Digitalization has long since arrived in logistics in the form of handheld scanners. However, the resulting processes are cumbersome and offer considerable potential for improvement—after all, the scanner has to be taken out and put away for each scan if it is not to block a hand. The Munich-based startup Nimmsta has addressed this problem with a self-developed back-of-the-hand scanner.
Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Nimmsta: We (Florian, 37, and Andi, 34) met at university and both always wanted to do our own thing. In 2009, immediately after completing our automotive engineering studies, and partly due to the market situation, we set up our own engineering firm. AFR Engineering is a development service provider in engine development at BMW M and product development at Datalogic. The company has continued to grow steadily, and new ideas and projects are constantly emerging. In 2018, we founded Outentic, under which we developed and launched an innovative outdoor backpack. Based on our many years of experience in product development for industrial PCs at AFR Engineering, the idea for Nimmsta was born in 2019.
We two are the managing directors. The project Nimmsta Florian is the technical head and I (Andi) primarily take care of marketing and sales.
Freehand scanning simplifies work processes
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Nimmsta: With Nimmsta, we have developed the first back-of-the-hand scanner with a touch display for freehand scanning, which greatly simplifies work processes, especially in the logistics sector. The HS 50 is a small, lightweight, smart back-of-the-hand scanner that can be easily integrated into the customer's system. The previous routine of searching for the scanner, scanning the barcode, and then putting the scanner down again to grab the goods is a thing of the past with the HS 50. Scanning and reading information takes place while moving. The trigger button for scanning is easily activated with the thumb. The ergonomic fixation on the back of the hand leaves both hands free to grab the goods.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Nimmsta: Not in this version—there are already back-of-hand scanners without displays, but they didn't meet our requirements, so we took matters into our own hands and developed our HS 50 back-of-hand scanner. Our unique selling point is that this back-of-hand scanner is the first with a touchscreen. Another key feature is that the hand cuff, to which the scanner is attached with Velcro, contains no electronic components. This allows the scanner and trigger button to be positioned ergonomically for each user, and the hand cuff can be easily washed or replaced, which is also very important to us in terms of sustainability.
Finding the right staff is challenge number 1
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Nimmsta: The biggest challenge is assembling the right team and finding the right employees. People are the most important thing for us. They need to have the right skills, and they need to have the right attitude that aligns with our philosophy. It sometimes takes a while to find the right people. If we had assembled our Nimmsta team earlier, we would have realized our idea two years earlier, but that's not always easy.
2nd challenge: finding the right people.
3. Challenge: finding the right people.
Nimmsta goes on the sales offensive
Munich Startup: How are things going?
Nimmsta: At the end of 2019, the first demo sets and test products were available for purchase by customers. We encountered pure enthusiasm and very strong interest, including from major corporations. We started series production at the end of February 2020. Our primary target group is the entire logistics industry. Our scanner naturally also offers enormous workflow optimization in assembly and production. We distribute our product through selected partners, who then supply their customers. Our vision is to improve all logistics processes through freehand scanning and our HS 50 with touch display so that, sooner or later, the existing handheld scanners will be completely eliminated. The plan now is to ramp up sales with our partners and continuously improve our product and service.
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Nimmsta: We love Munich. The proximity to the mountains is ideal for us, as we are passionate mountain bikers and enjoy spending time there with our families. From a business perspective, Munich offers us the advantage of having many large corporations based here that are potential customers for our back-of-the-hand scanner. Furthermore, the startup events offered provide us with a perfect opportunity to network and learn a lot.
Munich Startup: Apple or Android?
Nimmsta: Some of our employees work with Apple devices, but the majority use Android. Both have their place. Depending on the respective area of responsibility and the technical requirements of the device, we decide which device is more suitable.
