In its search for a new, reliable and cost-effective tracking solution, the Swiss logistics service provider opted for the IoT tracking provider SmartMakers. Its IoT application replaces the previous tracking system and thus solves the problems of EMIL EGGER in lean fleet management.
The lack of overview in the management of over 300 swap bodies led to inefficient processes and manual workarounds at the Swiss logistics service provider EMIL EGGER . However, efficiency is an important competitive factor for logistics companies. The company therefore implemented a tracking solution to locate its trailers. After this did not bring the desired improvements, it was replaced by the reliable and cost-effective complete solution from SmartMakers.
Not possible to locate the flatbeds
As one of the leading Swiss logistics service providers for special transportation, EMIL EGGER rents out swap bodies to its customers, among other things. These remain with a customer from a few days to several years and can be used and parked by the customer wherever they are needed. However, with a total of 330 flatbeds, it is almost impossible to know the current location and actual use of each flatbed.
"We didn't know where our customers were using the flatbeds or when they were coming back. All we could say was which customer they were with. In some cases, we don't see the flatbeds for years."
- Dominic Eugster, IT Project Manager
To enable the swap bodies to be tracked, EMIL EGGER therefore relied on a tracking provider's solution. However, this did not work adequately and did not meet the requirements of the owner-managed family business. Among other things, the GPS trackers were too large to be attached to the flatbeds, the battery life was too short and the technology and GPS connection were unreliable.
IoT Tracking brings security and efficiency
In the search for an alternative for reliable and precise tracking of flatbeds, EMIL EGGER came across the asset tracking solution from SmartMakers. The logistics company now has full transparency regarding the management of its swap bodies.
After a three-month test phase with 25 low-power GPS trackers, all 330 flatbeds have now been equipped with a tracker. These regularly send GPS signals, which are transmitted to the IoT platform thingsHub and to the company's own systems via interfaces. This means that all data is automatically available to the distributors in their transport system.
The swap bodies are tracked by monitoring the entry and exit times at the company's own site and at the destination sites, as well as by precisely locating them outside the set zones. This means that the availability and parking location can be verified at any time, while also ensuring efficient distribution and management of the swap bodies for lean fleet management.
This is because the use of state-of-the-art GNSS technology allows the position of the flatbeds to be reliably determined even in difficult environments with poor conditions.
"For us, monitoring is first and foremost a kind of insurance that nothing gets lost. With SmartMakers , we finally have proof of the whereabouts of the flatbeds and know exactly where they are at all times. Our customers also benefit from this."
- Dominic Eugster, IT Project Manager
Low maintenance in operation
In addition to reliable tracking, the trackers themselves are a major advantage. They are battery-operated and can be installed quickly and easily via plug'n'play. Due to the low transmission frequency, power consumption is also comparatively low and the hardware is correspondingly low-maintenance. With a battery life of up to ten years, the platforms can still be located even after several years.
For EMIL EGGER , the use of the complete asset tracking solution from SmartMakers has been a complete success. In the future, the trailers of the trucks will therefore also be equipped with GPS trackers.
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