[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”bg_section_single_post” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h5_class white_text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
How the portfolio of telematics and digitalization specialist tepcon GmbH has been expanding for 20 years and is always one step ahead in terms of technology. Interview with Christoph Kluge, founder and Managing Director of tepcon GmbH. <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/tepcon-20190122-155_Zuschnitt.jpg” alt=”USE CASE: tepcon optimizes cycle production” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h3_class checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n I have had a passion for technology ever since I studied computer science at HFU Furtwangen. During my internship semester in California (USA) in a start-up company for software solutions, the idea of founding my own company germinated. In Silicon Valley – the cradle of digitalization – everything seems to be possible. True to the motto “what the companies here can do, we can do at home in the Black Forest”<\/b>, tepcon GmbH was founded in H\u00fcfingen in 2002. It all began with a merger of specialists in IT services, management consulting and software development, which also gave rise to the name tepcon: Partner<\/b>for Technology<\/b>and Consulting<\/b>. <\/p>\n With the beginnings of Industry 4.0, many terms have emerged in the field of information technology: Smart Industry, Cloud, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and so on. These technologies are based on the following goal: optimization through intelligent processes. We also started in 2002 with process optimization and the development of a warehouse management system to efficiently control warehouse stocks and logistical business processes. Time, resources and costs can be saved through intelligently automated workflows. The warehouse logistics software developed at that time is still in use today at <\/b>company B. Ketterer S\u00f6hne GmbH & Co.<\/b><\/a> which makes me very proud.<\/b> <\/p>\n At the beginning of the 2000s, the release of GPS satellite data for civilian use led to a veritable navigation boom. Vehicle tracking became more and more accurate and the demand for real-time monitoring increased. As a result, in 2008 we developed a web-based telematics system with a comprehensive range of possible applications: Vehicle tracking, container tracking, fleet management and much more. This tracking<\/strong> information<\/strong> system<\/strong>was given the name traisy<\/b><\/a> and is represented in a wide range of industries such as construction, transportation and logistics as well as service and field service. In the years that followed, the demand for tracking systems in industry also grew, so we built an IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) portal based on our telematics portal. From machine monitoring and machine learning to predictive maintenance – we cover various areas of Industry 4.0.<\/b> We combine these in a sensible and customer-specific way in order to achieve maximum machine utilization for our customers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/hollywood_hills-img.jpg” alt=”technician creates digital assembly instructions with the tepcon instructor to optimize production processes.” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/erster_firmensitz-img.jpg” alt=”Graphic shows the more than 50 percent reduction in the construction time of a system through the use of the tepcon instructor.” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/vr-img.jpg” alt=”Graphic shows the more than 50 percent reduction in the construction time of a system through the use of the tepcon instructor.” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/praxistest-img.jpg” alt=”Graphic shows the more than 50 percent reduction in the construction time of a system through the use of the tepcon instructor.” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h3_class checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Alexandra Laufer-M\u00fcller, Managing Director and shareholder of AP&S<\/b><\/a> studied at the HFU in Furtwangen, just like me. It was there that we got to know each other and appreciate each other’s strengths and interests – in my case, as already mentioned, my unbridled enthusiasm for digitalization and development, and in Alexandra Laufer-M\u00fcller’s case her business acumen, foresight and penchant for numbers. A great combination, we agreed. <\/p>\n We implemented the first projects for AP&S back in 2003. In 2015, AP&S acquired a stake in tepcon. The medium-sized mechanical engineering company secured its own software development for wet process systems, including IIoT and other digitalization solutions. In 2017, we moved with the entire tepcon team to the new AP&S company building in Donaueschingen-Aasen and have been together under one roof ever since. Thanks to its close relationship with mechanical engineering and industry, tepcon is always at the forefront of the development of new solutions and can test them directly in practice. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”bg_section_single_post” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h5_class white_text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]And for us, practice literally means – open the door, get out of the tepcon office, open the door, get into plant production at AP&S.<\/b> It simply doesn’t get any closer or more practical than this! The result is a win-win situation for both companies. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_5190-img.jpg” alt=”USE CASE: tepcon optimizes cycle production” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h3_class checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n An important synergy effect here is that the developments and experience we gain on the machines here at AP&S are immediately transferred to other customers in mechanical engineering and beyond. This allows us to implement solutions faster and more efficiently, as they have already been tried and tested in industry. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h3_class checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Merging innovative digitalization solutions and always getting the best out of them as well as always being one step ahead and doing pioneering work – these are our aspirations. So it goes without saying that AR and VR also play an important role for us. <\/p>\n The Microsoft HoloLens, which was released in 2016, made augmented reality suitable for the public. As early as 2018, we integrated augmented reality into our digitalization solutions so that high-tech products could be easily illustrated with 3D product presentations<\/strong>. This means that with a HoloLens or simply a tablet and the tepcon software, a sales employee has all machines with them at all times and everywhere – just as an example. <\/p>\n But AR goes far beyond a revolutionary product presentation. Even complex processes or work steps can be visualized with the help of AR, in our case specifically with the product instructor<\/strong><\/a> product, can be communicated quickly and easily in the form of digital instructions. An example: A new employee who has no knowledge of the industry, product or, let’s say, German, starts working for you in production. How long is the training period? Weeks, months? With digital instructions, the employee can be guided step-by-step and achieve good work results independently within a very short time. A major advantage: with an integrated translation function, the work instructions can be translated at the touch of a button. And the best thing is that the knowledge is saved in the company for the long term and does not go with the employee when they retire or go on vacation. The possibilities here are also very diverse and can be used in different areas and industries. <\/p>\n VR should not be missing from this list: Our virtual training center trainhub<\/strong> is based on this technology. This enables us to offer virtual classroom training sessions regardless of time and place – based on previously created digital instructions. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”bg_section_single_post” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h5_class white_text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]It is important to us that the work performed is reused in the best possible way. <\/strong>In addition, trainhub’s virtual and interactive learning content surpasses the level of traditional classroom training and results in real added value.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/APS-20171114-0542.jpg” alt=”USE CASE: tepcon optimizes cycle production” module_class=”img__radius ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_id=”sectionscrollid1″ module_class=”h3_class checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n1 Christoph, congratulations on your 20th company anniversary. How did the founding of tepcon GmbH actually come about? What motivated you personally? <\/h3>\n
2. what was the first product of the newly founded company?<\/h3>\n
3. solutions to increase efficiency have been tepcon’s hobbyhorse for 20 years. What areas have been added over time and what challenges have there been? <\/h3>\n
4. tepcon GmbH and the mechanical engineering company AP&S International GmbH – how are these companies related? And how did this merger come about? <\/h3>\n
5. tepcon’s anniversary motto is “20 years ahead of the future”. What options does tepcon offer its customers to keep pace with digital change? <\/h3>\n
6 It all started with telematics. How has this area developed? <\/h3>\n