This article was published in September 2010 issue of World Port Development. To receive a pdf of the article in its original format including charts and pictures please send an email to archive@worldportdevelopment.com
Sheila Moloney talks to Michel Demeyer about how after twelve years working for in-house OCR technology vendors he is embarking on a new venture using his wealth of experience and expertise as an independent consultant.
What prompted you to make the decision to launch your own consultancy?
Over the years I have built up extensive experience in OCR automation projects in container terminals and have learned that customers are looking for integrated solutions that are not only based on OCR but a combination of technologies. Each of the OCR vendors I worked with were in a way restricted in offering such combination of technologies as they are not always commercially the choice for the OCR vendor, and I want to provide customers with the solution they are looking for independent of the technology.
Do you feel a sense of liberation now that you can operate independently?
I feel indeed a sense of liberation working on my own but on the other hand it brings other pressures as it is not so easy to convince companies to work with (and pay for ) a consultant who previously was working for a vendor. It will take time to change this view.
Entering a new phase in your career must be exciting but also challenging?
It is certainly exciting and challenging but I am sure that with the bank of experience and know how I have acquired having worked 20 years in the Maritime and Intermodal transport industry, I will succeed.
What do you consider to be your career highlights?
The highlight in my career is the latest big project I have been involved in for the new Hanjin Container Terminal TTI Algeciras where I was able to design a solution based on OCR technology in combination with RFID/RTLS technology to provide the customer with 100% cargo traceability in his semi automated terminal. This was only possible by working with the right partners and by the good co-operation of the TTI Algeciras team that was ready for such technology combination.
What do you consider the most important technical advancements in OCR technology over the last five years?
The different OCR vendors are using different technical approaches to achieve the highest possible recognition result using a variation of hardware and software but the most important advancement should be that they provide an integrated solution where the OCR and other technologies can be used to provide the customer with an automation solution.
In your new role how can you add value to clients?
I am convinced we definitively add value to clients. With my knowledge and expertise we can help them in making the right choice of technology for the automation they want to achieve in their Port or terminal. We can help them in the design, evaluation, tender management, implementation, project co-ordination, process validation, process training and post implementation review.
What major hurdles have you faced during your career and how have they affected the industrial projects you have been involved in?
The major hurdle I experienced during my career was involved in the selling of “technology products” from one vender – the challenge was managing the balance between the pure commercial interest to get the product sold and my eagerness to provide the customers with the best possible economical and technical solution. OCR is an interesting technology but it only one small part of the total automation chain that is needed and therefore it has to be integrated very well with all the other parts of that chain to give the customer the required results.
What is your greatest motivating force?
My greatest motivation force is the fact that in those 20+ years in the business I have met a lot of nice people worldwide. With many of them I have been able to build up good contacts. In addition I am eager to continue to see the new technology solutions that become available to the market.
How would you describe your vision for the future?
My vision of the future in this market is that more and more Ports and terminals continue move into the direction of automation based on different, available and new technologies with, where possible, a “green” footprint as one of the upcoming requirements.