The IMEC is a crucial link within PostNL's international logistics network. Parcels from Asia, America, and Europe, among others, arrive here and are immediately processed for further distribution. This requires a process where technology and logistics work seamlessly together.

Jan van den Bosch, Business Consultant at PostNL: “As soon as a parcel arrives here, its route must be determined almost immediately. This requires real-time data processing. Only then can we keep the flow of goods efficient and manageable.” Within this process, scanning plays a key role. Every parcel must be identified quickly and flawlessly, without hindering the flow.

The real innovation lies in how the scan information is processed. Instead of sending all data first via the cloud to central systems, Nalta developed an edge computing layer between the scanner and the main application.

“What makes this solution special,” says Koen van Zeijl, Seasoned Team Lead at Nalta, “is that we built a smart edge layer between the ProGlove and PostNL's central systems. As a result, data doesn't have to go back to the main application via the cloud first; instead, the employee receives immediate feedback in milliseconds.” This means decisions are made locally and directly, without delays caused by detours through central systems. This significantly speeds up the process and enables real-time adjustments.

The benefits are visible on multiple levels. Employees experience more comfort, new colleagues can be trained faster, and the chance of errors decreases because instructions are simpler and more direct. Robin: “The feedback on the screen is very clear. Employees immediately see if an action has been performed correctly. This not only increases speed but also the quality of the process.”

The business impact is also significant. Thanks to ProGlove, scanning operations are faster, employees can process more parcels per hour, and the number of erroneous scans decreases. In combination with Nalta's edge computing layer, this leads to shorter lead times, less rework, and lower operational costs.

The collaboration between PostNL and Nalta is characterized by short lines of communication and joint optimization. New ideas are quickly tested and translated into workable process improvements. Jan: “If we see opportunities to organize a process more intelligently, we quickly sit down together. Nalta contributes significantly with its expertise and can translate innovations into concrete solutions at lightning speed.”

For Koen, too, this speed of collaboration is crucial. “When PostNL has a question, it needs to be immediately applicable in an operational environment that is always running. This combination of speed and reliability makes this project so strong.”

The solution is now being deployed in multiple locations within PostNL's supply chain and is widely embraced by employees. “People find it very pleasant to work with,” Jan concludes.