GLS puts new EU-computer centre in operation
Data from all over Europe is bundled, processed and stored here: General Logistics Systems B.V., Amsterdam (GLS), will put its new European computer centre in Neuenstein (Germany) in operation in March. The parcel and express service provider, operating in 34 different countries, invested two million euros in a building that meets the highest security standards.
The server rooms in the 400 square-metre-large bunker-type building are unmanned, the systems fully automated. To prevent fire, the oxygen content of the air is reduced. This means that people can only remain in these rooms for a maximum of one hour at a time. The doors will only open when two employees simultaneously enter their respective individual password. This and other security measures as well as a sophisticated alarm system ensure that GLS data is highly accessible and well-protected from inside and out.
Central server farm
“The entire building meets high security standards and state-of-the-art technologies”, explains Johannes Ruttinger, Chief Information Officer of the GLS Group. “We have installed several emergency systems and have even set up plans for the event of a catastrophe.” Via its subsidiary GLS IT Services, the GLS Group plans, monitors and coordinates the electronic data processes for all national companies throughout Europe. The IT specialists installed their central server farm in the new computer centre, allowing the formerly decentralised GLS systems to now be concentrated in one single location.
“Centralising our system enables us to minimise sources of errors and use synergies”, says Ruttinger. “All of the programs are updated and monitored on-site and from one source. Updates or new installations now only need to be done here and no longer separately in each country. In addition, ensuring data security in the network – via firewalls, virus protection programs, etc. – is much easier this way.”
Data across borders
Approximately 20 million data records from all over Europe are processed in the new computer centre daily. Servers with a total storage capacity of 50 terabyte ensure that each and every step in the processing and handling of more than 280 million parcels and express shipments per year across Europe can be followed without fail. Each shipment is labelled with a barcode, is scanned at its different stations and tracked per IT – regardless of whether it is a national or international shipment. Consignees can access the current status of their shipment via the GLS Tracking & Tracing system.
Alongside these scanning and shipping systems, communications (email), process control and billing systems are also run via the EU-computer centre. In future, the central GLS Internet portal, with the websites of all of the national companies, will also be accessible via the server farm in Neuenstein. “We are harmonising the individual components of our systems throughout Europe and are bringing them together in ‘UNIQUE’, our central operative IT system.”
“Today, high-quality pan-European parcel services require state-of the-art information technology”, says Rico Back, CEO of General Logistics Systems B.V., Amsterdam (GLS). “With our new European computer centre we are continuing to expand our leading role in the area of IT on the European CEP market.”
Quality delivered by GLS
General Logistics Systems B.V., Amsterdam (GLS), is a Pan-European company providing reliable, high-quality parcel and express services as well as value-added logistics solutions. The company offers its services through wholly owned and partner companies in 34 European states. The GLS system consists of 29 central transhipment points, 667 depots and 14,500 people. Some 17,700 vehicles are on route moving 280 million parcels annually for 220,000 customers throughout Europe. In the financial year 2004/2005, GLS achieved revenues of 1.34 billion euros. GLS stands for “European Leader in Quality“. This is something that everyone working for GLS strives to achieve every day.
