Saputo had partnered with RTS on many warehouse projects across Victoria over the course of 10 years. With confidence in RTS and a proven delivery track record, RTS were engaged to provide a fully automated solution for the new ILC.
RTS developed a custom built dual-level kiosk system which was suitable for both cars and trucks entering the site. The driver types the vehicle registration into the system or scan an RFID card, which is linked into the warehouse management system to confirm secure entry into the site.
On confirming the vehicle identity, the truck driver is able to view all details of the proposed delivery destination and the system instructs the driver to either go to the first weighbridge or a warehouse dock in real time.
The system then directs the forklift driver to meet with the truck driver at the designated loading dock. At this stage, the driver would have already opened the warehouse doors remotely from the radio terminal mounted on the forklift.
The truck is quickly unloaded or loaded and products scanned directly into the warehouse or onto the truck. The truck will then proceed around the site to the exit weighbridge. The truck is then weighed and despatch personnel then sign paperwork allowing the driver to exit the site. The whole delivery process is automated, to the point where it may only be a final signature by the despatch personnel that is required. Additionally, this whole process is efficiently achieved without anyone placing a foot on the ground.
Additional features of the RTS kiosks include a video telephone for communication with the dispatch office and RFID proxy cards to provide automated access for vehicle entry. This whole process initiates an audit trail for each and every person that enters the site. 29 forklifts, two pallet movers and the container stacker now all have RF equipment installed to manage 86,000 ambient and temperature controlled pallets. With a focus on safety all forklifts have the RTS immobilizer product installed, which disables terminal keypad entry and barcode scanning whilst the forklift is in motion, requiring the operator to be fully stationary before data can be keyed into the radio terminal.
RTS also worked with the entry gate manufacturer assisting them to integrate the gate control system back into the warehouse management software via an RTS custom developed door and gate controller.