The “Supply Chain Digitalization” research group at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) at Hof University of Applied Sciences has completed an innovative pilot project together with Ernst Röser GmbH from Tettau, which is fundamentally changing the procurement of packaging solutions in the B2B sector. The aim was to develop an integrated, digital marketplace through which companies can order bottles, closures and finishes from regional suppliers quickly and easily.
“Our solution is innovative and so far unique in Europe – we see numerous other potential applications,” says Frank Hammerschmidt, Managing Director of Ernst Röser GmbH.
For the first time, automated pressure range detection on bottles is possible – that is unique in the world.”
Frank Hammerschmidt, Managing Director of Ernst Röser GmbH
Digital platform for maximum flexibility
The core of the newly developed solution is an intelligent web configurator that automatically integrates information on products, technical details and finishing options directly from suppliers in real time. This provides a constantly updated overview of available packaging solutions – from bottle shape to individual printing – all in a single order. “At the heart of the project is the fusion of image recognition and technical drawings. This is a new approach that is not yet available on the market,” explains project manager Prof. Dr. Heike Markus from Hof University of Applied Sciences.
Finding a solution is complex, but the application must be simple – so that companies can concentrate on developing new ideas.”
Prof. Dr. Heike Markus
The platform offers maximum flexibility: suppliers can provide their product data either directly via their own website or via Excel documents. This openness to different data sources allows the system to be quickly expanded to include new products, sectors or suppliers.
Technological basis: BECKN protocol and AI
The technological basis is the BECKN protocol, which enables standardized, secure communication between all involved parties. It creates the prerequisite for a scalable, interoperable ecosystem in which different services are connected via a common language. Particular attention was paid to image processing: as many product images on websites do not have the required quality for automated configuration, automatic optimization through AI-based image enhancement is planned – a contribution from the AI User Center at iisys.
Integration of web stores and automated pricing
The integration of existing webshops through so-called webscraping ensures that product information is always up to date. New suppliers or services can be integrated with minimal effort. “The idea behind webshop integration is to create maximum flexibility with minimum effort for suppliers and customers,” says Prof. Markus. “The store has to be simple, flexible and reliable.” A follow-up project is currently working on automated pricing. This involves mapping the print area on complex bottle shapes such as perfume bottles and calculating prices in real time – using historical data and AI algorithms. “The important question for the acceptance of the platform is whether it is possible to calculate prices based on historical data in real time that are also valid,” Markus continues.
Future potential for other sectors
The solution is not just limited to the packaging sector: Thanks to its modular and open architecture, it is also suitable for other industries in which complex products are configured and ordered. The prototype that has now been created offers a blueprint for a wide range of applications – from industrial production to personalized product design.
