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Case Study | Production & Supply Chain
A leading German industrial group specializing in high-quality steels and materials is faced with the challenge of optimizing its transport chain for steel slabs. In view of the complex logistics, which extend from Brazil via the USA and Rotterdam to Germany, precise identification and loading of the slabs is crucial.
INDUSTRY Metal industry
About Case Study
Optimized transport chain for steel slabs through the implementation of an innovative RFID solution
Key Benefits
- Optimized logistics processes through precise identification and loading of steel slabs
- Data transparency for optimized information exchange
- Cost savings in the transportation process due to reduced downtimes and incorrect loads
KATHREIN PRODUCTS
- RFID reader
- CrossTalk software
PARTNER BENEFITS
Most accurate identification and loading of steel slabs for improved logistics processes and cost savings
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Optimization of the transport chain through a uniform IT platform
The challenge
A German industrial group produces best-in-class flat steel, stainless steel, acid-resistant and heat-resistant steels as well as high-performance materials such as nickel alloys and titanium. It is the world's leading manufacturer in these segments and employs more than 156,000 people in around 80 countries. The steelworks in Brazil produces slabs, which are steel pre-products that are shipped to the processing sites for further processing. They are shipped from Brazil via the USA and Rotterdam to Duisburg and Bochum. Every year, 230,000 steel slabs weighing 32 tons make the long journey.
Initial situation
Each steel block must be identified in advance, as the correct sequence plays an important role when loading on the ship. Optimum loading planning is carried out using special customer software to ensure, among other things, that the ship does not tip over during loading. The challenge was to get the right slabs in the right order from the plant to the port. Errors in delivery cost extremely valuable time. Such delays and the resulting extension of the ships' lay times in the ports result in unnecessary downtime costs. The aim is to automate the logistics process and thus reduce the loading time/berthing time/costs.
Solution
With an RFID solution, the Group is using an innovative and fast-growing identification technology for its transportation management. A special printer produces an RFID tag for each block and is attached to the steel block accordingly. The corresponding slabs are then placed in the correct order at the plant. This means that they are usually delivered in the correct order. An RFID reader attached to the crane reads the ID and other data. All data is processed and archived on the central CrossTalk AutoID / Right-Time Enterprise Services (RES) platform. This platform enables complete mapping of the shipping route of the individual blocks, from the steelworks to further processing in production. This optimizes the logistics process along the entire transport chain. Based on these standardized processes, information can be exchanged in real time. Extreme heat and salt water have demanded a very high level of RFID, physics and mechanical knowledge
Result
This solution significantly speeds up logistics processes. The crane drivers in the ports know at a glance which block they have to lift and which ship or dock it has to go to. Pre-location means that the dock space can be released earlier. The data for the respective blocks can already be called up on the shipping routes. It is possible to react quickly to late deliveries and thus initiate appropriate measures in process handling. Standardized interfaces enable employees to access the data from anywhere. This innovative technology significantly shortens throughput times, maximizes reloading speed and prevents incorrect transports.
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