German researchers have developed software that can track and visualise the paths for load carriers such as pallets, crates, racks, containers or tanks. This provides the logistics sector with a way of improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
Developed in the Center for Applied Research on Supply Chain Services at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, the Logistikbude (German for “logistics convenience store”) software is a web-based offering that helps keep track of load carriers that might otherwise be ignored or left unattended.
The software generates labels for each load carrier and creates a digital file. Returnable load carriers are also equipped with barcodes or sensors. A smartphone app can then be used to record each load carrier with its label before being transported and when they arrive at their destination, with optional updates about their status along the journey possible as well. All this data is synchronised with a server, which can keep track of the locations and statuses of these load carriers as well as their quantities.
Users are then able to access the data and understand when they have been unloaded and are ready to be returned to their home or used for transporting other goods. Any load carriers that have been emptied but not returned will result in an email being sent to the user. Sensors can also be used to record exact location, temperature and humidity to give users more information about their pallets. This means that instead of carriers sitting around unused, they can quickly be reintegrated into the supply chain.
“Until now, many companies have often not even known where their own load carriers are at a given moment, for example. Now they can see where they are at any time and when they will get them back. It makes planning easier. The accelerated circulation ultimately ensures that fewer load carriers have to be purchased overall. This, in turn, contributes to increasing sustainability in the sector,” said Philipp Wrycza, co-founder and CEO of the Fraunhofer spin-off Logistikbude.
“We are pleased not only because Logistikbude has been created at our institute, but also because it represents a valuable tool for making even better use of efficiency potential in the field of transport and logistics,” said Prof. Michael ten Hompel, institute director of Fraunhofer IML.
“With this, Fraunhofer researchers are once again demonstrating their ability to develop practical and helpful solutions for industry.”
Called Milk-E, the electric milk tanker has been launched in New Zealand as part of...
Metcash has signed an agreement with the Goodman Group to construct and lease a distribution...
A user-friendly how-to guide for tackling traceability across the Aussie organic supply chain has...
New sensor technology is helping to solve long standing labelling issues
Force measurement for efficiency in food processing and packaging
Welcome to the World of LC-MS/MS for Food and Beverage Testing
Rockwell Automation launches ROKLive 2022 in Sydney, presenting vision for the future of industrial automation and software in the Food and Beverage industry
Leuze DRT25C — dynamic reference diffuse sensor
The optimum plant-based taste experience
Testing food textural properties with Lloyd TA1
MET0003C - X12 Global Teaser
Alzheimer's blood test a step closer
Can robots really be companions for older adults?
Speaker line-up for International Dementia Conference 2022
Clinical care management system wins tech award
How a Sydney provider attracts staff in a tough market
Why construction must focus on mental health resilience
Training partnership to address industry 'skills gap'
WA releases series of WHS codes of practice
Safety reminder issued as electric vehicle sales accelerate
Dragos and Emerson expand global cybersecurity agreement
Engineers Australia launches micro-credentials to boost engineering skills
Swisslog and ATLC announce logistics automation event
Combined sleever and cartoner reduces dairy packaging footprint
New program to assist migrant engineers
Westwick-Farrow Media Locked Bag 2226 North Ryde BC NSW 1670 ABN: 22 152 305 336 www.wfmedia.com.au Email Us
Our food industry media channels - What’s New in Food Technology & Manufacturing magazine and the Food Processing website - provide busy food manufacturing, packaging and design professionals with an easy-to-use, readily available source of information that is crucial to gaining valuable industry insight. Members have access to thousands of informative items across a range of media channels.
Membership is FREE to qualified industry professionals across Australia.