Track & Trace
September / October 2016
Brenntag relies on automated reporting
Brenntag GmbH has been using the OpenTAS Terminal Management System to load its heating oil and diesel products at its terminal in Britz , Berlin . Specialists from the Implico Group set up inventory accounting using the OpenTAS system before moving on to tank truck automation . Processes such as EMCS reporting or the creation of shipping documents for truck drivers now take seconds to complete . Britz is the only mineral oil terminal operated in Germany by chemicals distributor Brenntag . Deliveries arrive via railcar and are shipped out using trucks . In the past , the heating oil and diesel shipments were managed using two separate software systems and processes had to be completed manually . Company bosses decided to introduce hardware-neutral software able to communicate with any equipment in the field . Avoiding potential errors caused by manual input is one benefit ; another is that month-end accounts for the terminal as a whole are both easier and faster to prepare . Automation via a centralised system improves further on Brenntag ’ s existing stringent checks . Master data for the tank trucks and their drivers – including TÜV certification , registration papers , driver ’ s licenses and ADR licenses – is now stored in the system . When drivers log on by entering the terminal with their tank trucks , the relevant checks are made automatically . During loading of the shipment , OpenTAS manages the loading checks and warns if the truck ’ s gross vehicle weight is exceeded . The bulk of the data communication workload is handled by Implico ’ s Hamburg-based data centre .
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Kuehne + Nagel turns to digital platform to boost overland efficiency
Kuehne + Nagel has linked up with the
TRANSPOREON Group , operator of the leading European cloud-based e-logistics network , to implement a digital collaboration platform with Full Truckload ( FTL ) and Less-than-Truckload ( LTL ) carriers . The global logistics provider will migrate its processes for transport assignment , transport execution and monitoring in the FTL and LTL segments to the TRANSPOREON platform in Europe in order to accelerate and simplify interaction with customers and carriers . Use of the e-logistics network will enable Kuehne + Nagel to increase operational efficiency and real-time transparency along the transport chain . This innovative approach is part of the company ’ s digital evolution and underpinned by experience gained through the acquisition of ReTrans , a US overland logistics firm using a digital logistics platform to connect to its carrier base .
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In Europe , Kuehne + Nagel chose the well established TRANSPOREON network , already used by more than 57,000 carriers . This partnership will allow carriers to use one integrated platform instead of signing up for multiple market places . A proven onboarding process will allow Kuehne + Nagel to easily connect with additional carriers . The carriers will have real-time access to Kuehne + Nagel ’ s transport requirements across Europe and be able to quickly respond to the demand with their available capacity . Dr Nils Wemhoener , Senior Vice President Operations Overland at Kuehne + Nagel , said : “ The new process allows optimising truck load factors , reducing operating costs and environmental impact . Using the TRANSPOREON platform will drive efficiencies for our customers and carriers .” The rollout will begin in France , one of Kuehne + Nagel ’ s key overland markets , this autumn .
Fleet management system on the cloud
T
he Asset Intelligence subsidiary of I . D . Systems , Inc , a leading provider of enterprise asset management technology and solutions , has announced the release of its next generation FleetView transportation fleet management interface for fleets of dry van trailers , intermodal containers , chassis , and flatbed trailers . Providing online user access to the VeriWise fleet management platform , FleetView represents a major step forward in fleet management software , giving users better visibility of their assets while streamlining system functionality , resulting in an improved and enriched user experience . With a modernized and simplified design , the FleetView user interface is intuitive and easy to learn , and places emphasis on visual navigation to make routine fleet management tasks and activities more efficient , and provide quicker access to critical information . As a fully hosted , cloud-based solution , FleetView requires no additional hardware or software to deploy , and can be used with any modern web browser .
Johs Martens switches to Trimble ’ s CarCube system
Transport company Johs Martens has equipped its towing fleet with Trimble ’ s CarCube telematics solution and is already reporting efficiency gains . The integrated on-board computer allows the company to capture relevant , precise and reliable vehicle data . The driving behaviour analysis provided by the Driver Performance Portal is also supporting the development of targeted training that focuses on reducing fuel consumption . With approximately 350 employees , Johs Martens specialises in the transportation of petroleum and cryogenic gases in Germany . “ Discrepancies in data were frequent occurrences with our old telematics solution and this was a source of discontent among our drivers ,” said the company ’ s Managing Director , Marcus Ulrich .
The switch to the CarCube has successfully resolved these problems and boosted the drivers ’ confidence in the technology with accurate recording of statistics such as driving and rest times . The Trimble system is also easier to use and the integrated navigation and messaging system are streamlining communications between drivers and back office . Another feature is the ability to use the CarCube as a display for the reverse and turn cameras , both part of the standard safety equipment in Johs Martens ’ vehicles . The CarCube ’ s customisable programming options have also given Johs Martens greater control over its internal workflows , allowing the transporter to optimise many of its processes , from order acceptance and administration to vehicle allocation .
One customer ’ s benefits after 18 months with Fleetmonitor :
FLEET CAPACITY INCREASED by 10 % TRANSPORT COSTS REDUCED by 20 % EMPTY TRANSPORTS REDUCED by 80 %
Mode : Rail in Europe Product : Highly dangerous goods Implementation : Whole fleet monitored in real-time . Two-way integration between the customer ’ s business system and Fleetmonitor . Number of suppliers : One
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