Reliable tracking and flexible management of transport racks simplify safe deliveries in the glass industry

The logistics software provider BOX ID is presenting numerous new product features for the glass industry at the glasstec trade fair in Düsseldorf. The proven cloud software for the transparent management of glass rack fleets now offers shareable live location data for all users and manages maintenance intervals and inspection of the racks, ensuring compliance to accident prevention regulations (German UVV). In the future, a new app will support drivers conveniently and in real time with the reliable delivery of loaded transport racks and the return of empty ones. The range of tracking sensors has been expanded to include LTE.Cat1-based devices with worldwide, highly redundant network coverage, as well as a new BLE-based system (Bluetooth) – for particularly cost-efficient networking of large rack fleets.

Safe logistics processes play a major role in the glass industry. The material properties and usual glass sizes require special transport racks for temporary storage and transportation. As one of the most important trade fairs in the field of glass production and processing, glasstec offers an ideal annual platform for decision-makers who want to find out about product innovations and offers to increase efficiency. The logistics expert BOX ID uses presents its latest developments for the intelligent tracking and management of glass racks at this event for the industries’ experts.

New software features and app improve data quality

The BOX ID cloud software already supports the transparent management of glass rack fleets in the ‘Basic Edition’ with automated GPS tracking across production sites, supplier locations as well as customer and property addresses. QR-based workflows enable lean processes for the release notification of racks. The ‘Professional Edition’ offers extensive functions for distributed inventory management, for collecting data on holding periods and for the automated creation of billing overviews for rack users. Protected live data is now available in the new version: Customers and suppliers receive a live overview of all racks on site – at the touch of a button with a secure link. In addition, maintenance cycles and fixed inspection dates, such as those prescribed by the statutory accident insurance in Germany, can be managed automatically.

In January, a mobile app (Android/iOS) will be available for delivery drivers. They can use it to quickly and easily document the delivery and collection of racks. Additionally, they can instantly record and reliably process any information about damages to racks or goods.

New tracking devices for individual requirements

In addition to the tried-and-tested GPS tracking sensors in the Sigfox mobile network (Tripletrack), customers now have two more options for the secure tracking of their rack fleets. The Tripletrack AL300 is a durable and robust GPS tracker that connects via the mobile network, WiFi and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The standardized LTE.Cat1 continuously ensures wireless network coverage worldwide – with high redundancy and secure access to the strongest network available.

A new cost-optimized tracking system based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is now available for customers with very large rack fleets. The system consists of low-cost BLE trackers that are installed on the majority of racks. Reliable tracking is ensured by combining them with mobile BLE gateways that can be installed on a small number of the racks and optionally in delivery vehicles. The setup is completed by dedicated, stationary gateways at the company plant and logistics locations. Rack fleets circulating in a fixed network or transported by a company vehicle fleet in particular, can be located extremely cost-effectively.

“Our customers say that we offer the most holistic solution for automated rack management in the glass and window industry,” says Ralf Kolb, Key Account Manager at BOX ID. “Part of our success is certainly the fact that we can tailor the right solution for every fleet size.”