Freight measurement solutions support smooth processes and transparency 

The logistics service provider trans-o-flex relies on the solutions of AKL-tec GmbH for calibrated freight measurement. A total of ten systems are used by the company based in Weinheim, Germany, to ensure smooth and transparent shipping processes.  “Our requirement was that the systems could be used for measuring pallets as well as oversized packages and that excellent documentation takes place. We finally found what we were looking for with AKL-tec: With the APACHE portal movable as well as APACHE dual zone, we can now meet our specific measurement requirements,” says Wolfgang P. Albeck, CEO of trans-o-flex. The movable system APACHE portal movable is predestined for flexible use on changing positions or at always different locations and collects the data where it is needed at any given time. By simply folding the supports, which are equipped with rollers, the device can be moved to its new position within a very short time. The goods are automatically measured and weighed, and documentation with image recording is also carried out if required. The mode of operation is based on two laser probes, which are located on a measuring beam and detect the object as soon as it is in position. The freight is placed within the measuring range and the measuring process is started by barcode scan or manually. The data is then transmitted to the customer database by automatically transferring the length, width, height, photo and weight of the goods. Alongside the operation of the moving system, trans-o-flex also uses the APACHE portal dual zone. A total of nine such solutions are used at trans-o-flex. The freight is picked up as a complete pallet, placed on the scales and the data is transferred directly and automatically to the system. The dual zone is especially predestined for oversized freight. A particular advantage of this system is that measurement is possible in almost any shape and size. Thanks to the two independent measuring zones, it is possible to place object A in a free measuring zone to determine exact values and to place the next object on the second surface. In this way, the output in the process is significantly increased. If there is additional demand, the measuring area can be extended individually and flexibly, so that both measuring zones can be combined into one large area, for example, if long products are involved. For trans-o-flex, it was very important that the measuring and weighing system be calibrated so that the results can also be used as a basis for correct freight invoicing. Added to this was the requirement for a minimal risk of failure due to technical errors. “Two other aspects are at least as important,” explains Albeck. “Knowing the correct weight increases safety because vehicles are not overloaded due to incorrect information. Rather, we can optimize the utilization of all vehicles.” This reduces costs and protects the environment, he adds. “We put various providers through their paces before making our choice. And AKL-tec was able to offer us a system that met our requirements.”