Shipping chemical products more efficiently and safely thanks to (SAVVY®)telematics

The chemical specialist has installed an ATEX and IECEx certified “SAVVY CargoTrac ExR” telematics device on each of its tank cars and tank containers. These boxes, which can be installed in a few simple steps, contain robust and reliable high-tech electronics: In addition to sensors for locating and measuring various variables, the devices also contain a long-life battery and a module for data communication. The latter sends encrypted data to the “SAVVY® Synergy Enterprise” platform via the mobile network.

The private cloud platform is connected to AnQore’s SAP system via an interface. For each new order, the corresponding planning data – departure time, route waypoints, etc. – is automatically transferred from the SAP system to the SAVVY Synergy portal. Employees log into SAVVY® Synergy Enterprise with their account. There, they can view the status of all transports in real time – and, for example, clearly display on a map where a particular delivery is currently located.

If the incoming telematics data ever deviates from the planned data, the SAVVY® portal immediately sends an alarm notification by e-mail. This way, AnQore employees know immediately if something is wrong with a transport – be it a delay or a safety-relevant incident, such as a strong impact that could damage a tank container. This allows logistics planners and customer service representatives to take immediate action.

In addition to improved customer service, the solution also allows the fleet to be utilized to the best possible extent, thus reducing costs. Since the plants with which AnQore produces liquid substances such as acrylonitrile cannot simply be stopped, sufficient containers must be on site at all times for filling. At the same time, it is important to prevent tank cars and containers from standing unused on the company premises for long periods of time. Both can now be ensured even better on the basis of telematics data: Logistics planners can react quickly to short-term changes in fleet planning – and take measures in the medium term to continuously optimize processes.

Since AnQore informs the customer of the exact time of arrival, the customer can also plan more precisely and unload the delivery more quickly. Once he has sent the tank cars with the containers on their way back, SAVVY’s software calculates when they will arrive back at the plant. This enables smooth just-in-time production.

Since AnQore’s chemical products are hazardous goods, the issue of safety during transport also plays a prominent role. The telematics devices from SAVVY Telematic Systems are certified in accordance with both the internationally valid IECEx and the European ATEX directive for explosion protection and are approved for all hazardous zones.

For safe transport, the tank wagons must also be in perfect technical condition, which AnQore has so far checked in two-and-a-half-yearly check-ups. This process can also be improved by telematics. As the sensors measure the mileage precisely, they allow condition-based maintenance, i.e. the check-up dates are based on the distance actually covered by a tank car or its chassis instead of a fixed period. A heavily utilized wagon therefore needs to be serviced earlier, a less utilized wagon later – an advantage in terms of both safety and efficiency.

After the rollout was completed in March 2020, all sales and customer service employees are now using the SAVVY® Synergy Enterprise Portal. Next, the chemical company wants to bring its regular customers on board: Selected customers will receive their own access to the SAVVY portal. This will enable them to keep an eye on the status of their deliveries at all times, which will also relieve the burden on AnQore’s customer support.