TIS Press Release November 2021

Bocholt, November 26, 2021

Camion Transport AG from Switzerland simplifies its dispatch in the short- and long-distance traffic with the help of the telematics solution TISLOG. The outcome: The company saves around 24 tons of paper every year.

Getting closer to an ecological balance is one of the most important goals of Camion Transport AG. Therefore, they implemented a package of measures, called “Eco-Balance by Camion Transport” which has an impact on the vehicle fleet. For this, Camion has bought battery-powered electric delivery trucks (Mitsubishi Fuso) and a fuel cell truck (Hyundai) as one of the first transport company in Switzerland.

3 million pieces of paper
The digitization of the more than 8000 consignments every day in 2020 led to further environmental effects. “The replacement of the conventional delivery notes by electronic proofs saves us three million pieces of A4 paper every year”, says Jürg Langenegger who works at Camion as head of informatics. “This is a 45% reduction”, adds Michael Werner, head of the establishment Basel. The savings were enabled by the telematics system TISLOG from TIS GmbH which displaced the previous solution from the same supplier. “We are working with TIS since 1998 and because of the good experiences, we did not find a reason to change the supplier”, explains Langenegger. Prior to this, the family business used telematics only for navigation as well as the mobile exchange of GPS and order data between the dispatch and drivers. An interface to the forwarding software on SAP basis led to a consistent order management.

650 new devices
The implementation of the electronic proofs required a new telematics software and new mobile devices for the 650 vehicles that are used in the short- and long-distance traffic. The previous hardware was based on the operating system Windows CE Embedded Handheld which will no longer be enhanced by Microsoft. Because of this, the replacement with mobile Android computers was already planned.
Camion decided to use the Zebra touch computers TC56 in the future which are designed like a smartphone. These mobile devices are placed in vehicle cradles with integrated charging stations from TIS GmbH. The installed TISLOG app leads the drivers through the delivery process to the delivery note and the whole pallet administration. The drivers only have to carry accompanying documents when they deliver dangerous goods because of legal reasons. In addition, one loading list functions as a backup in case that it comes to problems with one of the Zebra TC56 – this happens approximately once a month.

Always new ideas
From the beginning TISLOG covered the majority of the functions that Camion wanted to use. But during the project also new ideas came up that were discussed in the monthly team meetings. One new function is for example the receiving and the display of PDF documents. This function allows to provide the drivers with site plans from greater recipients. There is also a new function that affects the notification as soon as a truck comes close to a delivery address. Now, the driver will be reminded by TISLOG that he should call the customer before his arrival. For this, he just has to click on the phone number on the display of his mobile device.
All TISLOG updates are installed with minimal effort on the 650 devices. The TISLOG MDM (Mobile Device Management) enables a central and efficient organization of the TISLOG telematics software. This includes the configuration, distribution, hedging and analysis of the current configuration. Furthermore, TISLOG MDM ensures a safe area in order that the operating system is protected from unauthorized access and manipulation.

Smart solution for subcontractors
Also the telematics solution for Camion’s subcontractors TISLOG Mobile Smart is protected from manipulations. The system turns a normal mobile phone with browser into a telematics device. This works with the help of an innovative website. “TISLOG Mobile Smart receives the order data online - from a website that belongs to a special tour. The driver opens this website in his browser and works through the displayed orders”, clarifies Langenegger. In addition, Camion is always able to send new orders to the drivers.
After delivery, the consignment status, photos and delivery notes are sent to the central security server of TIS per data upload. TISLOG Mobile Smart ensures the protection of sensitive order data and customer data at any time as they will not be saved on the mobile phone of the subcontractor.

More attractive working hours
The software and hardware project, that was implemented within 12 months, helps not only with environmental issues but also with company issues. Thanks to the TISLOG app the drivers have more responsibility and they are fully integrated into working processes. At the same time, the dispatchers are relieved. “The dispatch do not have to wait for the physical delivery notes anymore. Therefore, they can begin with further plannings earlier”, mentions Werner and goes on: “Until 8:30 pm we know, what has to be loaded.” Because of this, Camion does not need the morning shift from 2:00 to 5:00 am anymore.
Altogether, the tour planning with TISLOG only takes 2,5 hours. The digitization also helps with the transparency. “We are able to see at a glance that one recipient becomes more than one delivery and we are working more efficient”, confirms Langenegger. He says, the daily time advantage of the dispatchers is approximately two hours.

Conclusion: Camion reconciles the ecological and economical balance.