A practical example of digitalisation that can be experienced has been achieved at ETK Euro Terminal Kehl (ETK). At the associated company of Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL) and Klumpp + Müller, truck drivers can now register directly at two self-check-in counters. A third self-service counter is being planned. 

Jens Möller, General Manager at HSL, says about the positive effects: “Satisfaction among all parties involved has increased significantly, triggered by shorter waiting times and an optimised inflow to the trimodal terminal.” A positive side effect, he says, is that contacts during the Corona pandemic were significantly reduced.   

Up to six languages are made possible by the entry screens of the self-service terminals, which dissolved previously existing language barriers in the communication with the truck drivers. Within a few minutes, the truckers enter the key data of their order, including the registration number, container number and order reference. A label printout is possible as a receipt.  

At the same time, the data is transmitted to the crane driver. While the truck driver drives onto the terminal, the crane driver can prepare the corresponding container. At this point of the handover, the acknowledgement is also made digitally, so that the truck driver and crane operator no longer have to physically take over this process.  

“Furthermore, the transport companies can check the order reference online in advance and clarify any discrepancies in advance. This saves the truckers valuable time,” Möller reports. Digital dispatching started in the first quarter of 2020. This is also accompanied by greater flexibility for the transporters. Since the changeover, they can also register at the terminal outside office hours.  

HSL is planning a similar automation process based on the model at ETK for the new steel terminal in Duisburg (www.steel-warehouse.com). The transfer to other intermodal locations within the HSL Group is being examined. Möller already has the next project in the pipeline for ETK, which will be based on the self-service counters: His team is currently working on a terminal control system that enables the prioritisation of specific customers . 

Digitalisation always resonates

Digitalisation has a firm place in the corporate strategy of Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL). “Digitalisation is not a separate topic, but a basic consideration for all existing and future processes inside and outside the company,” emphasises HSL Managing Director Per Nyström. He includes the areas of communication with customers and suppliers, logistics, document management, IT infrastructure and production processes. In a project in the area of container disposition, the company is on the threshold of artificial intelligence with the use of an IT robot, Nyström reveals. The managing director sees many advantages in digitalisation, ranging from deepening customer relationships and new business models to building new platforms.

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