Returnable assets (returnable load carriers)
Small boxes with a big impact
Goal of the project
Returnable load carriers such as special racks, crates, IBCs and other containers are often very costly due to the volume in circulation or custom design. In many cases, system downtimes can occur if racks are missing. In such situations, the manufactured goods cannot be transported any further. As a result, the stock levels of these carriers must be maintained above normal requirements, locations must be monitored, and inventory levels balanced.
Traceability can also be important for IBCs, for example, due to quality and safety requirements. In particular, the reliable functioning of the IBC valves may depend on the number of cycles or the age of the material. In some cases, the objects suffer premature defects. Maintenance cycles for valves or coatings also need to be monitored in order to ensure product quality in the food sector, for example.
Localisation and traceability
First, each returnable load carrier is fitted with an RFID UHF tag. This allows objects to be clearly recognised and managed. The UHF technology also enables sensors to be read at a distance of up to several metres as well as multiple readings. Such bulk reading processes are particularly efficient as separation before a reading process is avoided. In addition, automated detection reduces errors - the time saved can be invested in value-added processes.
The station-based localisation of load carriers in moneo Track & Trace enables automated inventory and makes it easier to locate and verify existing assets. The historical documentation fulfils the traceability requirements for the customer and secures claims against the manufacturer in the event of a defect. As a customer, you can choose from cost-effective compact devices to intelligent gate solutions. moneo Track & Trace can also be used with other identification technologies such as multicode readers for reading 1D and 2D codes (e.g. data matrix codes).
Greater transparency and lean management
Greater inventory transparency saves search time and reduces the risk of downtime. Minimum stock levels can also be reduced as part of lean management. Dynamic inventory redistribution can be based on the locations of the returnable load carriers. You also get effective and automated documentation in the form of logbook entries for the process steps that are important to you (e.g. cleaning steps). You can operate the solution as an on-premises system or subscribe to it as a convenient solution in the cloud.
 Prevention of delivery delays |
 Ensuring |
 Workflow support and |
The 10 most important functions of moneo Track & Trace at a glance
- Unique identification of each individual container
- Localisation within a graphic layout
- Search by ID, type and other attributes
- Alarm messages for under/over supply
- Key performance indicators such as dwell time and throughput
- Traceability of process data (e.g. humidity and temperature)
- Maintenance support through cycles and inspection dates
- Events for integration into ERP processes (e.g. transfer posting)
- Preparation for eKanban processes
- Flexible system integration through REST API and webhooks
Live tracking also in the cloud
Find out how you can integrate production facilities into the moneo Cloud in six easy steps, get results quickly and save money.
Integration steps
- Drag and drop the stations you want to monitor into a layout.
- Install the sensors and IO-Link hardware at all relevant locations.
- Connect the installed sensors to an edgeGateway.
- Connect the gateway to the cloud via LTE, Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Start tracking and set parameters for notifications.
- Gain valuable insights and continuously improve your efficiency.
Benefits of “sensor to cloud”
- Quick results with easy implementation.
- Cost reduction for network wiring.
- Plug-and-work pilot projects
- Regular cloud updates with improvements and new features.
