Aertssen Logistics is an expert in transport and logistics of various types of machines, from agricultural machinery, to cherry pickers such as scissor lifts and telescopic cherry pickers with tracks, to consolidation. In its distribution centre near the port of Antwerp they process every year 10.000 cherry pickers/machines for various customers.
They were looking for a system that enables the automation of their logistic processes. It quickly became clear that RFID would be the most appropriate technology to combine these wishes.
Challenge
The pen and paper inventory was an intensive and error-prone task for Aertssen Logistics: not only because of the large number of assets to be processed, but also because certain types of machines are very similar. That is the reason why Aertssen Logistics was looking for a system enabling the automation of its logistic processes. Aertssen Logistics’ request was twofold: firstly, a quick and correct stock registration, inventory and localisation; secondly, the automatic registration of the outgoing machines.
RFID was the best option to combine these wishes.
Solution
Aucxis implemented the NOVA Asset Management solution with the following building blocks:
- Hardware: RFID labels, RFID hand scanners and RFID outdoor gates
- HERTZ RFID middleware for the communication between the hardware and the applications
- POLARIS RFID software: web portal and app for the handhelds
Thanks to the combination of these modules, Aucxis rolled out a successful RFID project for the registration, localisation and inventory of the machines as well as for the use of the outdoor gates.
Phase 1: Manual registration, inventory and localisation at the yard
Upon 
arrival of the machines at Aertssen Logistics’ site, the ERP system instructs the RFID printer to print for each machine an RFID label containing product information and a QR code. These RFID labels are attached with straps to the machines so as to avoid the label touching the metal of machine and the metal interfering with the RFID signal. The labels are not read at fixed scan points, but by mobile UHF RFID hand scanners. All registered data are saved, managed and followed in the POLARIS software. Via filtering, the user quickly retrieves the desired information in the historical overview. There is also an interface with Aertssen’s application enabling to use the movements in its WMS/ERP package as well. POLARIS does not only enable the user to scan and register the cherry pickers when using the handheld but also to localise them and make an inventory.
Phase 2: Registration of outgoing movements through RFID outdoor gates
In addition to the manual registration and movement actions, Aucxis provided two waterproof and weather-resistant RFID outdoor gates for proof of shipment. In this way, Aertssen exactly knows which machines are leaving the site.
Fixed RFID gate - for the registration of passages of loaded trucks
Trucks with high cherry pickers on board drive through the fixed gate. For the fixed gate are, among other things, the Kathrein WIRA 30 antenna (now EOL, replacing product is the WRA 3070) and the Impinj 4-port reader used. the The data of the load are sent to the POLARIS software, automatically creating the corresponding transport note. All the driver needs to do is pick up the official loading list in the office before departure.
Mobile RFID gate - for the registration of passages when loading sea containers
As the tags are not readable through metal sea containers, Aucxis elaborated another solution. Smaller machines pass through the mobile gate and enter the container, after which the transport note is automatically generated.
Status lights are used for displaying the start/stop detection and grouping the assets for one truck/sea container.
The detections on the portals are received in the Aucxis middleware HERTZ and after processing, they are sent to the POLARIS database.
Extra functionality: alarm in case of exit of materials which may not leave the site
Aertssen Logistics has materials which are reused and which may therefore not be transported to the end customers, for example charging cables. These items are equipped with an RFID label with a different number. If a truck drives through an outdoor gate with such an item, Aertssen’s ERP system receives a notification.
Extensions
In the future, Aertssen Logistics wishes to further automate by means of registration plate recognition on the fixed gate for automatic detection of the truck.
Result
As Aertssen Logistics had from the start a clear picture of the desired automation, they could, together with Aucxis, reflect on the project and roll it out in a logical, phased manner, yielding good results.
- Increased accuracy by using RFID outdoor gates before departure. No secondary deliveries with expensive, time-consuming corrections, and in turn satisfied customers. Furthermore, items which may not leave the site are not leaving.
- Gain of time of 50% thanks to the automatic detection and control upon loading: a loading list is finished considerably faster.
- Seamless integration with Aertssen’s systems.
- Accurate and quick stock inventory.
About
Aucxis offers powerful and flexible RFID solutions through hardware installation and development of RFID middleware and interfaces. As an independent integrator, Auxcis helps customers define and aquire the RFID components best suited to meet customer objectives.
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