The Wittener Transport-Kontor Heinrich Stratmann GmbH will monitor its chemical transports with wireless sensors. The family-owned company from the Ruhr area transports in particular polyester feedstocks for the bulk industry. These must continuously be transported at temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius to destinations more than 3,000 kilometers away.
“Much depends on monitoring the temperatures. If a critical value is exceeded or undershot, a decision must be made whether a tour can still be continued to the customer or whether an unplanned heating system must be sought – which is associated with significant extra costs,” explains Thomas Jungermann, managing director of WTK.
Wireless sensors replace
wired systems
Since 2023, WTK has, according to its own statements, been using the wireless sensor technology of the Dutch company T Comm Telematics, whose German representation is based in Münster.
Initially, three tanker trucks were equipped with the provider's solution. The sensors record temperatures, door status, truck coupling, fill level, and trailer management data. In addition, base units and a web portal are included that enable central monitoring of the transports.
Previously, at WTK, holes had to be drilled and cables laid for temperature monitoring. The wireless sensors now reduce both installation effort as well as repairs and maintenance. The flexibility in placing
the measurement points in the tanker has significantly improved, the company reports.
Integration into existing telematics systems
A key advantage for WTK is connecting the new solution to Spedion's telematics application that is already in use.
“An interface to the solution from T Comm Telematics already existed. In this way, our dispatchers could view the temperatures right in their familiar environment and no longer had to click between different solutions,” explains Jungermann.
The integration with other telematics applications, ERP systems, and visualization platforms is said to ensure smooth interoperability of different systems and ease the dispatchers' daily work.
QR code enables digital temperature transmission
Notably, the ability to retrieve temperature data during unloading via QR code. A QR code is attached to the exterior of the trailer, which can be scanned at unloading with any mobile device and subsequently transmits the exact temperature data. This digital transmission replaces, the announcement says, the previously used analog thermometer, which is subject to weather influences and perspective errors.
Rollout and prospects
By now, 16 tankers are equipped with the wireless sensor technology. WTK plans to gradually retrofit all trailers and semi-trailers. According to Jungermann, the reduced effort in installation, maintenance, and reading errors not only leads to cost savings but also
