Supply chain management covers the material and information flows of the entire supply chain from the raw material supplier to the end customer. The overall process should be designed in a way that optimizes time and costs. Are your company processes optimally integrated into the supply chain and coordinated with your partners? Are your internal processes and capacities ideally coordinated and your procurement and distribution channels strategically selected?

Our employees examine your cross-company strategic and operational processes along the entire value chain. Together with you, we develop a successful supply chain strategy, sustainable procurement strategies and optimal supplier management. Furthermore, we support you in planning inventories and capacities and create forecasts for future requirements.

Supply Chain Design

Supply Chain Design aims at an efficient and cost-optimized overall system that has to be continuously adapted to the current market conditions. Possibilities for improvement range from a sophisticated logistics strategy and an optimal logistics network to the optimization of processes in procurement, production, distribution and transport. Cost efficiency, flexibility, security and sustainability are among the main aspects that make up a future-proof supply chain.

Networks

Optimizing the network structures of your supply chain can make a significant contribution to the success of your company. Historically grown location structures often result in a complex network. We create the necessary transparency in your network and work out solutions with you, e.g. by reducing the complexity of your production program and the entire production process with subsequent complexity control. We take a close look at your site structure and plan your network in a cost- and service-oriented way. In doing so, we use selected tools to support the location decision.

Transport management

Transport management deals with the flow of goods between network partners. In addition to optimizing the network structure, there are a number of measures for optimizing transport activities or transport costs. Aspects such as increasing infrastructure bottlenecks or rising fuel prices demand long-term measures in transport management. We work with you to streamline transport-related processes and analyze your entire transport system. An analysis of transport modes, the optimal bundling of transports or the development of intermodal transport chains, for example, can lead to considerable cost savings.

Today, ecological aspects also play a special role in network design. Here, new considerations must be made in order to bring both political requirements and the company's own interests into economic harmony.

The foundation course for efficient logistics is the holistic planning of value-added processes. We improve your logistics with a view to current market developments or optimize individual process steps. Can your logistics processes be efficiently embedded in the entire supply chain or is there a need for optimization here? We are happy to support you in analyzing and optimizing your logistics.

Strategic planning

When planning and optimizing your logistics processes, strategy and the goals of your company play an important role. Do you want to optimally adapt your corporate strategy to the current market conditions? We take into account the strategic objectives of your company as well as the entire supply chain and develop a sustainable corporate strategy together with you.

Process analysis, value stream design

Lean logistics processes lead to short lead times in production and serve an efficient and flexible product manufacturing. Logistics processes must be continuously reviewed and adapted to ensure long-term business success. Are your logistics processes aligned and do they meet the high demands of customer requirements? We examine your entire value-added process and synchronize your internal and external interfaces.

Structural planning

Structural planning includes the site organization of your company as well as the structure of the supply chain. Using individual methods, our team analyzes your supply chain and advises you on the effectiveness and efficiency of your own site structure and the design of your value chain. We support you in deciding on the location of newly planned production and warehouse buildings, taking into account your distribution strategy.

The goal of structural planning is to harmonize processes within the supply chain, improve performance, create tractable organizational units, and increase flexibility and adaptability.

Historically grown structures often lead to an unnecessary complexity of the logistics network. We support you in reducing and mastering this complexity by analyzing your entire flow of goods and uncovering obstacles.

System planning

Factory and material flow planning play a central role in system planning. We survey your material flow processes, uncover bottlenecks and design your system holistically. In doing so, we determine the appropriate processes, technical solutions and an optimal layout arrangement. Would you like to redesign your warehouse, reduce throughput times and increase your company's productivity? We systematically develop an individual concept for efficient logistics with you.

With our Multimodal Check, we offer you an effective procedure for analyzing your transports. With it, we show you the advantages of alternative modes of transport.

Many industrial and trading companies still primarily choose the truck as their only means of transport. High flexibility and relatively low costs are among the said advantages of road transport. However, there are also more and more disadvantages associated with the truck, such as the increase in traffic jams and disruptions like road works on highways, the high shortage of drivers and increasing gasoline and toll costs.

Nowadays, combined transport offers a very effective alternative to pure truck transport. It is even often cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Together with you, we will find promising shipments to shift your transports through our Multimodal Check.

Our check model in 5 steps

Data collection

• Determination of general conditions
• Acquisition of transport data
• Data preparation and processing

Data analysis

• Shipment structure analysis
• ABC/XYZ analysis

Potential determination

• Transport shifting
• Transport bundling
• Organizational measures

Evaluation

• Ecological evaluation
• Economic evaluation

Implementation of measures

• Implementation tests
• Implementation of the selected solution

Your advantages

• Cost reduction
• Reduction of emissions
• Corporate management with foresight
• Long-term success
• Risk minimization

Our motivation

We are motivated to work with you to optimize your transport and logistics processes while promoting the sustainable development of your company. Ecological and social aspects are becoming increasingly economically relevant. For us, project success does not mean to show theoretical savings but to achieve practical implementation of measures.

We check your transport activities and analyze how a shift from road to environmentally friendly modes of transport can lead to cost and emission savings. This measure contains a large potential for greenhouse gas savings. Here, we draw on our practical experience in the transportation industry. In general, the measure shows that rail and inland waterway transport emit considerably less emissions in practical application than truck-only transport.

Method Development Supply Chain Engineering of Source Processes

For the Supply chain engineering of the procurement processes (source) the SCOR model is increasingly used in practice. With this model all subprocesses of the entire procurement process are determined from the order up to the purchase invoice. The transparency created in this way allows processes to be analyzed both individually and as a whole, and subsequently optimized.

Supplier Relationship Management

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) focuses on establishing and maintaining supplier relationships and aims to achieve strategic competitive advantages. Areas of activity in SRM include the targeted maintenance of supplier relationships, contract management, outsourcing decisions, collaborative procurement planning and supplier evaluations. We will be happy to advise you on this.

Supply Chain Risk Management

There are countless risks that threaten your company on the supplier side, be it a production stop due to technical problems at the supplier, image damage due to poor working conditions at the supplier or the loss of intellectual property due to industrial espionage.

In a world that is becoming more and more complex, purchasing not only has the task of procuring the required goods at the right time, in the right quality and at the right price, but also of taking potential risks into account.

Is your purchasing department supported by a supply chain risk manager? Do you know your strategic and operational risks? Do you already know how to counter these risks? We would be happy to support you in identifying and assessing your risks and advise you on possible measures to actively counter these risks.

Multidimensional Best Cost Country Analysis

The multidimensional Best Cost Country Analysis aims at the selection of the optimal procurement market. This is necessary in order to withstand the ever increasing competitive pressure. With the determination not only the direct product price, but the TCO approach is selected. Quality assurance, coordination effort, innovation effort, know-how protection and customer sensitivity are just some of the variables to be considered.

Cost management along the supply chain

Comprehensive cost management along the supply chain is becoming increasingly important. It determines all costs incurred in the supply chain in order to subsequently analyze and optimize them. This is indispensable both to remain competitive on the market and, based on the demand and analysis of the buyers, to recalculate the costs incurred in the supplier's supply chain for comparisons and negotiations.

The GEMIT Institute carries out market studies and market research in the field of logistics for you. From our consulting network consisting of professors, scientists, students and partners we can put together an ideal team, adapted to your needs. Your request can also be handled by bachelor or master theses with competent coaching. Whether qualitative or quantitative market research, forecasting models, SWOT analyses or customer surveys. We are happy to advise you.

Future scenarios

Reliable forecasts are becoming increasingly important for companies in the logistics environment. We create customized forecast models with you and determine the logistical methods as well as input variables. You receive reliable forecasts for the future development of your company and its general conditions.

How will the traffic volume on road, rail or waterway develop and what does the development mean for my company? Does it make sense to shift my products to other modes of transport? Which new technologies can make my business processes more efficient today and in the future? How will "green logistics" influence my company processes in the future? Be prepared, we will support you.

Trend research

The development of external factors such as politics, market and society influence companies immensely. Planning cycles are becoming shorter and shorter, so companies cannot afford to miss important trends. Logistics is also adapting to these influencing factors and developing innovative solutions. Current megatrends such as ecological and social trading, cooperation or the sharing economy play a central role in all industries today. The long-term survival of our customers and partners in upcoming turbulent times is particularly close to our hearts. Are you interested in the latest trends in logistics? We conduct trend analyses for you to determine which trends you should not miss under any circumstances.

In recent years, social media have also attracted the interest of companies due to their resounding spread in the private sector. The potential to reach desired target groups via these new channels on the web is huge. In particular, the target group of "digital natives," i.e., young people who have grown up with digital media and have integrated them into their everyday lives, are represented here, making Facebook, YouTube and the like valuable for HR marketing. However, social media are not self-propelling and must be used correctly as tools in order to ultimately benefit from these new communication channels.

The communication of the employer brand in social media requires a different approach than the classic channels. This is because they are characterized by a high level of dynamism and their own requirements profile on the part of the target group.

We help you to get an overview of the social media landscape, to use it to your advantage for recruiting and employer branding and to adapt your appearance to the requirements of the environment right from the start. In addition, we discuss the risks with you and create appropriate response measures based on scenarios within a social media strategy tailored to your needs.

Our services at a glance:

Feasibility analysis and target parameters

• Individual selection of the social media platform(s) suitable for you
• Creation of a social media strategy customized for your company
• Implementation of the social media strategy
• Change management

The company's own further development via training courses and seminars is always a criterion for employer attractiveness for potential applications. In addition, due to demographic change, qualified employees and their knowledge will become more valuable in the future than they already are. This impending shortage will mean that the tasks to be mastered will become more demanding. In order to meet these challenges, the company's own employees must be appropriately qualified; lifelong learning is the main focus here.

To meet this need, new technologies can be used in addition to eLearning and blended learning concepts. For example, platforms from the social media/Web 2.0 environment offer the possibility of setting up a social learning/eLearning 2.0 environment, which is characterized in particular by its collaborative learning character. Learners can organize themselves into learning groups, collaborate online, and post their own learning content as text, presentation, podcast, video, or mashup in accordance with the Web 2.0 participatory concept.

In addition, due to the ever-increasing spread of app-enabled mobile devices, e.g., smartphones and tablet PCs, mobile learning concepts also present themselves in this context, which can be used to supplement and support the already established continuing education measures. Didactically adapted to the characteristics and usage profiles of these devices, learning content and information can be accessed and processed during latency periods (e.g. travel, breaks, waiting times, etc.) or directly on-the-job.

Our services at a glance:

• Creation of a social or mobile learning concept
• Implementation of learning concepts
• Comparison and selection of learning systems
• Scientific support of eLearning projects
• Change Management

Here you will find an article on the topic of HR and AI.

Business processes are the core of every company. They define the performance, flexibility and agility with which you compete against your competitors. The recording and management of business processes makes it possible to specifically identify weak points, eliminate them or substitute them with more efficient/effective processes and thus strengthen the company from within. In addition, a targeted software selection and adaptation can be made during the introduction to business process supporting IT.

The GEMIT institute helps you to identify and prioritize your business processes and to identify deficits with comprehensive know-how from professors and academic staff. Based on the results, we create an individual recommendation for action with procedures for optimizing your business processes and support you during implementation, if required.

Our services at a glance:

• Analysis and documentation of business processes
• Creation of an individual recommendation for action for business process optimization
• Creation of individual concepts for business process management
• Scientific support for business process optimization
• Change management

The market for cell phones is currently being driven to a large extent by powerful smartphones, the spread of which is increasing rapidly, and not only in Germany. Parallel to this, mobile access to the Internet is also on the rise. More and more people are doing business on the move, comparing prices on the spot using mobile apps, and using QR codes to call up information. The mobile web has thus become a second, strong pillar for eCommerce. In this context, user requirements mean that it is not enough to make the existing Internet presence also mobile accessible, because at the latest since the breakthrough of the iPhone, users have become accustomed to a high usability quality that cannot be achieved with websites optimized for desktop computers and large monitors.

The GEMIT institute helps you to get to know the possibilities of the mobile internet, whether WebApps, native apps, QR codes and augmented reality. We accompany you as a neutral and scientific partner in the creation and implementation of mobile business scenarios.

Our services at a glance:

• Analysis and consulting for individual mobile business scenarios
• Planning and execution of usability tests for mobile websites and applications
• Scientific support during the implementation of mobile business scenarios
• change management

Whether off-the-shelf software, individual developments, customizing of standard applications or services from the cloud, with regard to competitive pressure, business processes can hardly do without IT support for reasons of efficiency and effectiveness. The ideal solution for the introduction to new software depends primarily on the orientation of one's own company, and each of the options mentioned harbors its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, there is the complexity of implementation projects, because new applications must also fit into the existing IT structure and interoperability as well as compatibility must be ensured.

The GEMIT institute accompanies you as a vendor-independent and scientific partner in the requirements analysis, selection and introduction to new application software in your company.

Our services at a glance:

• Requirements analysis for application software
• Individual consulting and decision support regarding application software suitable for you
• Scientific support during the introduction to application software
• change management

The GEMIT institute can support your company in setting up a backup of your business-critical data.

The backup follows the SeCloud concept developed at the Hochschule Niederrhein. After setup on a special appliance tailored to your business processes, the data backup is automated and requires no effort in your company.

The setup includes a consulting service by the GEMIT institute, which can be financed up to 80% by the state of NRW, depending on the size of the company. You will be supported by the university in the application and processing.

The consulting service is around 5000 €, up to 4000 € can be covered by the state of NRW in individual cases. The appliance can be estimated with expenditures up to 500 €.

Further information is compiled in the consulting offer (link below).

SmartPark-City-Hubs and Virtual Infrastructure (SPaCiH)

The Hochschule Niederrhein has developed the project "SmartPark-City-Hubs and Virtual Infrastructure" (SPaCiH) together with Sysplan Gesellschaft für Logistiksystemplanung GmbH, the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Ruhr-Universität-Bochum. A SPaCiH is an out-of-town logistics hub/park which, in addition to its logistical transshipment and bundling function, is also characterized by the location of value-added activities, in the region for the region. In the project, an optimal SmartPark-City-Hub structure is to be developed for NRW. The SPaCiHs are to be networked with each other, if possible, by rail and inland waterway. In the SPaCiH, goods are to be bundled by means of new business cooperations and shifted to sustainable modes of transport over the last mile. Transport needs between companies are to be exchanged by means of a new digital platform as a virtual infrastructure and physically handled in the SpaCiH. Private or semi-public companies are to act as operators of the SPaCiHs, providing buildings, personnel, vehicles and services (e.g. repair services). In the SPaCiH, new value creation is to be located and the infrastructure for new business models of city supply is to be flexibly provided.

The goal of the project is the prototypical and pre-competitive development of a network of SmartPark city hubs, through which delivery traffic is reduced, the transport of goods is accelerated, and sustainability is increased not only in the last mile, but also in the regional supply upstream ("penultimate mile") through the use of alternative means of transport. The development and implementation of a business model based on this will be carried out in a participatory manner by involving the identified relevant stakeholders in the development process via the method of a "living lab". The consortium will publish the results in an action guide. The lower Lower Rhine and the western Ruhr area were selected as the study region. The district of Wesel and the city of Krefeld act as associated partners. Other associated partners include DeltaPort GmbH & Co KG (Wesel), duisport AG (Duisburg) Rheinhafen Krefeld (Krefeld) and Heuremo UG (Duisburg). The project will run from Sept. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022.

Project funding is provided as part of the implementation of the Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in North Rhine-Westphalia for the period 2014-2020 with co-financing from the Ministry of Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The total funding amount is made up of state funds totaling around 650,757 euros and funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) totaling around 866,575 euros. (Nov. 2020)

Click here to go to our homepage www.spacih.nrw

Project management and contact:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Holger Beckmann
Institute Director GEMIT - Business Process Management and IT Institute of the Hochschule Niederrhein
E-Mail: holger.beckmann(at)hsnr.de
www.hs-niederrhein.de/gemit

Profile

In the Realise-Bio project, experienced partners will provide decisive impetus for the realization of a circular bioeconomy and circular economy in the program area in order to make the Germany-Netherlands border region greener and more livable and to address regional global challenges such as climate change. The concept of the bioeconomy is based, among other things, on the use of biogenic raw materials, which accumulate in large quantities in the border region, especially in the form of residual and side streams, but have so far been used too little in a circular sense.

The most important instrument for realization are at least eight model projects, which are awarded to German-Dutch consortia. Realise-Bio identifies and activates new and known actors as regionally as possible, in a targeted and low-threshold manner. This is done through strong communication activities and events that are distributed throughout the INTERREG region for better coverage. Realise-Bio empowers its model projects through the funds and intensive technical coaching to overcome the "valley of death" for their circular bioeconomy innovations with a TRL of 5 to 7 and to bring circular products to the market.

For the technical coaching of the model projects, all model partners will be involved to identify potential hurdles and opportunities

and opportunities and to provide a comprehensive view of the sustainability of the innovation. For this purpose, the competencies of the project partners complement each other, covering areas such as logistics, life cycle analysis or analysis of brand entry barriers. General recommendations for action are derived from overcoming these exemplary challenges, and tools are created that process the findings for a significantly larger group of stakeholders and make them usable.
Thus, Realise-Bio makes a crucial contribution to the realization of the circular bioeconomy and circular economy in the German-Dutch border region.

Funding institution

Interreg VI Germany - Netherlands

Partner

Clib 2021, Brightlands, Venray, USV Agrar, competence centre 3N, lltb, AMI, HSNR

Duration

01.2023 - 12.2025

LOGWear - Use of Wearables for the Optimization of Logistic Processes

Brief description:
Optimization of logistic processes in exemplary use of wearables in pilot projects and creation of a database to support the selection of suitable wearables .

Concept and project goals:
Wearables (wearable computer systems) offer more and more opportunities for companies to optimize their logistical processes with regard to e.g. efficiency increases, error reductions and / or a more economical and safe operation. The LOGwear project offers companies the opportunity to have their processes analyzed and thus receive a recommendation regarding the optimal use of wearables in their processes. In the case of some partner companies, the project will optimize a specific logistics process with the integration of one or more wearables, from the conceptual design phase to the test phase in the practical environment with prototypes.
The goal is also to enable companies to use a tool to individually assess the extent to which their own processes can be improved with the help of wearables. In addition, support is provided for the implementation of a wearable solution.

Duration: March 2015 - Dec. 2018

Project partners:

-Lead partner: Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Venlo
- Institut FAST, Hochschule Niederrhein
- Helmut Beyers GmbH (Mönchengladbach)
- KLG Europe B.V. Venlo
- imat-uve gmbh (Mönchengladbach)

Future location VeNeTe in Nettetal
Potential analysis and recommendations for a business park with rail siding

Project duration: Oct. 2015 - Feb. 2016

Initial situation
As early as the end of the 1990s, the cities of Venlo(NL) Nettetal(D) and Tegelen(NL) drafted the VeNeTe master plan. To this day, this plan serves the cross-border further development of traffic, commerce, housing and nature. The new VeNeTe business park in Nettetal is a major project of this master plan. Since 2012, commercial sites have been developed on a total area of approximately 77 hectares in Nettetal. The area offers a promising option for establishing itself as a business park with a logistics function thanks to its direct access to the highway and a rail connection at a short distance.

In this context, there is the opportunity to reactivate the Kaldenkirchen freight station, which has been largely shut down since the early 1990s. The short distance between the freight station and the VeNeTe industrial park means that the "rail" location factor can benefit the commercial/industrial area and contribute to the attractiveness of the industrial park.

Objective
Based on the facts described above, the GEMIT institute was commissioned with the study "Future location VeNeTe in Nettetal - potential analysis and recommendations for a business park with rail siding".

The objective was to analyze how the VeNeTe business park could be developed into a promising location in conjunction with the Kaldenkirchen freight station and in combination with the regional industry and infrastructure. The location factor "rail" was the focus of the investigations.

Procedure and result
At the beginning, a structural analysis was carried out to collect data and information on the infra- and industry structures in the vicinity of VeNeTe. On the one hand, the high density of bi- and trimodal transshipment hubs was recognized, and on the other hand, the industry focal points of the border region were analyzed.

This was followed by benchmarking, i.e. an overall comparison of the current situation using external information and key figures. Very good performances and practices of other industrial parks were examined. The focus was on logistics business parks and freight villages (GVZ) from which best practice examples were filtered out and examined in more detail. In addition, some bad experiences from the past of existing business parks were highlighted to support the development of the VeNete site.

From the acquired knowledge, potentials and recommendations for action for the VeNeTe business park were identified and described. The focus was on recommendations for a future settlement structure as well as the significance of the Kaldenkirchen freight station for the business park and for the resident companies in the region. Synergies and cooperation potentials played a very important role here.

Factory planning at manufacturer for industrial doors

Project duration: Apr. 2015 - Sept. 2015

Initial situation
Effertz Tore GmbH from Mönchengladbach produces industrial doors, especially for the European market. These include fire and smoke protection doors, sound insulation doors and customized special solutions. Due to the customer-specific dimensioning of the doors, production is based on the principle of order-based individual or uniqueproduction. Production-relevant data is therefore generated anew for each product. The individual production represents an important unique selling point of the company and requires a high degree of flexibility.

The historically grown building and factory structures no longer meet current requirements. The constantly increasing order volume leads to an expansion of the production departments, more frequent deliveries and higher inventories. A central problem here is the truck marshalling yard at the goods-in and goods-out zones. The immediately adjacent traffic road has to be included in the marshalling runs as well as deliveries and drop-offs, which leads to short-term obstructions of public traffic.

Objective
Due to the challenges and problems listed above, Effertz Tore GmbH decided to expand the factory building by adding an extension to a directly adjacent building.

The objective of the project was to carry out a redesign of the entire manufacturing layout taking into account the factory expansion. The focus was on minimizing the internal transport distances. In this context, the structuring of the functional areas was carried out, space requirements were determined and material flows including traffic routes and supply and disposal systems were defined. The factory was also to have the highest possible degree of flexibility, e.g. in order to be able to produce doors with oversized dimensions (up to 22 meters wide). An additional goal was to optimize the provision of finished goods in the shipping department and the small parts warehouse.

Approach and results
Theoretical methods from the field of factory planning were transferred into practice and used for the as-is analysis. After factory goals and planning premises had been defined, the planning data was recorded as an actual situation. This included the product range and structures, manufacturing processes, material flow relationships and quantity structures. On this basis, the layout planning of the factory was carried out.

Within the framework of structural planning, principle solutions were considered for the production departments. Four layout variants were designed, with employee suggestions being incorporated into the conceptual design in addition to the planning data. The variants were then evaluated by means of a utility value analysis. The target layout then showed the optimal plant layout for the gate production of Effertz Tore GmbH. The selected variant focused on the parameters of flexibility and adaptability.

Within the system planning, the individual functional areas, i.e. the production departments, were designed taking into account the upstream and downstream systems.

Optimization of finished goods supply included the selection of modern storage and picking techniques in addition to the structure-based improvement options.

Several quick wins were identified and implemented during the project. In addition, lean management principles and methods were used (e.g. zoning), which led to further optimization at Effertz Tore GmbH.

Green²
Green Logistics in Agribusiness

Project duration: Jan. 2013 - Mar. 2015

Project Funding: European Regional Development Fund of the European Union (INTERREG-IV-A)

Initial situation
In the near future, strategic sustainability values will be an essential aspect for companies to remain competitive. The awareness of ecological responsibility will be transferred from consumers to the business community. The market demands more transparency from producers and suppliers every year. The agricultural and food sectors are highly affected by this. Together with the logistics industry, these sectors are of enormous economic importance for the Germany-Netherlands border region. For these reasons, the project "Green²: Green Logistics in Agrobusiness" was launched. Incoming and outgoing freight flows as well as transit traffic are being scrutinized. Logistics processes are being examined for their energy-saving potential. Growers, producers, marketers and logistics service providers play a central role in the successful implementation of a sustainable logistics strategy for the region's agricultural sector.

Objective
The aim of the project is to support growers, producers as well as marketers and logistics service providers in implementing a sustainable business strategy and building green supply chains. Transport and storage processes are to be made more ecologically sustainable. For this purpose, environmental relief potentials within the supply chains under consideration are to be identified and utilized. This mainly involves reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Approach
The Green² project is divided into four work packages:

In work package 1, for example, off-site transport flows are analyzed and more environmentally friendly transport options that cause lower exhaust emissions are worked out with the entrepreneurs. In particular, goods are to be transported in an environmentally conscious manner by shifting goods flows from road to rail, inland waterways or containerized transport in combined transport. As part of the project, shippers in the region can have an examination carried out to determine whether they would benefit from a shift in transport volumes. In addition, synergies are to be developed through the establishment of a partner network. From the overall view, bundling effects and the necessity of infrastructural measures can be derived. For example, the project aims to establish so-called "green lines" that can also be used by companies with low transport volumes.
Work package 2 looks at internal transport and storage processes in warehouses and cold stores in order to achieve a reduction in energy consumption by means of organizational and technical measures. Established, ecological measures are to be implemented and the use of innovative technologies is to be examined in order to reduce energy consumption for storage and internal transport. A guideline will help companies to implement the most efficient measures for sustainable warehousing.
In work package 3, the SWK Energy Center E² of the Hochschule Niederrhein is working with the partners on the topic of Energy Efficiency in a cross-company energy network, e.g. by means of an absorption chiller. Technical measures for saving energy and CO2 are being investigated. The result of this investigation will be a catalog of measures for technical, economic and ecological evaluation in order to realize the savings in storage, production and cold storage by integrative methods and technical optimization.
Work package 4 investigates the applicability of a capacity exchange for chilled and frozen products. This will involve a transportation sector marketplace and investigate whether there is potential for a spot marketplace for refrigerated storage capacity and how solutions can be conceptually developed. In such a cold storage capacity exchange, on the one hand, companies could offer surplus storage capacity in their warehouses. On the other hand, companies can search for free storage capacities at short notice. In this way, short-term bottlenecks and vacancies could be compensated.

ProCurve.NRW

Project duration: Apr. 2013 - Mar. 2015

Project funding: Ziel2 Automotive+Produktion.NRW

Initial situation
How do I know how well production works in my company? Where can something be improved? Questions that also interest bosses of small and medium-sized companies. After all, there are hardly any tools for analysis that address the requirements and specifics of their production processes. This is about to change. The reengineering and control concept to be developed as part of ProCurve.NRW is intended to make a significant contribution to giving companies, especially SMEs, a clear edge in the international innovation race.

Objective
The objective of the ProCurve project is to make the production of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more robust, flexible and efficient. They are to be given a tool with which they can analyze complex production processes for their efficiency and present them clearly. It should also be possible to measure the success of process optimization measures.

Approach
The plan is to develop a novel approach for measuring, evaluating and optimizing production processes and resources. This is to be consistently aligned with the requirements and needs of small and medium-sized industry. The solution approach is based on the combination of two proven methods: on the one hand, measuring the efficiency of individual machines and plants (Operating Curve Method) and, on the other hand, evaluating process chains (Process Chain Management). A combination of these methods (ProCurve Method) makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of entire organizational areas. This holistic approach is important because improvements in individual process steps do not automatically lead to improvements in the entire process. The tool for more transparency is to be an easy-to-use software prototype. The measurement and analysis results, as well as optimizations based on them, have three advantages for the companies: they can align their production more effectively with the customer, better adapt their resources to the order situation and shorten their lead times. In summary, it increases their competitive opportunities. Small and medium-sized companies from the region in particular should benefit from this.

RFID - RAAS Now!

Project duration: Jan. 2010 - Jun. 2013

Project Funding: European Regional Development Fund of the European Union (INTERREG-IV-A)

Initial situation
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can drastically optimize processes in logistics, commerce, industry and many service sectors that involve the identification and localization of objects. Although the technology is ready for practical application and offers considerable potential, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are hesitant about the introduction to RFID. Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the technical, business and economic opportunities RFID offers. For others, the implementation effort seems too high or they lack the necessary know-how.

Objective
The Dutch-German Interreg project RAAS RFID jetzt! aims to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to get started with RFID technology and to develop the Euregio into one of the leading RFID regions.

Approach
The GEMIT institute is leading the RAAS RFID jetzt! project on behalf of the Hochschule Niederrhein on an interdisciplinary basis. RAAS offers a consulting, knowledge and communication network that provides effective support for successful RFID entry. This includes:

• An initial consultation and comprehensive knowledge on the implementation of RFID.
• Consulting on individual business cases and feasibility studies
• RFID best practices through copy-cat and replica projects
• RFID supporters who, as RFID vendor companies, implement concrete projects at RFID user sites

Selected projects at SMEs
Document management with RFID
RFID monitoring system for salmon identification
RFID deployment in tree nurseries
High-temperature tags for the identification of components
Management of printing cylinders
RFID for identification of medical aids

Further development of the logistics region Rhineland-Lower Rhine/Cologne

Project duration: Aug. 2010 - Nov. 2012

Project funding: Ziel2.NRW competition Logistik.NRW

Initial situation
The forecast container growth from the western ports (ZARA ports) will lead to short- to medium-term space and capacity bottlenecks in the inland ports of the Rhineland/Lower Rhine/Cologne region. This affects not only the terminal areas but also the traffic routes, which already have to accommodate long queues in front of the entrances.

The main problem of the inland ports is the temporary storage of containers on the port area and the increase of traffic in and around the inland ports. There is mainly a lack of space to handle the volume of cargo if the growth in transshipment continues. The space problem must be differentiated into full container space and empty container space. Empty containers stay in container terminals much longer than full containers.

The growth in container throughput at logistics hubs is accompanied by growth in truck traffic volumes upstream and downstream of the hubs.

Objective

• Increase and optimization of space and handling capacities
• Increase in order volumes for logistics companies
• Establishment of central transshipment points for empty containers
• Establishment of local truck retrieval points
  

Approach
The GEMIT institute is concerned with the development of innovative concepts for (empty) container provision in seaport hinterland traffic for the defined region. In doing so, the project team forecasts the future container volumes that will be handled in logistics nodes such as container terminals in the regional inland ports. The terminal layouts are analyzed and optimization measures are elaborated in order to quantify the capacity bottleneck and the space requirements for a new terminal concept as a result. The GEMIT institute is developing targeted solutions for a new hinterland terminal. In addition, the project team is analyzing the traffic situation in and around the logistics nodes. One possibility to counteract a future traffic gridlock is the construction of pre-gate parking areas for trucks. Concepts are also being developed for this.

In a first step, container traffic forecasts were made for the affected region; from the seaports to the region. Largely simultaneously, structural planning was carried out in the terminals. The current status of each terminal was determined and it was examined whether internal optimization, area restructuring or expansion could be implemented. Measures already planned by the terminals were included for the subsequent capacity calculation. According to the combination of both analyses "container traffic forecast" and "structural planning", it could be determined whether a space requirement will arise in the future or not. If there is a need for space, it is necessary to determine how high this so-called capacity gap (in TEU) is in the inland ports. In connection with this quantitative parameter, it was possible to determine how much space is required for the provision of containers in the hinterland. Within the systematic concept definition, possible depot concepts were mapped using a morphological box. The size of the depot area was dependent on a defined depot concept for the construction of central transshipment yards. The depot area and the depot concept form the overall concept of the system.

Reduction of production throughput times

Initial situation
The GEMIT Institute was commissioned by a manufacturer of textile machinery to analyze the production process of a product. Based on this data, measures were to be developed to massively reduce the lead time from order placement to completion according to the customer's specifications.

Objective

• Reduction of the production lead time of a product
• Avoidance of order backlogs between the interfaces involved in the production process

Procedure
In order to be able to state the targeted reduction in lead time in figures, the average was calculated on the basis of completion reports of finished production orders from two previous years. The following data was collected:

• Actual lead time Gross days
• Planned lead time net days
• Planned lead time gross days

In order to check the initial situation for actuality for production, interviews were first conducted with employees of the customer about current problems in production.

Collection of actual data: After the degree of the interviews, the average production lead times collected in the initial situation were checked for actuality by manually recording the time of the production orders carried out over a period of just under two months. The ERP system used by the client served as the data basis for this. In total, this involved:

• 39 orders over the entire production stages
• at least 106 individual orders per operation
• 3100 manually entered data records

The ERP system was also to be used for monitoring the implemented measures, but had to be adapted for this purpose.

Evaluation: Based on monitoring current production orders and conducting interviews, the results were analyzed according to the degree of their impact on lead time. Significantly, deficiencies occurred in the following areas:

• Lot sizes used,
• scheduling of employees, and
• Transportation between manufacturing sites.

Results and benefits
The client previously used variable lot sizes. In the course of the project, a maximum batch size was established for production, to be processed in one day. To reduce the relatively long transport times between manufacturing sites, these were now set up overnight. Another approach was that production orders were sometimes stuck at a processing step for several days without being processed due to the workstation rotation of employees. Therefore, this approach was suspended during peak production periods as part of the project.

After implementation of the optimization approaches, the effects were checked by monitoring. Overall, the production throughput time was reduced by 43 percent.

Profitability Analysis - RFID in the Laundry

Initial situation
The GEMIT Institute was commissioned by a full-service textile supplier to evaluate the introduction to RFID technology in laundry operations from an economic point of view and to develop a recommendation for action on the basis of the results obtained
. Up to now, the identification of garments was done by scanning barcodes, which were sewn into the clothing. For this reason, it was necessary for the profitability analysis to work out the benefits of RFID-based reading processes in comparison with the identification process used to date. In addition, it had to be taken into account that the selection of the installation procedures for the readers also had a direct impact on the economic efficiency and thus on the achievement of a break-even point, so that a separate evaluation was carried out for each installation procedure.

Objective

• Profitability analysis of the introduction to RFID technology
• Differentiation of the analysis with regard to reusability of the transponders and installation possibilities of the readers
• Recommendation for action for the integration of RFID technology in laundry operations

Procedure

Process analysis: In a first step, the processes in the laundry operation of the client were examined and, in relation to this, the critical process steps for the introduction to RFID technology were identified. Even at this stage, it was possible to identify potential savings, depending on the RFID hardware or data capture method used.
Technical requirements: Since laundry operations place certain requirements on the transponders to be used, the next step was to develop criteria that must be met by these transponders in order to ensure a high level of reliability and reusability:

• Transponder size and shape
• Moisture resistance
• Pressure resistance
• Heat resistance
• Resistance to certain chemicals

Based on these criteria, it was possible to determine suitable transponders for the task and their costs.

Installation options for readers: There are two options for the installation of readers / antennas: intramachine and external arrangement. In addition, single- and multi-read solutions were used for consideration, so that a total of four different installation scenarios were considered for a break-even analysis:

• Intramachine single-read solution
• Intramachine multi-read solution
• External (manual) single-read solution
• External (manual) multi-read solution

Break-even analysis and recommended action: Since the investment costs differ greatly, especially between intramachine and external installations, a break-even calculation was carried out for each installation scenario, in each case assuming that a laundry item runs through 30, 60 or 90 wash cycles in its useful life.

With only 30 wash cycles, the introduction to RFID was uneconomical, while with at least 60 cycles, the external multi-read solution proved to be the most economical option.

Masterplan RFID-NRW-NL

Project duration: Jan. 2007 - Jun. 2008

Project Funding: European Regional Development Fund of the European Union (INTERREG-IV-A)

Initial situation
In Germany, about a quarter of the publicly known RFID users are located in NRW. The best-known examples include the retail companies Metro AG and REWE Group as well as the logistics service providers DHL Vertriebs GmbH & Co KG and Schenker Deutschland AG. The Dortmund area is home to a concentration of RFID providers and research facilities. Only a smaller proportion of users, providers and research facilities are located in the two Euregios. In the Netherlands, the density of RFID users decreases sharply from west to east and north. Since proximity and thus local presence play an important role in the diffusion of new technologies, the applications of RFID should be supported on a broad basis via regional example applications and the location of further know-how carriers.

Objectives
The objectives of the Euregio project "RFID-NRW-NL" were to take stock of users and providers of RFID technology and to develop a joint strategy for promoting RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) along the German-Dutch border in the Euregios Rhine-Meuse-North and Rhine-Waal. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were made aware of RFID, and future fields of action and proposals for cross-border pilot projects for the innovative use of RFID were also developed.

Approach
The following activities were part of the Euregio project:

RFID workshops: seven events were held for SMEs in Germany and the Netherlands, which served to raise awareness among companies, but also to query requirements and issues in the use of the technologies. Based on the workshops, key topics were identified where the use of RFID can have a particularly positive effect. A total of more than 400 people took part in the workshops. The workshops identified key applications where the use of RFID can have promising effects for SMEs in the region.

RFID survey: In addition to the workshops, a written survey was conducted to collect information regarding the level of knowledge about RFID on the one hand, and on the other hand to elicit problems with the introduction to RFID technologies in the company.

Development of the master plan: Through the two activities described above, the six areas of textile, food, waste disposal, health care, logistics and production were identified for the promising use of RFID technology in the Euregios concerned.

The master plan itself is to be understood as a recommendation for action for the dissemination of RFID in the affected Euregios and contains corresponding scenarios for each application area. It served as the foundation course for the RAAS RFID Jetzt! project.

Results and benefits
Many small and medium-sized enterprises often turn to regional organizations for advice on innovation issues in order to take location-specific features into account. International aspects, however, are usually left out of the focus.

The strengths of the project therefore lay on the one hand in the regional locations of the project partners as a basis for the euregional network, on the other hand international aspects and experiences from a large region were brought in due to the cross-border cooperation. In this way, SMEs could be comprehensively informed and sensitized in the field of RFID applications, because each know-how carrier in the network contributed knowledge and experience.
An additional positive effect is the access to the network of the neighboring country, to which users also belong. Here, entrepreneurs were able to establish new business contacts, for example, through participation in the events.

Supply Chain Management - SCM4you

Project duration: Jan. 2006 - Jun. 2007

Project Funding: European Regional Development Fund of the European Union (INTERREG-III-A)

Initial situation
The project SCM4you originated from the cooperation between the Hochschule Niederrhein and the Fontys Hogeschool in Venlo. To date, a total of 43 companies have been advised in the fields of supply chain management (SCM), radio frequency identification (RFID), procurement management, eBusiness and logistics. The task and goal was the practical implementation of the experience and knowledge gained from numerous research and consulting projects. The specialisation of the project activities passed to the understanding of cross-company cooperation as a foundation course for maintaining/creating competitiveness. Feasibility studies provided the necessary transparency and thus the basis for making important strategic decisions. Support in the planning, implementation and control of new processes or technologies also formed a focus of activity.

Objective
Studies on successful SCM projects have shown that the following objectives can be achieved in companies:

• Inventory reduction of up to 60 percent
• Uncovering potential for cost reduction by an average of 10 percent
• Increasing profits by up to 30 percent by optimizing the joint value chain

Procedure SCM Compass:
The SCM Compass offers a quick and easy introduction to the topic of supply chain management in one's own company in order to be able to identify and exploit unrecognized potential. By recording the current status on site and at partners in the value chain, solution approaches for improved supply chain management can be developed.

Survey phase: During the survey phase, all SCM-critical processes are identified. For a selection of these processes, relevant data is collected by means of interviews, observations, and key figure observations. Existing guidelines or documentation can also be included here.

Systematization: In this phase, the data collected in the survey phase is put into context and structured and presented in accordance with the recognized SCOR model (Supply Chain Operations Reference).

Analysis: During this phase, the structured results of the survey phase are scrutinized by means of root cause analysis and bottleneck presentation.

Development: Finally, an evaluation and prioritization of the bottleneck factors takes place, on the basis of which solution proposals for elimination are finally developed. The result of this phase is a recommended course of action for overcoming the existing core problems.

Results and benefits

• Development of a methodology for rapid identification of SCM potential (SCM Compass)
• Potential analyses at 43 companies in Germany and the Netherlands with recommendations for action
• Establishment of a cross-border SCM network
• Study on the use of SCM by SMEs in the region

• Reduction of replenishment times
• Reduction of storage costs
• Reduction of production lead times
• Optimization of internal and cross-company communication and goods flows (e.g. forecasting)

Location analysis Duisburg-Rheinhausen

Initial situation
The institute was commissioned by a contract manufacturer to conduct a location and competition analysis in the area of warehousing and possible services in the Duisburg-Rheinhausen region. Important aspects of this analysis were the survey of general location-related factors and potentials including the infrastructural connection, the examination of existing and planned offers of storage providers and logistics service providers within a radius of 50 kilometers as well as a demand analysis regarding storage and logistics services of the client's customers. On the basis of the data collected, a decision paper was then to be drawn up regarding an expansion of the range of services.

Objective

• Survey of existing rental warehouse providers and their range of services
• Survey of the existing contract packaging providers and their range of services
• Survey of the existing local demand at selected companies
• Derivation of possible offers according to sectors, storage facilities, services and offer requirements

Procedure
The location analysis covered the following sub-areas:

Location-related perspectives: In addition to the competitive structure and customer requirements, the location itself is also relevant for the economic success of a logistics service provider. Therefore, the first step was to survey and evaluate the general, demographic and infrastructural characteristics of the surrounding area. In addition, the availability of warehouse and commercial space was determined through a survey of real estate agents and owners.

Analysis of logistics service providers: The analysis of logistics and warehousing service providers was based on a search of company databases and the Internet. A total of 82 companies were identified within selected zip code areas. Following the research, the companies were interviewed via telephone surveys according to the following specialisations:

• Supply and demand in terms of
• Storage space
• Services offered
• Types of storage offered
• Fluctuations in demand from customers
• IT equipment
• Customer connection to own IT systems

The information gathered was used to identify initial trends in terms of supply and demand.

Demand analysis: The first step was to look at the client's customers and ask them about their needs for logistics and warehousing services by means of a questionnaire. Subsequently, the survey was extended to other local companies that were not part of the client's customer base. In particular, trading companies, especially importers, and companies that are also active in Internet commerce were considered.

Results and benefits
Based on the research and survey results, a recommendation for action was developed for the client, which included the following specialisations:

• Recommendation for the adaptation of the existing offer catalog to customer needs.
• Recommendation for the adaptation of the warehouse equipment to the requirements of (new) customers
• Development potential for corporate IT (e.g. integration of customer IT)
• Recommendations for improving quality standards and shipping processes

The company was faced with an important strategic investment decision. The project results provided a scientifically sound decision-making basis for defining the company's future strategy.

LogistiCS.NRW
Crowd Solving - Intelligent Infrastructure Utilization Using the Example of Neuss-Düsseldorf Ports

Brief description:
Intelligent infrastructure utilization is intended to improve the situation for traffic at the Neuss-Düsseldorf port in a timely manner.

Concept and project objective:
With the help of intelligent distribution of traffic volumes, peak loads could be better distributed over time. Likewise, parking spaces that are unused by one port resident could be made available to another on short notice.

The aim of the project is to network port residents in such a way that they can coordinate their activities with each other without much effort. This goal is pursued by the so-called "crowd solving", a concept for the consolidation, processing and subsequent distribution of logistics-relevant information. The basic idea is that if all the players, residents and truck drivers in a traffic-intensive area have information about each other's activities, they can align their own activities accordingly. Subsequently, suggestions for optimal use of infrastructure and other resources can be derived from the data.

Work packages:
Work package: Data collection and as-is analysis Work package: Concept development Work package: Implementation Work package: Effectiveness monitoring and evaluation, publication of results Work package: Project management

Duration:
April 2017 - Dec. 2020

Project partner:
TraffGo Road GmbH
Dr. Joachim Wahle
Ostwall 100
47798 Krefeld

Click here for the final video

STRASUS: Strategic sustainability for logistics by means of a business game.

Project duration: June 2017 to May 2020

Project funding: INTERREG-V-A(www.deutschland-nederland.eu)

The project STRASUS is carried out within the INTERREG program Germany-Nederland and is co-financed with 1.071.158,00 Euro by the European Union, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat), the MWIDE NRW and the Provincie Gelderland.

Initial situation
The STRASUS project supports German and Dutch SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) from the logistics sector in the systematic development, creation and implementation of an individual sustainability strategy.

The topic of sustainability or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encompasses the contribution of companies to sustainable development in ecological, social and economic terms, while valuing the demands of their stakeholders. In recent years, this topic has also become increasingly important in the logistics sector.
The main target group of the project are SMEs from the logistics sector in the border region rhine-maas-north and rhine-Waal, whose competitiveness compared to large companies is to be strengthened.

Objectives
The STRASUS project aims to "gamify" the creation and, above all, active implementation of a sustainability strategy, i.e. to make it a playful experience. In this way, the logistics sector in Germany and the Netherlands is to be prepared for the changing requirements of the future in a more targeted and efficient manner than has been possible up to now. Serious Gaming Modules (SGM), or business game modules, are to be created for this purpose, since with their help complex contents and facts can be grasped faster and more permanently. The focus is on the core topic of sustainability in corporate strategy. The SGM will be designed and developed on the basis of the sustainable strategy creation process as well as best practices in order to be as practical oriented as possible and thus relevant for the participating companies. The main objective is to create a holistic concept in which structured and intensive short workshops and business game elements complement each other in a meaningful way. In this way, the growing demand for CSR continuing training can be met without ignoring the prevailing lack of time in the logistics sector.

Approach
The STRASUS project is divided into the following four work packages:

Content:
1. Serious Gaming Module
2. Workshops

Administrative:
3. PR and Marketing
4. Project Management

In work package 1, the business game modules are designed, which are then tested, realized and applied in the workshops from work package 2 during the project duration. In work package 3, the scientific project partners will develop a model for the continuation of the workshop-serious gaming concept according to the "train-the-trainer" approach. This will ensure that the holistic concept can be continued after the end of the project on both the German and Dutch sides at the same quality level, albeit at a cost. In addition, effective communication with other small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the region will be ensured and the dissemination of the concept will be promoted. In work package4, the central project managementof STRASUS will be handled.

Work package 1: Serious Gaming
The logistics industry is mostly characterized by high fluctuation, time pressure and lack of experience of the employees. By shortening the learning phase, gamification should contribute to the implementation of internal continuing training with less time expenditure and less interference with the daily business.
1. objectives
In the first work package (WP1), a serious game (SG) will be created to support logistics companies on-the-job at different levels in the process of creating a sustainability strategy and to raise awareness of the many facets of sustainability. This process also specifies the levels of the workshops (see work package 2 (WP2) for a detailed description). The main aim is to train strategic thinking and to raise awareness for a balance of social, economic and environmental aspects of a decision. Through the playful introduction to the new topics, the learning process is not perceived as work. The "fun of it" alone can motivate employees to learn. Their own ambition is awakened and they want to accept and master the challenge on their own initiative. Added to this is curiosity: What's next? What else can I do? Can I outdo the other players next time? A serious game combines learned knowledge with application: Thus, more comprehensive and cross-thematic action structures are imprinted. Learning takes place passively, while players can act actively without having to observe social or local constraints or fear real consequences.
2. realization
The business game will be developed on the basis of the computer-supported action learning approach, since this method has proven itself especially for action-oriented target groups (e.g. logisticians) and ensures a high learning transfer.

Work package 2: Workshops
Work package 2 is oriented towards the creation process of a sustainable corporate strategy. However, since this process can neither be implemented successfully nor with lasting positive effects in practical application without competent guidance and regular expert support, individual sustainability strategies are prepared in close cooperation with the logistics partners in the project. The following steps are implemented for this purpose:

• Assessment of the logistics partners' current corporate strategies
• Exchange with management and relevant employees on their own CSR level
• Identification of successes and problems in the company through CSR assessment

External companies can participate free of charge in workshops on the following topics depending on their own requirements:

Level 1 / Workshop 1: Foundation courses of CSR in logistics: What is CSR?

• Raising awareness of doing business in harmony with society, the environment and financial gain
• Importance/relevance of concepts such as the carbon footprint and the social footprint for companies
• Certifications (implicit or explicit)
• Mission and vision: goal identification

Level 2 / Workshop 2 Introduction to analysis methods for a successful CSR strategy

• Theoretical introduction to survey, analysis, evaluation, draft solutions, evaluation and selection of draft solutions

Stage 2 / Workshop 3: Case study: problem areas and appropriate metrics.

• Identification/ delimitation of relevant survey areas or case study/ model company
• Problem areas VS target definition
• Getting to know suitable key figures and their survey bases

Step 3 / Workshop 4: ...but how to implement CSR? Basis for implementation

• Evaluation of zero measurement
• Sensitization for internal communication and correlations within the company for the implementation success of CSR

Level 3 / Workshop 5: ...but how to implement CSR? Certifications

• Preparation for relevant certifications and more in CSR management

Level 4 / Workshop 6: Preparing your own CSR report

• Preparation for the creation of a report, e.g. according to GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)

Would you like to participate in one of the above workshop concepts? Contact us to be informed about current dates!

Active project partners
Three scientific partners (Institut Gemit of HSNR, ICIS of Maastricht University and the Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen) and six industrial partners(Johs. Stelten GmbH & Co. KG from Krefeld, the Mönchengladbach-based juice producer Valensina GmbH, the Schwert-based software developer BuGaSi GmbH, the Dutch transport companies H.M. Verploegen and Gesink B.V., and the cold storage and technology company FFT projects).

CONUS - Competence Net urban-industrial Supply

Project duration: January 2020 - December 2021

Project funding: Regio.NRW - EFRE.NRW

Competence Net urban-industrial Supply

CONUS is an association financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the joint coordination of actors from the field of transport and supply in the Lower Rhine region who contribute to more sustainable action through their economic activities.This is achieved through the continuous expansion of a common interest network that spans all areas of society - citizens, business, science and politics & administration. The network researches, tests or implements, exchanges and shares its knowledge and experience in its sphere of influence. In doing so, the special challenges and potentials of the Lower Rhine region are merged in order to develop the greatest possible success in climate protection and sustainable management - initially for the region, and later for other regions.Through the CONUS network, four Living Labs are already running at the beginning, in which new, participatory and, above all, regional processes are initiated - with a special focus on strengthening urban-(re)rural relationships through digitalization.The Living Labs offer the opportunity to test new ideas, start at different levels of the value chain and are embedded in the existing (logistics) system. The framework of the network also provides the opportunity for different projects to grow together into a new Living Lab, helped by dynamic networking events, think tanks and innovation workshops in an inter- and transdisciplinary environment.By establishing the CONUS competence and innovation network, the knowledge gained in pilot projects can be economically and scientifically reused and further applied.By establishing collaborative business, the project seeks to promote and grow a lived sustainability practice in the Lower Rhine region over the next two years - through new collaborations, sponsor projects, Living Labs and events.

Living Labs with GEMIT as lead partner:

Smart Logistics Grid

This Living Lab networks stakeholders from agriculture and industry to advance the bioeconomy. One goal of the bioeconomy is to use more bio-based raw materials for energy, mobility and industrial processes in the future to enable sustainable economic activity.Smart logistics grids are being established as a basic prerequisite for creating the necessary logistics infrastructure and digitization measures. Producers of such biobased products are already located in the Lower Rhine region. Three concrete producers a) biological natural packaging (BIOTEC, Emmerich), b) bioplastics (IKS, Neuss) and c) biodegradable and biobased polymers and compounds (FKuR, Willich) will be used to demonstrate the potential and establish the region as a pioneer in the field of bioeconomy.

AGRIwear - Digitization and optimization of supply chains in agribusiness.

In the AGRIwear Living Lab, digital technology is being tested to support operations in agribusinesses. IT-supported technological aids - such as special glasses - support employees in optimizing supply and production processes. Dynamic, digitally supported systems are being tested and developed that guarantee security of supply while at the same time preventing over-delivery of certain products (perishable foods). The results thus contribute on the one hand to process optimization and thus in particular to resource conservation, and on the other hand also offer development opportunities for small regional companies. The LL contributes to more economical and secure work processes. In the course of AGRIwear, an action guide will be published, which will summarize the collected findings and make them publicly available. A close cooperation with the neighboring country Netherlands also strengthens the geographical relations of the Lower Rhine region.

Further Living Labs:

Genussregion Niederrhein

In the Living Lab Genussregion Niederrhein, food producers, logistics service providers and consumers are brought into direct contact via a specially designed IT platform. In this way, new regional value-added and supply solutions are developed. They strengthen the connection between town and country. Digital and direct networking means that wholesalers do not have to be interposed, so that entrepreneurial future potentials also become attractive for small businesses in regional agriculture.

Over the next two years, an open source IT platform will be developed, tested and adapted to promote cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experience. In addition, an e-food marketplace will be created, i.e. a perceptible web-based offer for end consumers to purchase regionally produced food.

Autonomous public transport pilot

The mobility of the future is autonomous, connected and smart. To achieve this vision, the Living Lab Autonomous Public Transport Pilot plans to deploy an automated bus in downtown Kleve. This bus will be integrated into both existing and future conceivable complex transport systems. Autonomous means of transport can revolutionize both passenger and goods transport.Especially for the challenges of the mobility turnaround, autonomous public transport represents a promising solution approach: "White spots" in rural areas can be opened up and connected with the support of autonomous and smart-digitally linked vehicles.

circular bio - Network circular bioeconomy

Project duration: February 2020 - November 2022

Project funding: Interreg V A - Germany-Nederland

The concept of a circular bioeconomy offers the opportunity to put industrial production on a more sustainable basis and to strengthen regional, but indirectly also global, economic power. By using renewable resources from agriculture and forestry as well as residual and side streams from further processing, fossil raw materials can be saved and more climate-friendly products can be produced. In particular, alternatives for the end-of-life challenges of fossil-based polymers (e.g. microplastics, reycling) can be addressed via bio-based and biodegradable alternatives.

In both the Netherlands and Germany, work is already underway today to establish a circular bioeconomy. However, these activities often still happen in parallel and independently of each other. A synergistic dovetailing of these efforts would achieve a significantly higher impact.

The Circular Bioeconomy Network aims to address these points by creating a cross-sector and cross-border platform for stakeholders and driving the establishment of new value chains for a circular bioeconomy. At the heart of the network is the promotion of companies. On the one hand, this is done by involving them in 3 cross-border and interdisciplinary working groups on the topics of "Regional Material Flow Management", "Innovative Business Models" and "Qualification and Apprenticeship". These working groups are to develop joint approaches to solutions in these subject areas. On the other hand, innovative ideas in the field of circular bioeconomy are validated and further developed by awarding innovation coupons to SMEs. This offers the region a great opportunity to gain international visibility in the innovation field of sustainable management and bioeconomy.

eCo-Store: digital solutions for cold stores

Project duration: January 2020 - June 2022

Project funding: Interreg-V-A(www.deutschland-nederland.eu)

In the eCoStore project, a digitalized cooperation platform with energy efficiency services for companies with a need for cold storage and transport capacity is being developed. The target group is German and Dutch SMEs from the cold storage and logistics sector and agribusiness. The aim is to increase the Energy Efficiency of cold storage and transport through synergies as well as the development of previously unused capacities. The need for cold storage capacities is growing, demand is seasonally determined and is becoming increasingly volatile due to strong growth rates in the online food trade. Capacities in the cold chain must therefore be provided in a time-efficient, flexible and economical manner. Cross-border exchange and cooperation are the foundation courses for innovation, thus the basis of competitiveness for the region.

The keys to the necessary innovation are provided by the eCoStore platform:

(a) use of synergies in intelligent networks in both countries.

b) consistent digitalization of processes

c) efficient development of existing capacity reserves and their cooperative use (shared economy)

d) use of mechanisms for leveling volatile demand

e) creation of an infrastructure in the Euregio with a favorable cost structure.

A company with cold storage needs can rent suitable and energy-efficient capacities with digital quality monitoring via the platform or make them available to the market. Capacities for refrigerated transports are also considered to organize highly efficient supply chains of goods to be refrigerated in the border region. One service aims at flexibly shifting refrigerated transports to less CO2-emitting modes of transport (Synchromodality 4.0). In order to increase the effect of eCoStore compared to conventional platform approaches, cooperation opportunities are created on the supply and demand side (partner clustering).

The project partners are developing solutions in these work packages:

Work package 1 - Analysis of the current situation and requirements forecast

Work package 2 - Development of innovative business models

Work package 3 - Requirements engineering (elicitation of platform requirements)

Work package 4 - Prototype development up to the test system

Work package 5 - Business plan project sustainability

Work package 6 - Master plan cooling capacity infrastructure in the Euregio

Work package 7 - Project management

Work package 8 - PR and communication

The GEMIT Institute of the Hochschule Niederrhein (lead partner), Fontys Hogeschool Venlo, Yookr B.V., Stockspots B.V., Coldstore Venray B.V., Cuppen Logistics B.V., Van Sambeeck Management Services, Fresh Logistics Systems GmbH, Van Soest Coldstores Venlo B.V. and Eurofresh Logistics GmbH are involved as project partners.

The project is carried out within the framework of the INTERREG program Germany-Nederland and is supported with 662.531,00 Euro by the European Regional Development Fund, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Environment, the MWIDE NRW and the Dutch provinces Noord-Brabandt and Limburg.

DigiPro - Springboard for German and Dutch SMEs into Industry 4.0

Brief description:
The project includes concrete measures to support and raise awareness of German and Dutch SMEs on their way to digitalization.

Concept and project objective:
An important objective in this project is to promote cooperation between German and Dutch companies and thereby realize joint projects. Through DigiPro, the companies receive financial support for the development of intelligent products, processes and business models. To this end, there are five modules, ranging from orientation talks and concept development to development projects.The project offers companies free consulting services, develops and promotes concepts, feasibility studies and innovative development projects. SMEs are supported with know-how, workshops and coaching to become better acquainted with the potential of new technologies and to get a faster start in digital business models.

Modules:

• Module 1 Orientation talk free of charge
• Module 2 in-depth discussion free of charge
• Module 3 Concept development Funding 50% of max. 5.000€.
• Module 4 Feasibility study Funding 40% of max. 20.000€.
• Module 5 Development project Funding 40% of max. 120.000€.

Duration:
May 2017 - May 2021

Project partner:
- Lead partner: Oost NL-Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost Nederland
- Euregio Rhein-Waal
- Institut GEMIT-Hochschule Niederrhein
- Huis van de Brabantse Kempen
- Niederrheinische Industrie- und Handelskammer Duisburg Wesel Kleve zu Duisburg
- LIOF - NV Industriebank LIOF- Limburgse Ontwikkelings- en Investeringsmaatschappij
- MCC Mobile Commucation Cluster e.V.
- Stichting RCT Gelderland

Interim results:
Here you can find our interim results for download.

Biene40 -Development of digital networked sensors for more vital bees"

Project duration: March 2021 - February 2024

Project funding: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), Protection of bees and other pollinator insects in the agricultural landscape (published in the Public Section of the Federal Gazette on July 18, 2019).

Funded by Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture based on a resolution of the German Bundestag.

Project volume: 355 T€

Objective:

In the Biene40 project, we want to use intelligent sensor technology to enable a beekeeper to know more about his bee colony and its immediate surroundings without having to travel to the colony and open the hive. To this end, we will further develop the technical preliminary stages for networked sensors developed at the Hochschule Niederrhein in recent years via laboratory samples to prototype maturity and prepare the market availability of the networked sensors. This also includes the development of an "information hub" through which the data from the sensors is collected, enriched with additional information and made available to the beekeeper via the Internet and smartphone.

Outcome:

Sensor monitoring results in lower mortality (no undetected lack of forage) and higher vitality of bee colonies (also less varroa load) with positive effects on the bee population (early swarm detection) and pollination performance initially in Germany.

The use of the networked sensors should enable new and hobby beekeepers, professional beekeepers, but also farmers

easier, at lower cost and more minimally invasive than before to deal with bees.

More information is available on here.

Project participants:

Research institute GEMIT of The Hochschule Niederrhein (Lead) clabremo GmbH Mönchengladbach (sensor development) Bienenland van den Bongard, Willich (laboratory and field tests, training) Fachzentrum Bienen und Imkerei im DLR, Mayen (bee science support, associated).

Contact:

Project coordination: Julia Wurm, M.A. Project management: Prof. Dr. Claus Brell

Development of an innovative load cell for beehives

profile

Despite the increase of active hobby beekeepers, especially in young age groups, the long-term decrease of bee colonies cannot be compensated, which has fatal effects for the ecosystem. In addition, training courses
are attended less and less by new beekeepers. Successful beekeeping is mainly based on implicit knowledge to assess the condition of the bee colony. One tool for this is the hive scale for condition assessment based on
hive weight. However, the cluster scale is expensive to purchase and only gives reactive recommendations, resulting in very short reaction times. Therefore, the Al4Bee project aims to develop a low-cost, proactive assistance system that takes the promising principle of the trach scale and extends it with a platform-based prescriptive action support for beekeepers. For this purpose, the trach scale will be extended with additional energy-autonomous sensor technology. Using LoRaWan, the data
will be transmitted independently of the mobile network. The planned platform will provide beekeepers with predictive action recommendations by evaluating the data using artificial intelligence methods.

Funding institution

AiF Projekt GmbH - ZIM (Central Innovation Program for SMEs)

Partner

• ikado GmbH
• FITT Institute for Technology Transfer at the University of Applied Sciences Saarland gemeinnützige GmbH

Duration

24 months until end of 08/2024

Training marketing in the city of Nettetal

This project examined the status quo of training marketing in the Nettetal economic area and placed it in the context of the current training situation in the Federal Republic of Germany. It was shown, for example, that companies are having increasing problems filling their apprenticeship positions due to changes such as demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers, as well as the increasing desire of young people to pursue studies instead of apprenticeships.

Solvent - Self-Organized Learning Refines Navigation and Telematics

Brief description:
Development of cloud-based smartphone services to create a market for cooperative services in traffic telematics for road users whose vehicles are not equipped with cooperative components by the manufacturer.

Concept and project objective:
North Rhine-Westphalia is the state most affected by traffic jams. As part of the "Solvent" project, a technology is being developed to remedy the situation. Traffic jams will then not be a thing of the past, but at least word will get around quickly enough to allow following cars to switch to alternative routes in good time. Currently, traffic data flows into a central database, the Mobility Data Marketplace, where it is used to indicate dangerous situations or traffic jams. However, this data only accrues when cars are detected at specific locations. Data collection is often too slow with today's traffic volumes. It would be interesting if the data that providers such as Google collect daily from smartphone users while driving could also be used publicly and not just privately. The aim of the project is therefore to develop an alternative collection method in order to be able to make better and faster traffic forecasts. The project will demonstrate that central business processes for traffic management and information systems can be efficiently aligned on the mobile web with enhanced reality perception.

Duration:
01.01.2016 - 30.06.2017

Project partners:
Almo Consult GmbH, Aachen
Institut GEMIT der Hochschule Niederrhein, Mönchengladbach

Funding:
The project is funded as part of the "Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)" program.
Sponsored by: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy based on a resolution of the German Bundestag.

AZUBI-Pilot
The institute GEMIT of the Hochschule Niederrhein brings together potential apprentices and companies in the Rhine-Waal region.

Concept and project objective:
In cooperation with the business development department of the city of Hamminkeln and Candea College in Duiven, the GEMIT Institute facilitates career guidance for students and identifies suitable recruitment channels for companies in the Rhine-Waal Euregio.

The information needs and information behavior of future apprentices in the schools of Hamminkeln and Candea College have already been determined with a questionnaire. In addition, the information behavior of the companies in the region and their approach to potential apprentices was analyzed by determining the information channels and through interviews with company representatives.

In the AZUBI-Pilot project, the deficits from the information offered by the companies and the information needs of the young people are identified and eliminated through an individual catalog of measures. The aim is to enable companies to better reach their potential apprentices and present them with comprehensible apprenticeship and career profiles. The measures are tested together with the companies and schools, which in turn improves and strengthens the cooperation between schools and companies. The AZUBI-Pilot project is also being implemented across borders in the Netherlands to improve the cross-border approach to young people on the part of companies.

Added value and benefits:
The differences between the information needs of students and the information offered by companies as well as country-specific differences are identified. Based on this, suitable measures will be developed to reduce the existing deficits in order to facilitate the career choice of the students as well as to identify suitable recruitment channels for the companies in the Rhine-Waal region.

Measures:
The main objective of the measures is to better inform young people about training opportunities and also to involve the secondary target group of parents and teachers. An organized company visit for teachers allows them to get to know the partner companies and their teaching education program better. The teachers can then pass on the information gained to their students. A trainee workshop is also held with German and Dutch 9th grade students, in which the students work in groups to prepare training information and show ways of finding the right training occupation. Another measure is to publish the training information of regional companies on the website of the city of Hamminkeln so that students can find regional training opportunities there. In addition, students, teachers and companies will be given a guide on which the most important sources of information used for apprenticeships can be found.

Duration: 01.08.2014 - 31.03.2015

Project partner:
Hamminkeln Economic Development
Mr. Martin Hapke
Brüner Str. 9
46499 Hamminkeln

The Hochschule Niederrhein - Institute GEMIT
Mr. Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Mülder
Ms. Alexandra Bartels
Mr. Björn Rafreider
Ms. Jennifer Wienkötter
Speicker Str. 8
41061 Mönchengladbach

Candea College
Dr. B.J.L. van den Anker
Saturnus 1
6920 Duiven, NL

EURAGA - Euregional Employer Attractiveness

Project title:
Euregional Employer Attractiveness - Employer Branding - Increasing the Employer Attractiveness of SMEs in the Euregio rhein-maas-nord

Duration: Jan. 2014 - June 2015

Project leader:
Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Mülder, Institute GEMIT

Project partner:

• Walter Rau Neusser Öl und Fett AG
• Auto-Centrum Walter Coenen GmbH & Co. KG
• imat-uve GmbH
• BWS Technology GmbH
• LucaNet AG
• Vanderlande Industries GmbH
• Optibelt Walk B.V.
• Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.
• VOS Company B.V.
• In Time Personnel Services GmbH & Co KG

Brief description:
Support for SMEs from the border region with regard to personnel recruitment, retention and development in order to sustainably secure their competitiveness and increase their attractiveness as employers.

Objective:
This project aims to improve the attractiveness of the participating companies as employers by means of successful methods and innovative new approaches to personnel management. To this end, instruments for employee recruitment, retention and development will be improved and introduced through a joint exchange of knowledge. Other goals include developing employer brands, mitigating the effects of demographic change and promoting equal opportunities.

Upon completion of the project, the lessons learned will be made available to other SMEs in the region. The overall objective of this project is to secure and expand the competitiveness of the regional economy.

Structure of the project assignment:
6 work packages with different specialisations.

1st work package: Meta analysis

2nd work package: Status analysis at the companies

3rd work package: Development of the toolbox

4th work package: Support in the application of the toolbox

5th work package: Development of Quick-Check

6th work package: Project management

AZUBInfo
The institute GEMIT of the Hochschule Niederrhein identifies the gap between information needs and information offers for potential apprentices in the Rhine-Waal region.

Concept and project objective
In cooperation with the business development department of the city of Hamminkeln and the Candea College in Duiven, the GEMIT Institute determines the status of regional apprenticeship placement in the Euregio Rhine-Waal. In the region around Hamminkeln, it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to fill their vocational training positions because there is obviously a considerable information deficit between companies and applications. The first step was therefore to determine the information needs and behavior of future apprentices in Hamminkeln's schools and at Candea College by means of a questionnaire. Subsequently, the findings made it possible to identify which forms of presentation and information are best suited for young people to find apprenticeship positions. In a further step, the information offered by companies in the region and their approach to potential trainees was determined by identifying the information channels and conducting interviews with company representatives. The aim is to compare the information needs of the future trainees with the information offered by the companies on the German and Dutch side and to determine suitable forms of presentation that best reach the young people.

The AZUBInfo project is also being carried out across borders in the Netherlands in order to identify national or cultural differences in the search for apprenticeships and the recruitment of apprentices by companies.

Added value and benefits
The differences between the information needs of students and the information offered by companies as well as country-specific differences could be identified. Based on this, suitable measures will be developed in a follow-up project, which should lead to a reduction of the existing deficits in the placement of apprentices in the Rhine-Waal region in the medium term and improve it sustainably.

Duration: 15.04.2014 - 31.10.2014

Project partner
Wirtschaftsförderung Hamminkeln
Mr. Martin Hapke
Brüner Str. 9
46499 Hamminkeln

Hochschule Niederrhein - GEMIT Institute
Mr. Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Mülder
Mr. Bernd Landmesser
Speicker Str. 8
41061 Mönchengladbach

Candea College
Dr. B.J.L. van den Anker
Saturnus 1
6920 Duiven
Netherlands

Marketplace for mobile services

Conception and development
Mobile services, which can be used to buy a train or parking ticket using a smartphone, for example, are nothing new in this day and age. But with so many services available to customers, few synergies exist. Many operators offer their services separately from the rest of the applications, so cross-provider solutions do not yet exist.

The goal of the project is therefore to design and develop a B2B marketplace for mobile services. This marketplace will be tested in the city of Cologne, where a large number of providers of various mobile services exist in a regional context. The marketplace is intended to trigger the creation of synergies between providers so that, in the longer term, more services cooperate with each other and integrate with each other at the application level.

Creation of a metadata directory
The core of the project is the creation of a metadata directory that contains the data of the participating service providers. This also includes information on the terms of use of their own services. Service operators will be able to use this to search for other service offerings which, from their individual point of view, have synergy potential, so that partnerships and the integration of synergetic services with one another can be initiated.

The basic data of the metadata directory will be freely available. A query of detailed information will be reserved for members via a separate area. During the project, the directory will be filled via the contacts of the project partners in order to reach a critical mass for the test operation.

Certification
In order to guarantee the seriousness of the listed service providers, a certification process will be developed for this purpose. Only after successful certification will they be admitted to the marketplace. Among other things, certain minimum standards must be met, for example, that the provider's own data is up to date and that it complies with the terms of use for third-party data.

Payment concept and operator model
It can be assumed that the listed providers each use their own payment service, with some overlap. For this reason, a foundation course should be created that simplifies reciprocal use between them in the long term. This is to be made possible within the project by means of an example.

At the same time, the conception and testing of operator models for the B2B marketplace will also play a role. After the end of the funding period, the developed model should be able to support itself. For this purpose, an evaluation model is being developed to ensure the scientific and technical relevance of the project during the project period on the basis of defined key figures.

Project partners
TraffGo Road GmbH
Dr. Joachim Wahle
Mr. Daniel Weber
Ostwall 100
47798 Krefeld

Hochschule Niederrhein - GEMIT Institute
Mr. Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Mülder
Richard-Wagner-Str. 8
41065 Mönchengladbach

Process optimization of merchandise management for a medium-sized trading company

Hessels Deutschland GmbH in Willich serves agricultural machinery dealers, agricultural machinery manufacturers and end customers such as farmers and agricultural service providers. The wide range of products includes screening and conveyor belts for harvesting machines such as potato and beet harvesters, overloading systems, and special machines for vegetable and horticulture. In addition, Hessels offers a comprehensive range of services and advice on the use of sieve, haulm and hedgehog belts in machines, their spare parts procurement and special retrofitting options.

Due to the strong demand, also beyond Germany, the company intends to grow. The merchandise management processes and the information technology support for the processes are to be adapted to the growth.

A team from the GEMIT research institute at the Hochschule Niederrhein (Prof. Claus Brell, business economist Lena Vloet, and business IT specialist Oliver Schmitz, both in their master's studies) is supporting Hessels Deutschland in a consulting project. By the end of January 2014, a concept will be created in which optimization potential will be uncovered on the basis of an in-depth analysis of the existing business processes, recommendations for action will be made for implementing improvements, and proposals for the use of comprehensive IT support for merchandise management will be developed.

The consulting project is partly sponsored by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Smaller SMEs with growth potential that also wish to receive consulting services from GEMIT (possibly with partial support from the state) can contact Prof. Dr. Claus Brell.

Testing of wireless sensor systems
in the refrigeration and freezer area of a food retail company

In food retailing, the verifiable safeguarding of and compliance with HACCP standards (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a sensitive issue. In cooperation with the GEMIT Institute of the Hochschule Niederrhein, an engineering office developed a wireless sensor system technology with provision of data management as well as evaluation and display functions based on web interfaces, for which open source software was used.

The sensor system was tested under real operating conditions within the project. This included the functionality of the sensor system, the wireless data transmission as well as its display.

Project goals:
The institute GEMIT of the Hochschule Niederrhein was tasked with acquiring a project partner from the food retail industry to provide a real test environment for a field trial. Furthermore, the requirements of the veterinary office for the system and the acceptance of the data were to be determined. In addition, the satisfaction of the project partner regarding the sensor system should be surveyed.

Preparation:
In order to prepare the field test, it was first necessary to determine the framework conditions on the part of the veterinary office for the sensor system and the data management for the
application in the food sector. For a test under real conditions, a project partner from the food retail sector had to be acquired who could provide the test environment for the field test.

The new system was to be installed and tested in a selected store in parallel with existing measures in normal business operations.

Project support:
Following the preparations, the next step was to determine the optimum positions for mounting the sensors by means of joint discussions and a site inspection at the test branch. Possible location-related obstacles, such as interference from metals, were to be assessed. In addition, the temperature critical areas for the system test were defined as follows:

• Dairy product counter
• Freezer chests and cabinets
• Freezer room
• Cheese counter
• Fresh meat counter
• Meat preparation room
• Butcher's cold store

Subsequently, the temperature-relevant actual processes were recorded. Based on this foundation course, the test system was installed in the selected store and the test was carried out.

Results:
Recommendations for action and benefits
After the degree of successful test execution, the results obtained were documented and interpreted for the creation of a recommendation for action. Recommendations were drawn up on the following points, among others:

• Satisfaction with the sensor system from the customer's point of view
• Targeted further development of the sensor system by identifying deficits and potentials
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Strengths of the system serve as a foundation course for marketing concepts

Even during the course of the project, the product, both the sensor system and the software, could be further developed in relation to the given framework conditions.