The logistics provider was looking to make service parts logistics more efficient by testing warehouse management systems and digitalizing workflows, with the Wiesbaden parts center acting as a testing ground for machine learning, artificial intelligence and internet-of-things (IoT) technology. Central to these plans is the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots) developed to work with warehouse operatives and manage repetitive tasks as well as enhancing safety. Customers using the Wiesbaden facility include most leading automotive brands, said Erhardt, and the facility is processing 4,500 order lines a day. The latest move follows the opening earlier this month of a workshop for used car refurbishment at Gefco’s finished vehicle logistics compound in Vienna, Austria. The workshop provides customers with a range of refurbishment services, such as inspection and appraisals, imaging, repair, valeting and maintenance.
Gefco also launched a one-year pilot project to test an automated vehicle inspection portal for finished vehicle bodywork, aimed at speeding up the delivery of vehicles from the assembly line. The portal has been developed by AI scanner start-up ProovStation. It is positioned in the Gefco’s vehicle reception area at the Marly-la-Ville logistics compound and scans incoming vehicles, capturing 1,000 images in three seconds, with the aim of more accurately identifying any damage to bodywork and speeding up inspections. Gefco on exploring this new technology to optimize the quality and efficiency of the inspection process for Gefco’s customers.