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TIS-Press Releases.

LogiMAT / Telematics in the warehouse: Photo features

TIS GmbH - specialized in mobile telematics systems - presents all new solutions for more efficiency in turnover warehouses at the LogiMAT in Stuttgart (13th to 15th March 2012).
Particular emphasis is on the photo features available for the complete billing of bulky goods and the systematic documentation of damages in groupage freight traffic. The telematics solution PSV3 forms the basis in conjunction with mobile data terminals (MDT) with integrated camera. Here TIS relies on Motorola devices of the type MC95. TIS is exhibiting in hall 7 at stand 200.

The new module „Sperrgut“ (bulky goods) enables the seamless tracking of bulky shipments by using the MDT in incoming groupage freight. If a warehouse worker discovers a bulky item, he can start a precisely pre-defined process just by scanning, during which a photograph of the shipment is created. In addition, dimensions and weight of the goods can be discovered and entered over the keyboard of the MDT. Background of the development is the rising cost pressure in groupage freight traffic: Very often bulky goods are not declared by the shipping carrier and the appropriate freight surcharge is not taken into account during the billing process by the cooperation partner. Thus the already strained margins of the reception forwarders is diminished significantly.

The also new module „Schadensdokumentation“ (claims documentation) serves the simple documentation of damages in incoming groupage freight. If there is a damage discovered during loading or unloading, the employee can start the documentation process simply by pressing a key on the PSV3 data terminal. Automatically, the „Terminal-Process-Capturing“ is launched - an Optical Character Recognition software (OCR), developed by TIS.
It converts the current display of the MDT with tracking number and damage code into machine-readable characters. The worker does not even recognize this elaborate trick - instead he gets precise instructions about what he has to do on the large color display of the Motorola devices. This process meets the requirements of many high quality freight forwarding cooperations, who demand at least one clear picture of each incident. Employees are guided through the damage documentation process step by step. The photos also get the data needed for the automated processing, such as consignment or package number, assigned.

Both solutions are field-proven and led various groupage freight forwarders to higher earnings. While the module „Sperrgut“ (bulky goods) increased revenues, the module „Schadensdokumentation“ (claims documentation) provides effective protection against compensation claims.
What makes the new developments outstanding is their compatibility with so-called terminal emulations that are widely used in storage and turnover environments. Terminal emulations enable direct access to central host systems via radio without the need of having software and data stored on the handheld. The disadvantage is that terminal emulations do not support the technical capabilities of modern warehouse scanners - such as the photo function. The new software modules of TIS have solved this problem.

PSV3 accelerates and optimizes the data exchange between truck and head office. One of the special features of PSV3 is the easy installation of the on-board computers, which do not need to be fixed installed and can be delivered on request in the form of a vehicle-independent case solution.

Bursped: A device for all situations

CargoLine partner Bursped optimizes their warehouse hall turnover of incoming groupage freight by a unique scanning solution from TIS with integrated transponder: Video surveillance and claims settlement are considerably simplified.

Mark Klinghammer does not like compromises. The authorized signatory of the KG-Bursped Speditions GmbH & Co, based in Hamburg, designs the processes of his business as efficiently as possible by relying on the latest technologies. The daily warehouse hall turnover of the CargoLine partners (since April 2011) is supported by a highly efficient scanning and video surveillance solution that allows each of the approximately 5,000 daily packages to be monitored consistently. In addition, the system facilitates the settlement of claims by easy documentation of occurring defects without high efforts through the staff in a standardized procedure.

The central element are the mobile date capturing devices - short MDT - by TIS GmbH in Bocholt. The scanners are based on Motorola devices of the type MC95 with an integrated camera. The hardware experts at TIS have enhanced the robust hardware with essential  modules. Among the innovations are base frame cases for active transponders and an ergonomic trigger handle. Both are not offered by Motorola. This makes the device the only available MDT in the market, which carries scanner, camera, RFID detection and the ergonomics required by logistics.  Mark Klinghammer, authorized signatory of the KG-Bursped Speditions GmbH & Co, based in Hamburg, is committed to the technical and craft quality of this special solution: “Everything the employees of TIS integrate in the hardware, they do a very good job - there are no rough edges.”

Ingenious trick
Bursped is also being tested on a software module developed by TIS that allows the technical possibilities of modern warehouse scanners to be combined with ter- minal emulations.  Terminal emulations enable direct access to the central host system via radio without the need of storing software and data on the handheld. The disadvantage is that terminal emulations do not support technical possibilities of modern warehouse scanners - such as the photo function. The fast, simple and reliable documentation of defects therefore previously was impossible for terminal emulations. The TIS solution for the handheld Motorola MC95 introduced for Bursped has solved this problem.

The module “photo documentation” allows the usual working with the terminal emulation while the new  TIS software stands by in the background. If a damage is discovered during loading or unloading employees can start the documentation process simply by pushing a button. OCR software is automatically started, the current display of the MDT with tracking number and damage code is converted into machine-readable characters.  The warehouse employee does not recognize this elaborate trick at all - instead he receives detailed instructions about how to proceed by the large display of the Motorola devices.
This process meets the high quality requirements of CargoLine that require at least three images of each incident. The requirements are one detail photo of the damage, a picture of the entire package and a photo of the label. At this point the developers of TIS could benefit from Klinghammer’s experience and program a very practical solution.

Guided step by step
“Formerly our employees first had to get a digital camera, then take the photographs and finally get them into the office,” Klinghammer recalls. Against the background of the high time pressure during the turnover of goods, pretty often one rather turned a blind eye to discovered damages and Bursped would end up being responsible for the damage.  Now the employee does not even need to leave the emulation and is guided through the process step by step. During this the photos get all necessary data like tracking or package number assigned for automated processing.  In this process another software module developed by TIS is involved, called “Terminal Process Capturing”.

„The simplified procedure led us to a consistent documentation of all damages and two or three times as many photos,” Klinghammer says. As a result compared to shipping-forwarders they are in a much better position now. Klinghammer: “We protect ourselves effectively against recourse claims.

”  While the camera proves its advantages in the documentation of damages, the transponder integrated in the MDT is the key for Video Surveillance. With this Klinghammer relies on a familiar solution of VLS (formerly Eseg). The 40 MDT devices communicate via transponder with the 204 cameras that are mounted on the 138 gates of the 13.200 square meters large turnover hall. Each scan can be assigned to the cameras that are located in the specific RFID radio area of the particular MDT throughout the collection. The recordings of the cameras receive a “digital stamp” and a tracking number at the time of scanning.  An interface between the video system and logistics software provides the appropriate shipment data. The operation, which is invisible for the employees, is monitored constantly by TIS. If any of the tags would fail, Klinghammer will immediately be notified and can intervene.

Search for packages at the PC
“With the VLS video system my colleagues find missing packages quickly from their desk,” Klinghammer explains.  The entry of a bar code or tracking number is sufficient to show the moment of the last scanning as a film sequence. If the last scan of the missing package is found, what happened to the package can be tracked on the screen. The pictures can subsequently be exported from the system as a film or as individual images and sent, for example, to a partner or customer. He can now search specifically for the missing shipment, because he knows how the package looked like and where it was loaded in the truck. Also, the unloading of their trucks can be tracked on the monitor this way - by this for all parties involved it is traceable that the package was not on board.
“The loss of a shipment is almost impossible when this technique is in use” says Klinghammer. Time and costs the new solution did not only save by quickly identifying missing items and the complete documentation of defects. Due to the automatic assignment of the damage photos to the item numbers also a time-consuming work-step could be omitted, which previously occupied one half-time employee.
 “Thus the new system saves approximately 18,000 € each year,” says Klinghammer, who has ordered 35 more devices for the subsidiary Koester + Hapke after the first 40 MDTs for Bursped themselves. He also has some concrete ideas for further expansion of the solution. The next step will be to automatically generate and archive PDF documents based on the recorded claims data. TIS is already working on it.

Background: KG Bursped Speditions-GmbH & Co
The KG GmbH & Co Bursped forwarding based in Hamburg, is specialized in national and international part-load traffic and offers comprehensive services for all transport modes. In Germany the CargoLine partner operates direct lines of traffic to 47 destination stations, which enable a comprehensive supply network in the domestic part-load traffic. The company was founded in 1948 in Hamburg, currently 398 people are employed in Hamburg alone.
Back in 1969 the company ELKAWE Container-Service-u.-Vertriebs-GmbH & Co. KG has been established, which acts as the operator of the company-owned fleet. In 1988 the Bursped group took part in the founding of the package service German Parcel and took over the depots in Hanover, Braunschweig and Hamburg.
In the same year they took over the international freight forwarding company Carl Köster & Louis Hapke GmbH & Co. KG. in Hanover. Since 2000 also the LOREL LOgistik RELais Bremer Kreuz GmbH is part of the Bursped group. The subsidiary focuses on receiving logistics. In 2004 Bursped also participated in the founding of the BHS Spedition & Logistik GmbH in Bremen.
Back in July 1995, the Quality Management System according to DIN EN ISO9002 was certified. 1998 certification of the environmental management system after DIN EN ISO 14001 followed. In 2003, the DIN EN ISO 9002 has been replaced by 9001:2000.
For more information visit www.bursped.de

Telematics/LogiMAT: TIS has a handle on drive times

January 25, 2010

TIS Technische Informationssysteme GmbH, the company specialized in telematics solutions will be presenting an array of solutions at the Logistics Trade Show LogiMat (March 2 through the 4, 2010) in Stuttgart. The solutions TIS will be presenting include the driver card and digital tachograph integration into the PSV3 telematics system. This technology will enable drivers, company managers and dispatchers to ascertain the remaining drive times at any time of the day or night. This is possible even if a truck is only equipped with an analog tachograph and if a FMS interface is not available.

In addition, TIS is introducing its newly developed Multi-Cradle, as well as a Snap-On-Adapter, which were specifically developed for the MC55 developed by Motorola. The new MC95 by Motorola will also be exhibited at the Stuttgart event. With this innovation, TIS has expanded the bandwidth of the PSV3 handheld terminal. Symbol-Motorola is the second most important hardware supplier for TIS after Psion Teklogix for which handheld devices have been optimized for the PSV3 system. TIS's exhibition stand is located in Hall 5, Stand 428.

The newly developed TIS Multi-Cradle for the Motorola MC55 is equipped with an integrated reader for driver cards. The driver cards are used by the drivers to sign onto the PSV3 system. Immediately upon signing onto the system the remaining driver drive time is calculated. This is updated throughout the day and is simultaneously displayed on the driver's display, as well as on the dispatcher's /subcontractor's Info-Desk screen. At the same time the information is transmitted to the host system via the PSV3 interface.

Different sources can be utilized for the “remaining drive time” updating process. The following options are available - the digital tachogaph or the CAN-Bus FMS interface - both can be used in concert or separately. Bluetooth or the TIS Truckbox are utilized for data transmission, depending on the system installation.

The TIS solution calculates the remaining drive times for vehicles equipped with analog tachographs and not equipped with FMS interface with the help of the GPS handheld terminal signals. The idle times documented in this manner are documented under "other work times". The simple menu allows the drivers to change this status directly in their PSV handheld terminal by touching the menu button “rest times” or “pause” on the display. The manner in which the remaining drive times are calculated does not have any “official” character; it does however provide valuable information on the remaining drive times for the driver and the dispatcher.

In addition, TIS has developed a new Snap-On-Adapter for the MC55 by Motorola. It allows the installation of a transponder for video monitoring, which is attached to the scanner during the reloading of groupage freight. With each scan the transponder sends a signal that is "married" to a camera mounted in the reloading bay. Any loads that made there way onto a truck erroneously or have been stolen can be investigated and cleared up in short order.

With the help of the adapter the MC55 can be inserted into the original docking stations; this is also true for MC55 with extensions. TIS has a similar solution for the "Workabout Pro" by Psion Teklogix.

PSV3 is a Telematics and Tracing system for Mobile Order, Vehicle, and Driver Management for transport and general cargo. PSV3 accelerates and optimizes data exchange between trucks and the main office.

The GPRS mobile radio technology that is integrated into the drivers' handheld terminals enables the mobile PSV3 systems to exchange order, position, tachograph and much more archiving data with the main PSV3 server.

TIS invents mobile dispatching.

October 29, 2009

New Generation Release 2.0 of the PSV3 Telematic System - Brand New User Interface – Swap Body Management – Mobile Disposition for Subcontractors – Leasing as opposed to purchasing - the new trend

TIS Technische Informationsysteme GmbH has now introduced "PSV3" - the newest Generation of mobile Telematic and Tracing System. "Release 2’s" most far reaching innovations include the complete redesign of the mobile driver terminal's user interface and the new software modules for sub-contractors or swap body management mobile dispatching.

At first blush the comprehensiveness of the mobile driver terminal's newly designed user interface is self-evident. The individual program functions and commands can be executed via the self-explanatory pictograms. PSV3 systems can now be utilized across the globe– regardless of the respective language. At the same time the buttons are much larger and are as such much easier to use.

For the first time ever we now offer a software module for subcontractor dispatching. This mobile dispatching innovation is available for the first time. It can be implemented at shipping companies' subcontractor sites. Typically at subcontractors who have several vehicles under contract with a shipping company. In this process all available shipping data is transmitted to the subcontractor’s PSV3 hand held terminal. The subcontractor can then dispatch the orders to the drivers directly via the terminal interface. The drivers are also equipped with PSV3 hand held terminals. Data transmission is executed via GPRS mobile radio. This system is already in use at the Transportation and Logistics Group - Gebrüder Weiss.

Now TIS is meeting an additional transportation and logistics requirement with the introduction of the new PSV3 module: swap body management. This application allows drivers to scan and capture swap bodies making it easier to maintain an inventory overview. Additionally, it supports the leased unit settlement process.

PSV3 is a Telematic and Tracing System for mobile Order, Vehicle and Driver Data Management for load and general cargo transports. PSV3 accelerates and optimizes data exchange between the trucks and the main office.

The GPRS mobile radio technology integrated in the mobile “PSV3” systems enables the exchanges of order, location, tachograph data and any other archived data with the central PSV3 server

Research project reduces wait times on ramps.

October 1, 2009

Initial milestones of the two-year study have been completed – Joint development between TIS, Login, and the University of Dortmund.

The first of six modules for "dynamic and integrative dispatching for general cargo systems”, in short DGCS, has just been completed. At a glance the “Arrival Monitor” provides dispatchers with the time groupage vehicles will return to their home base. This solution identifies and bundles the transmitted location signals from different telematic systems. This “Arrival Monitor” is suited for groupage-shipping companies, that not only have their own trucks, but who also subcontract to subcontractors who maintain their own fleet of vehicles. The module is a joint development of TIS, Login and the University of Dortmund and a product of the DGCS Project. DGCS is a subset of the key development area "Intelligent Logistics in Freight and Commercial Transport”, a research initiative sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (FMET). DGCS’s objective within general cargo logistics is to eliminate the bottleneck in which several local haul trucks arrive for loading/unloading at the same time. The approach is based on the optimal utilization of information provided by the mobile vehicle computers. “In a second step we are now developing a Shipment Monitor, which we will be introducing this fall” Boris Naujoks, Login GmbH’s Project Manager reported. This solution supplements the Arrival Monitor information with the shipment information to include information on groupage cargo that is actual loaded. To accomplish this the drivers scan the carrier labels upon transfer/acceptance of shipments. Subsequently, the PSV3 scanner transfers the data via GPRS mobile radio to a database that is integrated into the shipping company’s Transport Management System. This allows the dispatcher to immediately and accurately identify the specific groupage cargo that is loaded on the arriving trucks. PSV3 is a Telematic and Tracing System for mobile Order, Vehicle and Driver Data Management for load and general cargo transports. The TIS developed solution accelerates and optimizes data exchange between trucks and the main office. The 4 additional DGCS modules slated for development will address Local Shipping and Transport Scheduling, Yard Management as well as the strategic optimization of these two areas.

Peter Giesekus "Man of the Year“

September 16, 2009

TIS Managing Director receives the “LEO Award – Award for the Relief Project “FunAndMercy” – Development Projects and Scholl Construction in Developing Countries – Charity Concerts off the beaten path.

Peter Giesekus, Managing Director of TIS GmbH - specialist in telematic solutions - received the LEO Award in the category “Man of the Year” for his relief project “Fun and Mercy” on September 11, in Hamburg. The award recognizes his humanitarian commitment to development projects and school construction in developing countries.

"FunAndMercy" has been organizing charity concerts off the beaten path with authentic artists since 2007: The concerts are financed by sponsors and are professionally recorded on DVD. DVD and video clips can be purchased via a web platform.

The earnings and contributions finance “FunAndMercy” development projects and school construction – in Kenya, the Congo and in Brazil, further projects are in the planning phase. The association collaborates with help organizations such as Terre des Hommes, Oxfam, Kisumu Kinderhilfe and DAHW. “FunAndMercy's" slogan is: Contributions are collected without using emotions or a sense of moral duty as the basis of appealing for funds.

Peter Giesekus is not only an expert in IT and Logisitcs, he is also an enthusiastic musician. He has excellent contacts in both worlds. The first project was the construction of a school for orphans in Kisumu.

“FunAndMercy" is supported by the currier and express service GO! Express & Logistics. The company ensures that physical contributions such as school board chalk, playground equipment, dinnerware, or other equipment are delivered to their respective destinations quickly.

LEO stands for Logistics.Excellence.Optimization. The Award is a personal award for exceptional services in the field of logistics. Personalities are honored who have made exceptional contributions and provided extraordinary services in the past years, who have shown extraordinary commitment or have come up with groundbreaking ideas.

Peter Giesekus has been active in the telematic sector for twenty years. The shipping expert has been a Managing Director for eight years, his last position was at Qualcomm QES in Münster. There he was responsible for sales, among other responsibilities, for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Most recently the 52 year sales professional became a member of the management team at TIS Technische Informationssysteme in Bocholt.

Camion modernizes its telematic solution.

July 6, 2009

500 vehicles are being retrofitted – New Hardware – Expanded PSV3 Software Solution by TIS – PDA in place of the handheld.

The Swiss logistics company Transport AG extended its PSV3 telematic solution to include additional functions and equipped 500 of their own general cargo trucks with new user devices. The PDA computer Ikôn is now replacing the eight year old Work-About series handhelds. The supplier of the entire solution is now as it was in the past TIS Technische Informationssysteme GmbH of Bocholt. The new user devices are equipped with cameras and large displays; recipients can now sign for their deliveries. A new feature is that drivers can now capture tank data.

Camion implements the TIS telematic solution in three languages, German, Italian and French. Currently more than 200 of the 500 vehicles have been equipped with the new devices. Albert Peter, Camion’s IT manager, has set a goal of completing the retrofitting process by the end of the year.

PSV3 is a Telematic and Tracing System for Mobile Order, Vehicle and Driver Data Management for load and general cargo transports. PSV3 accelerates and optimizes data exchange between the truck and the main office.

In addition, Camion has the integrated PSV3 solution "InfoDesk" as a part of its logistics solution. This software is the interface between the PSV3 Server and the customer shipping software – Camion has placed its trust in an in-house developed transport management system based on SAP. InfoDesk analyses driver, vehicle, customer, and haul data, which is captured on site via mobile data terminals.

In addition, information can now be exported in various data formats, for example Excel, PDF reports, as well as to electronic logs with order references. Detailed search functions, graphic illustration tools on digital maps as well as alarm messages in the event drivers exceed allowable driving and work times via automatic email generation is also available. Finally, InfoDesk supplements the shipping software being used at the company, which as a rule does not support all PSV3 functions.

The opportunities are vast: Because per order PSV3 manages status, which depending on the processing status can be edited manually by the driver or automatically. A further example includes driving and rest periods and loading and unloading periods. The information that PSV3 generates can only be used if they are displayed in a well organized manner - this is exactly what InfoDesk does.

Cleaning Set for Telematic User Devices

February 17, 2009

Increased Live Span – Significantly Fewer Outages – Provided to all Telematic Users at Manufacturer’s Cost

TIS Technische Informationssysteme GmbH has developed a mobile cleaning set, which is specifically designed for telematic user devices in trucks. The set consists of cleaning fluid for the display, a cloth, and “contact spray”. This tool set can significantly reduce maintenance costs and outage risk of the telematic components in vehicles for fleet operators, as well as significantly increasing the lifespan of the expensive hardware. The cleaning set is available through TIS for 59 Euro in a compact plastic case.

The idea behind the solution comes from TIS's Maintenance and Repair department. The Bocholt company maintains it’s own workshop thus ensuring quick customer service and extremely short outage periods. “20 percent of the devices that are sent in for repair are not defective” TIS Managing Director Peter Giesekus reports. In these cases, the cause of the malfunction is that the components such as scanners and keyboards are contaminated. Particularly devices in truck cabs are susceptible to dust and grim, which sooner or later will have an adverse effect on the high quality devices.

The cleaning set is designed for fleet operators and telematic users to proactively eliminate the cause of a potential malfunction through preventative routine cleaning. These simple measures can help each company avoid the high costs associated with outages and repairs. The set is available through TIS for 59 Euro.

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