Case Study: Pilsner Urquell – The Future of Empty Container Handling
Efficiency Improvement through Real-Time Tracking with IdentPro
Pilsner Urquell, one of the world’s most renowned breweries and part of the international Asahi Group, faced the challenge of making its warehouse processes more efficient. In particular, the tracking of KEGs (returnable barrels), overall empty handling, and warehouse logistics needed to be optimized. Manual scanning had to be eliminated to streamline processes, increase transparency, and improve warehouse safety.
RTLS Makes the Difference
Goods movements in most warehouses require significant manual effort. Employees must step off the forklift to correctly scan goods using handheld devices. This process is not only cumbersome but also a crucial factor in warehouse safety. With the introduction of the Warehouse Execution System (WES) from IdentPro, these processes in Pilsen have changed. Real-time localization enables the entire warehouse inventory to be tracked. To achieve this, the existing forklifts were equipped with IoT kits, allowing real-time tracking of all stock. The AI-powered software then creates a digital twin in real time, enabling intelligent task management for forklift operators.
No More Scanning: From Empties to Full Bottles / KEGs!
A key advantage of WES is the elimination of manual scanning in the warehouse. There are two different approaches for the automatic integration of empties (also KEGs) and full bottles / KEGs. For seamless tracking of all goods, an automatic detection system was implemented at the filling station’s conveyor belts. This allows barrels to be automatically recorded in the system and directly stored. In contrast, empties do not have unique identifiers and therefore cannot be automatically captured. With WES, warehouse specialists no longer need to leave their vehicles for scanning; instead, they can register empty containers directly via forklift terminals.
Seamless Integration into the IT System Landscape
For comprehensive logistics planning, it is essential that real-time data is automatically transferred to existing systems. Through interfaces, WES can be seamlessly connected to the existing ERP system, providing direct access to live inventory data. With this information, faster and more precise decisions can be made.
Results
Thanks to IdentPro’s smart WES technology, Pilsner Urquell was able to:
Looking Ahead
Pilsner Urquell is excited about the efficiency gains achieved with IdentPro and plans to expand the solution to additional sites within the Asahi Group.
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