertrieb GmbH, I wanted to find out exactly how the various departments work together to ensure that everything runs smoothly in the end. So I wandered round the company with my notepad and asked the professionals from a wide range of departments a few interesting questions.
From the figures to the machinery – here are the answers!
Station 1: The World of Numbers – Bookkeeping
Me: Let’s get straight into the finances. What exactly is the main role of the accounts department?
Accounting staff member:
“We make sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes when it comes to finances! One of our most important daily tasks is to monitor incoming payments into our accounts. We also take care of all the paperwork: we post supplier invoices – in other words, what we have to pay to other companies – and, of course, we also record all the invoices sent out to our customers. Without us, the company wouldn’t know where the money is going or where it’s coming from!”
Station 2: The Direct Line – Sales
Me: That sounds like it requires a lot of concentration. Let’s switch departments for a moment: what actually goes on in your sales team?
Sales staff member:
“We are, so to speak, the bridge to the outside world. The sales department is responsible for the entire retail sector. We are in constant contact with our customers every day via telephone and email. Whether it’s product advice, new orders or specific quotations – we provide our customers with comprehensive support and service to ensure they get exactly the products they need for their business.”
Station 3: Innovation and Craftsmanship – In the Warehouse & Technology
During my tour, I also met a member of staff in the warehouse who has an interesting dual role: he not only works in the warehouse, but is also responsible for technical customer support and hands-on testing.
Me: What do you enjoy most about your varied role?
Technical support staff member:
“Without a doubt: testing prototypes! It’s always exciting because you’re the first to see new machines in action. At the moment, for example, I’m testing a new cutting plotter in a compact desktop version. The machine is designed to cut and trim films with great precision. I have to check carefully to make sure everything works as it should before it goes out to customers.”
Station 4: Precision work – The production of colour charts
In another part of the company, I noticed a team working with great concentration on something colourful.
Me: What exactly do you do with these colour fans? How do you make them?
Employee in colour fan production:
“That’s some real precision work! First, we sort the individual colour strips into the correct order. Then we gently ‘tap’ them onto the table so that all the edges lie perfectly flush against one another. Next, we use a machine to drill a small hole right through the whole stack. Finally, the stack is secured with a special kind of nail or a rivet – and voilà, the finished colour fan is ready to use!”
Station 5: The Heart of the Operation – The Logistics Centre
Me: If all the products come together here – what are the main tasks in the large warehouse?
Warehouse staff member:
“The warehouse is, so to speak, the physical heart of the company, as this is where all our products are based. Our main tasks are very hands-on: we have to neatly store and sort incoming goods on our large shelving systems. When orders are dispatched, we ensure that the goods are securely packed and loaded onto the hauliers’ lorries. We keep the flow of goods moving!”
Station 6: The Problem Solvers – Support & the Workshop
Me: Last but not least: if something isn’t working for a customer, that’s where you come in. What exactly does the support team do?
Support staff member:
“We’re the heroes in times of need! When customers have technical problems with their printers or other devices, these cases end up with us. We then work on the devices over in our workshop, diagnose the fault and repair them. However, part of my job is also to order any missing spare parts and components for the printers in good time, so that we always have everything we need for the repairs to hand.”
📝 My thoughts on the work placement
This tour of Nepata Vertrieb GmbH has shown me just how many different people are needed for a company to be successful. From the sales team, who advise customers, to the warehouse, which handles the goods, right through to the workshop, which sorts out any problems – every cog really does mesh with the next here!
