Hermes has been collaborating with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Viscopic (now part of TeamViewer) to test the latter’s assistance software in a pilot phase lasting almost two months at the beginning of 2021.
At the end of 2019, VW and Hermes had launched the start-up competition “Future Logistics Challenge” to find solutions to optimise delivery processes. Viscopic was one of two winners and together with the other companies it developed the proof of concept for its loading and unloading assistance solution.
The aim of the Viscopic solution is to minimise search and sorting times thanks to the digital loading and unloading assistance solution, with the help of which delivery drivers divide the amount of freight into small packing units when loading the van.
For this purpose, parcels and parcels are stowed according to a logic developed by Viscopic and sorted in such a way that they can be found quickly and easily. The loading sequence is determined by a loading algorithm which also considers the nature of the local routes. During the delivery tour, the driver has an overview of where the parcel for the next customer is in the cargo area at all times via the infotainment system of the VW Crafters. For this purpose, a comparison is made between the GPS position of the vehicle and the freight.
According to Hermes, the potential of the digital solution was confirmed during the pilot phase; not only was it possible to achieve a higher level of standardisation in loading, but above all a significant reduction in search times. With the help of the digital loading and unloading assistance, it was easier for the delivery staff to find parcels, as they only had to search in a bag with a limited number of shipments. Search times were noticeably reduced and also standardised.
This applied equally to experienced drivers as well as inexperienced drivers, and it is especially important when considering that delivery staff will be trained. It should be noted, however, that this first pilot test was carried out in a very narrow framework.
“Viscopic has developed a solution that is geared towards our drivers’ needs and that we think has potential. We leave the joint pilot test with a lot of valuable insights. Moving forward, we will further roll out our digital tour sorting”. He added: “We see the cooperation with innovative, dynamic companies such as Viscopic, now TeamViewer, as a great opportunity and a promising source for identifying optimisation potential and promoting appropriate solutions.” The parcel logistics company does not rule out a possible further cooperation with Viscopic.
Viscopic also appreciated being able to test its software solution in a real-life situation.
Source: Hermes
