Case Study
CargoVIS with Bluetooth Tracking
at K. Hansen Transport A/S
"We have already achieved
very good results in finding goods
and lost shipments since the system
was installed.
We are very satisfied with the
system."
Jakob Wiborg Hansen
Director
K. Hansen Transport A/S
12 October 2023
Indoor tracking of goods in the logistics halls of K. Hansen Transport A/S
Danish logistics company relies on CargoVIS with Bluetooth Tracking
In times of increasing demands on delivery speed and quality, it is crucial for logistics companies to keep track of all incoming and outgoing shipments. However, as the manual search for specific goods in cross docks is time-consuming and error-prone, seamless shipment tracking plays an increasingly important role in the everyday life of transport companies. For K. Hansen Transport A/S, ensuring a high-quality logistics service is also of great importance, so the company chose the CargoVIS video management solution from DIVIS for shipment tracking powered by the Quuppa tracking system.
Spoilt for choice: numerous locating methods available
In the meantime, there are a number of technologies that provide location data for seamless tracking, but not all of them are precise enough or optimally suited for indoor use. While GPS is sufficient for rough tracking outdoors, much more precise tracking methods are required indoors. Technologies such as Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), RFID, and Bluetooth are suitable here. Today, the Quuppa RTLS solution (Bluetooth direction finding) is one of the most proven indoor tracking systems and offers many advantages for logistics (see side box). But especially when used in logistics, this technology unfolds its full potential only in combination with a software-based video management system (VMS). Such systems make it possible to ensure seamless tracking of goods in a matter of seconds through camera-based parcel tracking combined with precise location data.
Above all, the value-creating combination of these technologies was one of the criteria for the Danish company K. Hansen Transport A/S to select a video management system with tracking technology. In addition, the solution was supposed to also cover the outside area of the premises and, above all, to be intuitive to use so that it is integrated into the daily logistics routine of the staff. Through a recommendation from a DIVIS customer, the transport company became aware of the intelligent video management software CargoVIS from DIVIS and the Quuppa solution. Since the first impression of the software functions also convinced K. Hansen Transport, the choice was not difficult.
Seamless goods tracking indispensable
In large warehouse areas with a high throughput of consignments, visual parcel tracking is indispensable for quality assurance. Thus, in 2021, the video management software CargoVIS from DIVIS was introduced in six logistics halls of the Danish company. Another almost 8,000 square metres were equipped with CargoVIS and the tagless Bluetooth tracking with Location+ offered by DIVIS. "We have already achieved very good results in finding goods and lost shipments since the system was installed," explains Jakob Wiborg Hansen, Director of K. Hansen Transport A/S.
A special benefit of this tracking solution is that hardware tags are no longer needed: This solution means that tags (or "transponders") – small transmitters that normally have to be mounted on the scanners – are now no longer necessary. The task of the tags is taken over by an app developed by DIVIS. When a pallet is scanned with the Quuppa system directly from the barcode scanners (via app), the Transport Management System (TMS) or Warehouse Management System (WMS) records the data from the scan. In turn, locators installed on the hall ceiling receive the Bluetooth signals from the scanners to show the position at the time of the scanning and the app then transmits the scanner’s position. The location data is also linked in the CargoVIS database with the recorded video material of the consignment. This creates a complete movement path of information for each good, which makes it possible to track the goods precisely based on the consignment or pallet number. Another benefit is the fact that the fast search entry via scan points speeds up loading and unloading. With Location+, the positions of even concealed objects can be clearly determined.
The advantages of combining CargoVIS and Quuppa tracking with Location+ at a glance
- Binding goods allocation through visual representation of the scanned goods
- Easy orientation in the camera images through visualisation of the scan area
- Scanned objects identifiable in the camera images even when occluded
- Easy handling in the daily workflow with the BLE app
- High flexibility and subsequent integrability of scanners
- Faster investigations through targeted access via scan times
- Efficient data interpretation thanks to the linking of scan, video, and location data
- Rapid amortisation of the purchasing costs
One platform, many possibilities
In addition to the Location+ Plus+ feature, the DIVIS platform offers further plus modules for the respective needs of logistics customers which can be individually combined with the video software products CargoVIS or – in parcel logistics – ParcelVIS. K. Hansen Transport A/S uses License-Plate+, another plus function of DIVIS. This database-supported system enables the automatic recognition of vehicle license plates via video camera and simplifies access and yard management. The stored data can be used for entry and exit control and for controlling vehicle movements in the yard to ensure that only authorised vehicles enter the company premises.
Thanks to the DIVIS and Quuppa solution K. Hansen Transport has significantly increased efficiency in their operation. Because of the tagless environment, locating failures and localisation errors can be largely avoided and costs for the purchase, repair, and maintenance of the small transmitters can be eliminated. All of this in turn not only allows for enormous increases in efficiency and cost savings, but also reduces unnecessary work steps for the staff. The strengths of the solution are also evident in logistical environments where a large number of scanners need to be located. All you have to do is install the DIVIS app on new devices and the scanners are integrated into the tracking system. Due to the extensive process optimisations, the solution pays for itself quickly.
Further Plus+ functions and additional modules of DIVIS (excerpt)
- Dimension+ powered by MetriXFreight
The automatic freight dimensioning of pallets provides legal for trade measurement data for transport cost invoicing and scheduling.
- Gate+
Automatic detection of gate and door states allows closing security gaps and identifying sources of energy consumption.
Conclusion
Success all along the line
The solution benefits several areas of the company at once from Location+ with tagless Bluetooth tracking – from the loading processes to claims management. The customers will also benefit from a higher quality of service. "The cooperation with DIVIS, especially with sales and service, has been very effective," says Director Jakob Wiborg Hansen, praising the exchange with DIVIS. "We are very satisfied with the system," he sums up.
BACKGROUND
K. Hansen Transport A/S
The family-owned company K. Hansen Transport A/S operates a modern logistics centre in Vejen, Denmark, and has 125 years of logistics experience. On an area of 55,000 square metres, the seven logistics halls offer state-of-the-art technology for fast and at the same time safe distribution processes. 7,000 square metres are reserved for the handling of goods alone. With around 200 employees, the company takes on transport and logistics tasks in the Scandinavian countries and ensures that customers' shipments are handled with maximum efficiency. Innovative technologies therefore play a major role for the Danish company.
Jakob Wiborg Hansen
Director of K. Hansen Transport A/S
photo© K. Hansen Transport A/S
