Successful start of the electronic records procedure with Modawi at the Zimmermann Group

The Zimmermann Enterprise Group has provided their customers with a simple transition into the now-electronic world of waste management records using the integrated solution Modawi. Zimmermann provides an easy-to-use portal and sends customers their own signature cards and card readers directly, as well as supporting them during registration.

Hamburg – Since April 1, 2010, the Zimmermann Group has already handled 4,500 electronic documents in their portal. The enterprise group is using the software Candis.OT by GIPA mbH, into which the software Modawi and Modawi WebSigner by Consist ITU are integrated. 

Modawi supports all processes for the use of electronic documents according to the Ordinance on Waste Recovery and Disposal Records, and manages the register with signature archival. The software is integrated with complete user transparency into a comprehensive overall solution provided by the existing waste management software by GIPA mbH. Modawi WebSigner allows the signature of documents prepared for Zimmermann customers right on the Zimmermann homepage.

Legislators have mandated that as of April 1, 2010, documentation and registers for hazardous waste must be kept in electronic format and provided with qualified electronic signatures.

Seamless transition into eANV

Every year, the Zimmermann Group disposes of about 250,000 tons of hazardous waste. During this process, about 35,000 consignment notes and transfer documents are handled. "It is important to us to continue to supply our customers ideally, even given the legal mandate for the electronic records procedure," explains Eberhard Zimmermann, Jr., one of the managing directors of the Zimmermann Group. To this end, the enterprise group already started an extensive project on the introduction of eANV (electronic waste records procedure) in summer of 2008, supported by Consist ITU and GIPA mbH, and invested in new equipment as well as training for their employees. On April 1, 2010, electronic processing of documentation therefore commenced reliably for everyone using the Zimmermann portal. The disposal company also equipped all its own drivers with signature cards and trained them professionally in their use. All drivers can therefore confirm acceptance of waste directly from the producer, as they have always done – now, with an electronic signature.

The Zimmermann Group provides its customers with an "all-around trouble-free package": Zimmermann provides its customers with signature cards directly on-site, prints the appropriate personal and company names on them, and enables the cards within minutes. They can be used immediately. The disposal company trains its customers in the proper use of the cards using their own specialized personnel, provides card readers, and handles registration with the ZKS (the Central Waste Coordination Office). For the customers of the Zimmermann Group, there is therefore no procurement bottleneck, no waiting on cards and readers, and no difficulties in approval.

The challenge over the next few months will be the introduction of as many additional customers as possible by February 1, 2011, since that is the time after which qualified electronic signatures will be mandatory for both waster producers and transporters.

Starting right now, if the customer requests it, all eANV documentation in the Zimmermann customer portal receives a qualified electronic signature. Maintenance of the register is handled free of charge by the disposal company.

The decision for Modawi was easy

"One important argument for the integration of the Modawi solution for us was that the data is stored in-house, that is, we keep ownership of all our data," says Eberhard Zimmermann, Jr., referring to their selection of Modawi. "And thanks to Modawi WebSigner, we can provide our customers with convenient portal services," continues the managing director. Add to that the technical competence of their consulting in legal questions involving the introduction of eANV from Consist ITU and Consist Software Solutions during the eANV introduction project.

About the Zimmermann Group

The Zimmermann Group, a family company with more than 45 years of experience, is specialized in environmentally appropriate waste disposal. Throughout Germany and neighboring countries, the group, headquartered in Gütersloh and with subsidiaries in Saxony-Anhalt, handles the professional disposal of solids, pastes, and liquids, ensuring that waste quantities are reduced and that recyclable materials are fed back into circulation. The offer of the group isn't just limited to disposal services, but also includes activities supporting companies with the day-to-day handling of harmful and hazardous materials. This includes consulting in all questions of waste law and system technology as well as maintenance and other service work directly at the customer's facilities.