Ms. Rögner, what is behind the online marketplace 'visionpier'?

Sigrid Rögner: We bring users, solution providers and start-ups together here. Let me explain that in more detail: Applications in the field of image processing are changing, primarily due to the possibilities of artificial intelligence. And there are many new areas of application where traditional image processing solutions are reaching their limits - not just applications in industry, robotics, retail or logistics, but also the use of cameras in the areas of smart farming, smart cities and recycling. End customers do not have an overview of what is available and it takes a lot of effort to find the best provider for their problem. Users often have a very specific, application-related task and come to us looking for a concrete solution.

On the other hand, IDS works with many solution providers who often develop interesting solutions specifically for one customer, which are then only used there - although they can certainly be adapted for other customers with similar tasks. Since 2018, we have also been working with a number of start-ups that have really good solutions, particularly in the field of AI, and are looking for customers.

The marketplace is now a digital place where concrete solutions for image processing tasks are presented. Customers can compare them and contact the solution provider directly with just one click. If their specific task cannot be found, the customer has the option of sending an inquiry to the marketplace. They then receive the contact details of a maximum of three providers whose expertise matches their task and who could dedicate themselves to it.

Who is the offer specifically aimed at?

Rögner: 'Visionpier' connects end customers in the B2B sector who have a task for an imaging process but do not have the necessary expertise with providers who have a solution for this or a similar problem. Our aim is to achieve the best possible link between customer and provider on 'visionpier', with a wide range of image processing solutions - with or without AI.

How has the AI marketplace developed since its launch?

Rögner: We started in December 2020 with a landing page and the first 15 AI applications from start-ups. The test phase was planned to run for six months in order to find out whether such an offer could even have a chance on the market. The test site was then transformed into a public marketplace in spring 2021, and more than 50 solutions have now been posted on 'visionpier'. Since the beginning of October 2021, 'visionpier' no longer only accepts AI solutions, but also classic image processing solutions. Experience has shown that it doesn't matter to end customers which technology was used to develop a solution as long as it offers the greatest possible benefit.

At the same time, 'visionpier' regularly offers - digital - events, such as speed dating, competitions and community meetings, so that providers and customers can come together. The aim is to build an image processing community that meets at events and also finds new ways together.

What have you learned so far?

Rögner : Contrary to what we thought at the beginning, it's not just medium-sized companies that use the service. We have also learned how long the sales cycle actually takes from the first customer contact to the completion of such a project. As an industrial camera manufacturer, we have so far only experienced part of the customer process, namely the part from the first inquiry from our customer to the delivery of our cameras.

However, the follow-up of projects by IDS is also important to both sides. Projects are often canceled at an early stage because communication stalls. We are currently addressing this issue with a new 'request tracking tool'.

And what does the future roadmap look like?

Rögner : We have big plans for 2022! We want to significantly increase awareness and traffic on 'visionpier'. We will also be equipping the marketplace with various new functions, such as the aforementioned tracking of inquiries, an evaluation tool and an improved search function. We are also planning some interesting events: On January 31, for example, we kicked off with a Japanese/German startup pitch in the image processing sector; there will be a competition as well as topic-related speed dating.