“Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are spearheading remarkable progress in tanneries, transforming automation, streamlining processes, and fostering innovation to usher the industry into a new era of efficiency and sustainability.”
As Magazine Leather publishing, our interview with HIDEXE, a cloud-based digital ecosystem company operating in Luxembourg, about “DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN LEATHER INDUSTRY“:
Can we get to know the HIDEXE family? What does it produce and what are its targets?
I want to thank you for this opportunity to share existing news about our positively disruptive innovations. Your support means a lot to us, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our work.
Originally a family enterprise, HIDEXE has secured venture capital support for its ambitious plans. Under the leadership of [Jo Gilet], boasting over 40 years in the industry, our team, with Felix as the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, is committed to revolutionizing the global hide and leather trade. HIDEXE’s ecosystem encompasses all types of leather, facilitating digitalization throughout the value chain.
The HIDEXE family of products is a dynamic force in the leather industry aimed at addressing evolving market demands. Our targets revolve around innovation, quality, and sustainability, driving us to exceed expectations every step of the way.
HIDEXE’s development has been driven by two key pillars since its inception. First, the development of a system capable of autonomously inspecting hides and grading them against objective digital standards, thereby transforming hides into tradeable ‘fungible’ commodities. Second, the establishment of Integrated DIY automated procurement solutions for professionals to buy and sell these commodities efficiently.
Our solutions empower tanneries to smoothly and cost-efficiently transition to a global digital ecosystem, where trading and fulfillment of leather contracts unfold predictably, aligning them with ICHSLTA’s mission to promote fair and ethical trade practices within the sector.
The NHQ (Numeric Hide Quality) solution establishes a global benchmark for accuracy and integrity in hide and leather grading. By identifying various defects, it produces objective, verifiable grading reports containing detailed information on hide characteristics, quality, proportions, and finish. This unparalleled resource guarantees reliable standards for global marketplaces.
On the automated procurement front, HIDEXE offers software and an ecosystem that streamline the supply of hide and leather products, resulting in significant reductions in transaction costs compared to traditional methods. Our suite and ecosystem facilitate the formation of new trading partnerships and access to emerging market demands, both within existing supply chains and beyond.
HIDEXE enables users to effortlessly compare market prices and product availability, promoting transparency and accessibility in a competitive market landscape. Additionally, our cloud-based services operate 24/7, overcoming international trading barriers and travel restrictions, ensuring seamless access for users worldwide.
As HIDEXE family, how did the digital transformation reflect on the impact on the leather industry?
The digital transformation initiated by HIDEXE is a game-changer for the leather industry, revolutionizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and elevating sustainability practices to new heights.
Do you have studies such as digital transformation cloud-based system traceability?
For years, we’ve explored ways to bring digital transformation to the traditionally conservative leather industry, focusing extensively on cloud-based systems and traceability of hides and related contracts. We believe these efforts will position HIDEXE at the forefront of industry advancements, enabling us to provide solutions that empower our clients and propel progress.
Does the HIDEXE System include footwear and other leather products?
Absolutely, the HIDEXE is designed to cater to the needs of the entire leather ecosystem, encompassing footwear and an extensive array of other leather products, providing comprehensive solutions tailored to our clients’ diverse requirements.
What would you like to say about artificial intelligence and technology in tanneries, automation and technologies?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are spearheading remarkable progress in tanneries, transforming automation, streamlining processes, and fostering innovation to usher the industry into a new era of efficiency and sustainability. AI enables computers to automate repetitive tasks traditionally associated with physically demanding working conditions, freeing up humans to concentrate on value-added tasks in more comfortable office environments.
Do you participate in international fairs?
We actively participate in international fairs in France, Italy and Germany, leveraging these platforms to showcase our latest innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and connect with industry leaders on a global scale.
Do you have co-operation and activities with universities and associations for international sector employees?
While our primary focus lies in commercializing our technologies, collaborating with universities and associations remains crucial for facilitating knowledge exchange and professional development within the international leather sector. This collaboration ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
Finally, what would you like to say to people who are dedicated to the profession?
To those dedicated to our profession, I would say: embrace change, stay hungry for knowledge, and never underestimate the power of innovation. Your passion and dedication are the driving forces behind the industry’s continued evolution and success, and our tools will help you to prosper for decades to come.