Herma introduces real-time tracking for self-adhesive materials

As production of its self-adhesive materials increases, Herma can now keep track of pallets that are ready for shipping to within 15 cm at any time, in order to enhance delivery quality and reduce delivery times.

The real-time location system (RTLS) introduces an advanced form of optimized production planning. ‘In the interests of high production efficiency, we only seldom manufacture all of the products for a single consignment consecutively,’ explained managing director Dr Thomas Baumgärtner. ‘We therefore give high priority to assembling all the pallets that make up an order quickly and reliably, and making them available to the forwarder in a single batch – while at the same time occupying as little space as possible.’

Since pallet sizes can vary greatly, a conventional system with permanent grid markings on the floor had to be ruled out. Baumgärtner added, ‘We would have required a much larger surface area, which was simply not feasible for cost and environmental reasons.’

RTLS does not depend on satellites but is controlled by speaker-sized sensors suspended from the hall ceiling. All the lift trucks carry four tags that continuously transmit signals to the sensors on a special ultra-wideband frequency. This allows the position of each lift truck – and therefore each pallet – to be determined exactly to within 15 cm. An on-board display tells the lift truck operator in real time where suitable storage bays are available, and how to group the pallets efficiently. RTLS thus achieves a high degree of flexibility, as regards both space and time, and optimizes the internal flow of materials.

Baumgärtner described RTLS as the latest in a series of measures introduced to further enhance the company's existing service strengths. He commented, ‘Although innovative multi-layer technology makes our offering stand out in the marketplace, the self-adhesive materials segment is highly competitive, so that product quality and added value are not the only criteria on which we are judged. Our customers attach the utmost importance to outstanding service, one aspect of which is efficient and reliable shipping. Real-time location has enabled us to open a new chapter in this respect.’

Pictured: Herma can now keep track of pallets that are ready for shipping to within cm at any time

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