Exclusive Interview with Tim Schiebler: Heinz Schiebler GmbH & Co. KG on the Future of Digital Measurement
Q: Congratulations on the launch of the new app! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your company?
Thank you! Heinz Schiebler GmbH & Co. KG is a manufacturer in northern Germany. We develop and produce medical compression products for the global market. Our roots lie in phlebological and lymphological care – an area in which we place great value on innovation, precision, and user-friendliness.
Q: What motivated Schiebler to develop a digital solution for measuring compression stockings?
Manually taking measurements remains a real challenge for medical professionals. Time pressure, hygiene requirements, and the need for absolute precision make this step particularly demanding. And let’s not forget: patients aren’t particularly comfortable being touched from foot to crotch by more or less strangers. Therefore, we wanted to find a way to significantly simplify this important part of the care process – more hygienic, faster, and without compromising quality.
Q: Can you tell us about the traditional measurement process and what challenges it posed for customers and physicians?
In most cases, measurements are taken directly from the patient’s leg using a tape measure and recorded. This is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. This is not always ideal, especially for home visits or in everyday hospital settings when things need to be done quickly. Furthermore, direct physical contact is not always desired or possible – for hygiene reasons, for example.
Q: Why did you choose Astrivis as your technology partner for 3D scanning?
We were looking for a partner who not only brings technological expertise but also shares our vision: to make 3D measurement technology suitable for everyday use, precise, and easy to use for everyone. In Astrivis, we found exactly that partner.
The company brings an impressive research base and was able to replace the bulky, complex, and expensive 3D scanning hardware solutions currently common in our field with intelligent software that runs on a standard smartphone—without any loss of measurement accuracy.
This philosophy fits perfectly with our commitment to developing innovative care solutions that work in everyday life: mobile, contactless, and intuitive. Together, we were able to create an app that combines tailor-made solutions with state-of-the-art technology – without any prior technical knowledge or special equipment.
Q: How does the new app work from the user’s perspective? What kind of measurements can be performed with a smartphone?
It’s incredibly easy to use: Using an iPhone Pro, a 3D model of the leg is created using the camera and augmented reality technology – completely contactless. The Schiebler 3D app then automatically calculates the ready-to-order measurement data for circular-knit, medical compression stockings. No additional equipment is required, no measuring tapes, no measuring blocks – and the whole process even works offline.
Q: What improvements have you noticed so far in terms of efficiency, accuracy, or ease of use compared to manual measurements?
Non-contact measurement saves a tremendous amount of time, especially in the hectic daily routine of providing care. At the same time, it is extremely precise – the accuracy of photogrammetry technology impresses even experienced professionals. And because the application is intuitive, even newcomers to the profession benefit from quick training.
Q: What feedback have you received so far from clinicians or clients using the new app?
First of all: a profession that has worked with tape measures for decades is fundamentally skeptical of this method of measurement. A standard smartphone? That can’t be possible! And it’s not surprising: What Astrivis has created initially seems to come from another planet: Despite its simplicity, a highly complex application operates in the background of the app.
So, anyone who dares to try out the 3D Vapp will be more than impressed. Indeed, the feedback is consistently positive. The ease of use and the hygiene benefits are particularly appreciated. Many professionals are happy to have a solution that works both in stationary and mobile applications – for example, during home visits.
Q: What do you see as the greatest benefit of this solution for the market – both for professionals and end users?
For professionals, the app truly simplifies their daily work: fewer errors, greater reliability, and no time-consuming re-processing of measurements. Completely digital processing. And for patients, it brings convenience and confidence—many feel significantly more comfortable thanks to the contactless, quick measurement.
Q: How do you envision the future of digital aids in orthopedics and compression therapy?
We see great potential. Digital tools like our app enable more efficient processes and better care – this will become increasingly important in the future. Integration into existing healthcare systems and electronic patient records will also play a major role.
Q: Are there any plans or new features you would like to introduce in the next phase?
Yes, together with Astrivis, we are constantly working on improvements and enhancements. User requests are taken into account, such as the integration of additional body regions that can be measured, or even closer integration with our ordering systems. Our goal is to further digitize the entire healthcare process – user-friendly, efficient, and secure.
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About Astrivis
Astrivis is a Zürich-based technology company specializing in mobile 3D scanning solutions. Its platform enables the capture of accurate 3D data using standard smartphones, combining on-device processing for instant previews with advanced cloud-based pipelines for post-processing. These pipelines support a range of capabilities, from extracting precise measurements and generating cleaned models to performing volume estimation and more. Astrivis’s mission is to make high-quality 3D capture accessible anytime, anywhere, empowering industries from healthcare to fashion with state-of-the-art computer vision technology.
About Schiebler
Heinz Schiebler GmbH & Co. KG, based in Flensburg, Germany, is an established global provider of high-quality medical compression products. Schiebler’s portfolio includes medical compression stockings, orthoses, bandages, and related accessories, focused on the care of vein disorders, edema, and injury rehabilitation. The company is recognized for manufacturing excellence, product reliability, and innovative solutions tailored to patient needs, with a reputation for combining tradition with technology-driven compression care. Schiebler’s expertise in compression therapy supports both preventive and therapeutic medical use, making it a trusted partner for healthcare professionals worldwide.
More information can be found at Schiebler 3D-Vapp.
