Case Study
CargoVIS in contract logistics
at Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG
6 March 2022
Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG
Another CargoLine partner is now an enthusiastic video management customer of DIVIS
Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG offers a wide range of logistics services at 14 locations in and around Osnabrück, covering a total area of around 90,000 square metres. For some years now, instead of carrying out the research and allocation of consignments by foot in the hall, the service provider has switched to the computer using a video management software.
In 2021, Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG decided to equip their newly built contract logistics hall accordingly.
However, when gathering the desired requirements, it became evident that the video management system the provider had used so far lacked the necessary flexibility. So a new partner had to be found. One wish in particular was the top priority on Koch International's list: the new video system should definitely be flexibly adaptable and future-proof.
After careful consideration, the decision fell on the CargoVIS video management solution from DIVIS. In July 2021, the installation was put into operation in the contract logistics hall in Osnabrück.
Wanted: More future security and flexibility
Nikolas Vormund, IT team leader at Koch International, describes the initial situation as follows: "The video solution that had previously been used in many of our existing halls began showing a lack of adaptability to changing logistical processes and requirements.
Thus, the system could no longer fulfil one of the most important requirements for us. Flexibility in continuous use is one of the indispensable features of a video solution for consignment research for us."
The team leader continues: "The main issue now was to find a modern and flexible video management system. Innovation and future-proofing through ongoing further development of the product were decisive selection criteria. Equally important was the all-round service provided by a competent support team."
"It is the details in the DIVIS software that make life easier for colleagues.”
Nikolas Vormund
Team Leader IT at Koch International
Found: Positive experiences from the CargoLine network leading to DIVIS
As a CargoLine member, Koch International asked around within the network for recommendations. In the course of this, an already familiar name came up: DIVIS. Various small and large partners in the CargoLine network, such as amm logistics, L. Wackler, Finsterwalder Transport und Logistik, Friedrich Zufall and Rhenus Freight Logistics, expressed great satisfaction with the products and service. As DIVIS customers, these companies were able to report a lot about their success with the video management system from DIVIS from practical experience.
For the experienced video management users from Osnabrück eventually the personal contact with DIVIS confirmed that CargoVIS fulfilled their expectations in all points, and even exceeded them in some. The new system promised the hoped-for flexibility and future security. Another positive surprise was the user-friendly structure of the software and the unexpectedly high level of detailed functionality. The quality of the services and the customer support met all requirements - every item on the wish list could be checked off. Also, on top of it all, the price-performance ratio was very convincing.
CargoLine partner Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG thus became the 21st DIVIS customer from the logistics network.
Convincing functionality and comprehensive after-sales service
The installation of the video management system including 70 cameras indoors and outdoors was completed within two weeks. The introduction to the CargoVIS software took only one hour. Due to previous user experience, the staff already felt familiar with the basics of a video system. During the first practical steps in the software, the participants were all the more impressed by the many useful handles and features that the user interface in CargoVIS offers for an accelerated workflow. The intuitive operation of the software and the easy access to these functions were particularly well received.
"It is the details in the DIVIS software that make life easier for our colleagues," says Nikolas Vormund and continues, "A good example of how the new system further speeds up and simplifies our research is the patented area navigation of DIVIS. From the main camera images, we can navigate to the neighbouring areas in no time. With this, we have everything in view."
To ensure smooth operation in everyday logistics, the installation is connected to the DIVIS monitoring system and is thus checked for functionality on a daily basis. The evaluation of the status messages of all systems provides important information at an early stage, making it possible in many cases to react before a real service case even occurs. The annual maintenance also ensures that everything is running smoothly. The service contract concluded with After Sales Service also offers Koch International the desired scope of competent support and assistance in the ongoing operation of the new video system by DIVIS.
"A good example of how the new system further speeds up and simplifies our research is the patented area navigation of DIVIS. From the main camera images, we can navigate to the neighbouring areas in no time. With this, we have everything in view."
Nikolas Vormund
Team Leader IT at Koch International
Further plans: equipping more locations with CargoVIS
Not every one of Koch International's 14 branches has the same needs in terms of shipment research. However, six locations in and around Osnabrück can benefit enormously from being equipped with CargoVIS. Koch International is certain of this and is therefore planning to update these facilities as soon as the maintenance contracts for the old video system expire here.
In addition to the contract logistics hall currently equipped with CargoVIS, the software will soon be implemented in the cross dock in Osnabrück. This installation will additionally include the Plus+ function Location+ for scanner location. For indoor location, it is planned to use tagless Bluetooth LE technology (Bluetooth® Low Energy) with a Bluetooth LE app developed by DIVIS. The app will take over the function of the transmitters so that no additional hardware (tags) needs to be mounted on the scanners.
With this set-up, Koch International has also opted for a flexible and future-proof technology when it comes to indoor tracking. In addition to the fact that the hardware transmitters (= tags) can be waived, the combination of video management and tagless Bluetooth LE location has many other advantages for the company. Learn more about the advantages of Location+ with tagless Bluetooth LE in this article.
Conclusion
Ready for the future with CargoVIS
After the first weeks in practical operation with CargoVIS, the positive first impression has been backed by productive results. "We are very satisfied. Things are running exactly as we imagined," Nikolas Vormund sums up the mood at Koch International.
Nikolas Vormund does not have to think long about his answer to the question of what excites him most about the DIVIS products:
"With the CargoVIS software, you feel that customer wishes are heard and also implemented. You can see that it is a living system that is always being worked on and developed further. This convinced us of the software, because we attach great importance to a future-oriented and also future-proof solution. CargoVIS has also already confirmed our first impression in our daily business."
BACKGROUND
Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG
Heinrich Koch Internationale Spedition GmbH & Co. KG is a medium-sized family business with over 750 employees, 14 locations and a logistics area of approx. 90,000 square metres. The fleet of the CargoLine partner based in Osnabrück includes 118 of its own trucks, 512 swap bodies and 184 trailers. In addition, 228 vehicles from transport companies are in use for Koch International. The history of the traditional company goes back to 1900. At that time, the company was founded by Heinrich Koch. With Heinrich Koch jun., a member of the founding family is still active in the management. Since 2009, this has been reinforced by Heinz-Peter Beste and Uwe Fieselmann. In 2020, Koch International generated a turnover of 137 million EUR.
"With the CargoVIS software, you can see
that customer wishes are heard and
also implemented [...]."
Nikolas Vormund
Team Leader IT at Koch International
