Firstly, it started with the genius idea of syntopic exposure which eliminated significant disadvantages of existing camera concepts and enabled the design of cameras with bigger footprints and higher image dynamic for a lower price compared to competing camera designs – the “winning UltraCam concept”, which still holds true 20 years later.

Secondly, its was thinking out of the box – a new approach of “software leveraged hardware” was introduced to the photogrammetric industry, an early recognition of today’s world: hardware needs to be as good as it needs to be, and the rest is done by software. This novel approach led to innovative, game-changing features such as monolithic stitching, automated radiometric balance, and Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC), for example.

Thirdly, customer-centric thinking and acting became an essential part of Vexcel’s DNA and impacted our way forward in many aspects. Striving for world-class support was always a top priority. I feel we were never arrogant; we never had a “we know it better attitude.” Contrarily, we took feedback seriously. The Vexcel team across all hierarchies has been just an email or phone call away for our customers and the design goal for each development was for actual improvement that provided customer benefit and customer experience of the highest quality and reliability. The expression “Vexcel family” was coined by our customers. I am thankful and proud of this.

Fourthly, and somehow linked to the above: technology is key for us. Vexcel was not always the first in implementing latest technology but we used it when the price/performance ratio was right so that it has a real and beneficial impact for our customers. When we would start to conceptualize a new product, we would always meet in a room with members across all disciplines and hierarchies of the company and the most important consideration at the beginning of the discussion is to question whether we are still doing the right things. Are we doing right by the customer? Are we sure that we are still on the right track? Do we feel that we are still connected to the industry and to our customers, or should we do things completely differently? That’s a long way to state that the ability to question ourselves at each new development has, in my mind, also been key to our success.

And this brings me to the fifth point, which is easy said but not a given. Without such an open-minded, flexible, honest, capable, and committed team which we have at Vexcel, the success would never have happened. The products are exceptional because the team who makes them are exceptional. And when this comes together with customers who trust in what you do because they trust that you won’t disappoint them or let them down, one has a very strong foundation on which success can grow.

I am grateful for the exciting journey here at Vexcel and look forward to much more to come!

Alexander Wiechert
CEO, Vexcel Imaging GmbH