Pallet
Pallet tracking with IoT shows where every pallet is, what is on it and how much stock remains. Sensors, RFID and wireless networks replace search trips, manual scanning and stocktaking counts with a forklift.
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Pallet tracking with IoT: locate, weigh and count pallets
In the solution examples, RFID readers and forklifts equipped with RFID and UWB detect which pallet with which contents is picked up and in which position in the high-bay warehouse it is placed. The INTRANAV Smart Warehouse platform books every movement into SAP Business One without scanning. In air freight, sensors are fitted to containers and pallets known as ULDs and transmit their data via the Sigfox network to Azure IoT Services. The iSCALEpal pallet scale from HK.SYSTEMS weighs Euro pallets and sends the weight data via NB-IoT, without WLAN or a gateway, to the merchandise management system. For stocktaking, drones photograph or scan the labels on pallets in the upper racks and compare them with the inventory system.
The examples come from retail, logistics and air freight, mostly for object tracking, inventory management and material supply. TB International moves pallets through all logistics zones without scanning in a hall with almost 35,000 pallet spaces and increased efficiency in full-carton handling by almost 40 per cent. Würth Industrie Service uses the iSCALE scale system for C-parts management, with reorders triggered automatically. A food manufacturer uses drones from Reply and AXULUS to check the top storage locations, so employees no longer need to bring pallets down with a forklift.
Podcast episodes featuring Pallet
Search less – find more | Open source technology masters cost pressure in logistics
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Pallet tracking: frequently asked questions
How does pallet tracking work in a warehouse?
Pallet tracking in a warehouse relies on wireless technology on the forklift and at the storage locations, instead of employees scanning every movement. At TB International, a forklift with RFID and UWB recognises which pallet it picks up and which free slot in the high-bay warehouse, which also carries RFID labels, is suitable. The tablet shows the nearest free location. Put-away is booked in the ERP system automatically.
What does an RFID gate do at dispatch?
An RFID gate automatically checks whether all pallets and parcels of an order are complete as they pass through. At TB International, the loaded forklift drives through an RFID gate after retrieval, which checks the order and closes it in the ERP system. Once the parcels are complete, a pick-up order is sent to the haulier at the same time. If goods reach the wrong gate, the INTRANAV platform raises an alert.
How does a connected pallet scale help with replenishment?
A connected pallet scale continuously reports the weight to the merchandise management system, so replenishment is triggered before material runs out. The iSCALE scale system from HK.SYSTEMS, used by Würth Industrie Service, is also available as iSCALEpal for Euro pallets. A radio module transmits the data via NB-IoT, and the battery lasts up to five years. If the weight falls below a defined value, the system automatically triggers an order.
How can ULD tracking work in air freight?
ULD tracking works with sensors attached directly to air freight containers and pallets. ACP Digital developed such a solution for an air freight customer, collecting sensor data via the Sigfox network and processing it in Azure. The customer can see at any time where its ULDs are. This matters because interim storage at airports is expensive, and unused or missing storage space causes high costs.
More assets in “Containers, Silos and Tanks”
Transport container
Shipment monitoring with IoT reports where a transport container is and whether anyone opens it without authorisation. For valuable or sensitive goods, the system raises an alarm immediately instead of a theft only being noticed by the recipient.
Load carrier
An RTLS locates load carriers such as mesh boxes, pallets and bins across halls and plants in real time. Companies cut search times, replace accompanying paperwork and manual scanning, and trigger bookings and transports automatically.
Process vessel
Process monitoring with IoT continuously records level, temperature, humidity and other parameters in a process vessel. Without inspection rounds, operators know when to refill or empty it and whether the contents are still usable.
Collection container
Waste container monitoring connects collection containers and waste locks so that they report fill levels and emptying events in real time. Operators see which containers are full, plan collections accordingly and bill by actual use.
Container
Container tracking software with IoT shows where a container is and its status, whether an air freight container, a container in a construction fleet or a unit shipped worldwide. Companies save search time and plan storage more precisely.
Fuel tank
An IoT fuel tank monitoring system reports the level of a plant's diesel tank, emergency fuel reserves or a construction dryer's fuel tank continuously and remotely. Operators plan refills on real values and detect theft or leaks early.
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