The Octodure-based SME proxymetee, which specializes in digital solutions, led an ambitious digital transformation project with four forest management units in Central Valais. Supported by The Ark Foundation, this project digitized the processes for managing wood orders and deliveries, thereby eliminating the use of paper and automating numerous administrative tasks. This initiative demonstrates that even players in the primary sector can fully benefit from digital tools to improve efficiency and traceability.
The project began in 2023 following discussions between the forest districts and their IT service provider at the time. “After an initial analysis of their needs, we identified one key requirement: eliminating physical paperwork related to timber orders and deliveries,” explains Pierrick Maret, co-founder of proxymetee. This issue encompassed several areas: order processing, delivery scheduling, inventory tracking, and document archiving.
The logging operations were also seeking to automate their administrative tasks, improve the flow of information among the various stakeholders, and have a reliable tracking system for their daily operations. “Although they work in the primary sector and aren’t necessarily very familiar with the world of digitalization, the employees at these operations nevertheless have a strong desire to automate their administrative tasks and increase efficiency,” emphasizes Pierrick Maret.
A solution tailored to the specific needs of the industry
To meet these needs, proxymetee drew inspiration from a solution previously developed for trucking companies, which it adapted to the specific requirements of forest sorting yards. “We had to take into account the unique aspects of the industry: order taking, logging planning, deliveries, operations tracking, and inventory management,” explains Pierrick Maret.
The project brought together four forestry operations in central Valais, two to three IT service providers, as well as ISICS, The Ark, and proxymetee. “One of the first challenges was to identify and map out the common needs of the four operations while taking their respective specificities into account,” notes Pierrick Maret.
The solution developed is based on Microsoft 365 tools connected to the financial ERP systems used by the logging districts. This approach allows new digital processes to be integrated into the existing IT environment without any major technological disruption.
Tangible Results for the Logging Districts
The forestry districts involved now have fully digital, secure, and sustainable solutions for tracking orders and deliveries. “These tools are custom-configured and integrate directly into their Microsoft 365 environment,” explains Pierrick Maret. The main benefits include going paperless, reducing manual data entry, improved traceability of operations, and structured electronic document archiving.
The project also opens up new possibilities. “We’re in discussions to digitize other processes, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable management,” says Pierrick Maret. “In addition, we plan to present the solution to other waste sorting facilities in Valais.”
Significant Support from The Ark
The support of The Ark Foundation (and its operational arm, CimArk) was crucial to the project’s success.
“Beyond the financial aspect, The Ark helped bring the fire stations and Proxymetee together around a table to jointly define a common project scope,” emphasizes Pierrick Maret.
This facilitation was essential for creating a collaborative dynamic among stakeholders who, although facing similar challenges, were not necessarily accustomed to working together on digital projects.
At a Glance
Total project cost: Approximately CHF 60,000 (excluding recurring costs)
Amount invested by The Ark Foundation: CHF 10,000
Project duration: 6 months (June 2025–December 2025)
Partners: proxymetee, 4 forest districts in Central Valais, ISICS, CimArk