The heart of the fishing industry in Brittany has taken a significant step forward with the recent completion of the modernisation of the region's fish auctions. Thanks to an ambitious project by the CCI Finistère, all outdated systems have been replaced by Aucxis with state-of-the-art technology.
The six fish auctions in Brittany (Audierne, Concarneau, Douarnenez, Le Guilvinec, Loctudy, and Saint-Guénolé), managed by the CCI Finistère, have undergone a significant modernisation. The upgrade to the advanced KOSMOS platform from Aucxis represents a revolutionary step forward for the fish auctions, now equipped with an ultra-modern and efficient sales infrastructure.
Point of departure and objectives
Modernising the fish auctions was crucial as the existing infrastructure no longer met contemporary standards. Centralised sales were not possible, various software technologies and equipment were outdated, and the operating systems were no longer capable of ensuring reliable and secure use. With the goal of replacing outdated hardware and software, the CCI Finistère issued a tender. Aucxis won the contract by offering a comprehensive solution, including the KOSMOS platform.
The modernisation project encompassed three pillars: reliability, modernisation, and virtualisation. This required replacing old systems with modern web technologies and creating a centralised database to enable sales across multiple locations.
The challenges of standardisation
Six different auctions, each with its own working methods, needed to switch to a new, standardised system so that each buyer could make purchases in the same way at every auction. This included introducing a uniform clock speed and implementing the ascending clock sale principle across all sites.
Continuity
During the roll-out, the link between the old and new systems had to be maintained as much as possible to ensure the continuity of sales. The work was carried out early in the morning or in the evening to avoid disrupting sales.
Multi-project execution
The modernisation involved multiple projects at the six sites, carried out by different suppliers during the same period. Aucxis not only implemented the KOSMOS platform but also provided a lot of new equipment, such as stainless-steel supply terminals, LED panels for local clock displays, cameras, workstations, tablets, and Wi-Fi infrastructure. Other suppliers carried out construction work, installed new conveyor belts, etc.
External pressure
During the project’s execution, several challenging periods arose, characterized by pressure on the fishing sector, including the impact of Brexit, the energy crisis, and evolving European fisheries legislation.
"It goes without saying that the planning was very complex. We are therefore very proud to report that, thanks to the close collaboration between Aucxis and the CCI Finistère, the centralised sale of all supply was successfully completed in March 2024. We explicitly want to thank the CCI Finistère team for their unwavering dedication and professionalism."
Steff Lyssens STEFF LYSSENS, ACCOUNT MANAGER
Comprehensive solution
In addition to the KOSMOS sales and information platform, a lot of new equipment was delivered to support the sales process, seamlessly integrated with the KOSMOS software:
25 mobile or fixed weighing terminals
1 specially designed terminal, type “wholesaler”
8 industrial LED panels (2m by 2m)
4 cameras
20 all-in desktop PCs
Industrial tablets
Wi-Fi antennas and controllers
The result
Thanks to the implementation of the KOSMOS platform and the integration of a lot of new equipment, the Breton auctions now boast an advanced auction infrastructure in which CCI Finistère’s objectives have been realised: a reliable auction system, a modernised sales process, uniform operation of the auctions, and the ability to sell the supply from the six auctions from any location.
Moreover, user convenience for buyers has significantly improved. Buyers can now purchase on multiple clocks simultaneously, both at the auction itself and remotely via desktop PCs, tablets, or smartphones. They can customise their screen layouts and create shortcuts to simplify the purchasing process. The platform also offers easy access to sales data and statistics, benefiting both buyers and suppliers.
The fully web-based KOSMOS platform provides a secure and future-proof sales infrastructure, guaranteed by the evolution contract.
Setting up a sales network for the six fish auctions of Brittany was a large and ambitious project, requiring a well-thought-out strategy for the complex transition. Discover in detail the many challenges, the integrated systems, the project progress, and the achieved result.