Internet of Things
hope to achieve, though, they require reliable internet / data connectivity. While the devices used can access a range of connectivity features - such as WiFi or Bluetooth - they predominantly rely on the Sigfox network which is available across many European countries. The
frequency that this ubiquitous network operates at is 868 MHz. This allows signals to cover distances up to around 30 miles. Moreover, the radio signals are capable of penetrating materials like concrete ceilings and steel, making them effective in challenging industrial environments.
ACHIEVING A $1M NET GAIN OVER FIVE YEARS Glass manufacturers that have adopted this approach to trolley asset tracking are seeing quantifiable benefits too. Their racks and processes become more visible to the entire organisation and more meaningful KPIs can be developed operationally. Theft, delivery losses and replacement costs for racks and glass are minimised, reducing shrinkage.
There are more racks available as data from the trackers helps to optimise circulation times, encourage a faster return of empty racks and more efficient planning within the wider manufacturing process. Furthermore, handling costs and this entire process can be automated too. Data from trackers can be used to reduce manual administration and paper work to record information about glass and the delivery thereof. But also, time spent just searching for racks and glass can be reduced as their location and status can be seen on maps. Across the board, anecdotally, it is estimated that within a manufacturing scenario, where 1,000 trolleys are in circulation, tracking devices can increase the use of existing racks by 10 per cent; the loss of racks can be reduced by 50 per cent; repair costs can be reduced by 25 per cent; and a 25 per cent reduction in handling can be achieved by automating associated labour processes. This equates to a $1 million net gain over five years for many manufacturers. It just makes sense to track trolleys.
CONCLUSION
In the face of formidable challenges like global crises, geopolitical events, and a cost-of-living crisis, manufacturers are grappling with the need for more resilient supply chains. The inefficiencies surrounding the transportation of delicate goods, like glass, through A Frame Stillages, further compounds these challenges. To navigate this terrain, the call for supply chain transparency and traceability becomes paramount. Digitisation and IoT offer a transformative solution, enabling real-time asset tracking and data- driven insights. By retrofitting A Frame Stillages with tracking sensors and the right kind of data connectivity, manufacturers not only enhance transparency; they achieve substantial cost savings, reduced losses, and improved operational efficiency, heralding a future where digital innovations redefine supply chain resilience.
Heliot
www.heliotgroup.com/en/
Instrumentation Monthly May 2024
53
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