Trans-o-flex expands IT network and opens new depot
Trans-o-flex, the German express company, has signed a contract with T-Systems to increase the security of its IT Network. The carrier has also opened a new €5.5 million depot in Saarland, on the French border.
Trans-o-flex said it has renewed its contract with T-Systems, the corporate client division of Deutsche Telekom, and further increased the security of its network. T-Systems will operate the logistics company’s network for another five years on a cable-run basis and also establish a satellite-based network for data traffic between the head office in Weinheim and all other sites in Germany. In case of a breakdown in the cable network, the system will switch automatically to the satellite network. “We need this secure company network to offer high-quality IT services at all times and in all locations,” says Werner Haas, responsible for IT at Trans-o-flex.
T-Systems has already installed the satellite units at all the operative trans-o-flex locations. The local System Partners can therefore continue to work as normal even if a cable connection failure occurs. In this case all services from computers, barcode readers and hand-held units are transmitted by satellite to the headquarters in Weinheim, where trans-o-flex operates two independent computing centres, each of which provides the complete range of services. “By double-safeguarding our systems like this, the safety of our customers’ data is guaranteed, even in extreme situations,” said IT expert Werner Haas.
Meanwhile, after a construction phase lasting only six months, Trans-o-flex opened its new sorting centre in St. Ingbert in Saarland in early March. The new network centre is set up to handle packages as well as palletised goods and represents the platform for further logistics business growth in the region for trans-o-flex, one of the leading “combi-freight” operators in Europe. The centre previously used by the Trans-o-flex system partner had become too small, on account of the constantly growing volume. The new centre has 4,000 sqm. of sorting space and 750 sqm. of offices. For trans-o-flex the new building is a stepping-stone towards greater efficiency in its South-West German operations.
“Thanks to the improved and accelerated sorting process we can continue to offer our customers unique value for money in future – despite rising external costs,” promised Wolfgang Weber, head of operations at Trans-o-flex.
Incidentally, the large package hall, subdivided into one area for linehaul activities and two for local traffic, will be a pioneer for similar projects in future. There is no need for vehicles to enter the building since they are loaded and unloaded outside via gates and hydraulic loading platforms. This means fewer emissions in the air and less exertion for the system partner’s employees, and there is no more obstruction of the entries and exits. “The €5.5 million is money well spent because now more goods can be sorted in a shorter time. This state-of-the-art centre will help us consolidate and extend our top-quality service in the years to come,” Wolfgang Weber said.
