Image processing in logistics

Eckelmann AG » Industrial automation » Products » Machine vision » Image processing for returnable logistics & pooling

Solutions for reusable transport containers and reusable transport packaging

Reusable transport containers and transport packaging made of plastic, wood or metal have become indispensable in many logistical or intralogistic processes and their use is constantly increasing.
Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs for short) offer greater sustainability and environmental friendliness through the reusable process.

With the closed-loop process, the demands on container management and the underlying logistical processes increase. Control of the throughput cycles of the reusable containers as well as the permanent fulfilment of functional and hygienic requirements must be ensured.

The smart products from Eckelmann AG offer the advantage of significantly simplifying the quality and inventory management of the transport containers for operators of container pools.

RCD Reusable Crate Detection

With increasing handling volumes at the hubs of the circular economy, the effort involved in managing reusable containers also increase.

The fully automated image processing system RCD Reusable Crate Detection allows the user to keep track of incoming and outgoing reusable packaging. It is used for sorted counting of mixed-palletized reusable transport carriers and containers, such as folding crates, plastic boxes or reusable pallets in different sizes.

 

 

Benefits

  • Reduction of manual input times and minimization of staff deployment
  • Reduction of manual input errors during the counting process
  • Increase in throughput
  • Increase in process-reliable inventory control and traceability
  • Automated, paperless processing when comparing counting results, i.e. comparing delivery notes against actual goods receipt
  • Detection of shortages or incorrect deliveries
  • Flexible integration into logistics processes: The RCD Reusable Crate Detection can be loaded with automatic pallet conveyor technology or manually by floor conveyors.
  • Easy integration into existing systems and IT landscapes

 

Flyer RCD Reusable Crate Detection

Flyer RCD Reusable Crate Detection French

Flyer RCD Reusable Crate Detection Nederlands

[Translate to "Englisch"] IFCO Washing C-PL stacking machine

Technical parameters

  • Throughput of up to 80 pallets/h with stacked goods
  • Stacking height up to max. 2700 mm
  • Manual post-registration of totes possible via hand scanner or data entry on the HMI
  • Space-saving, compact design
  • Interfaces to conveyor technology, documentation archives and IT environment
  • Update based on artificial intelligence (AI) models

RCI Reusable Crate Inspection

Due to legal regulations, e.g. in the food industry or due to impairment of the function of reusable transport containers by damage and soiling, regular condition inspections are required.

With the RCI - Reusable Crate Inspection System, Eckelmann AG offers an automated inline inspection of reusable packaging such as folding trays, plastic boxes, reusable pallets and other crate-shaped products. The inspection tunnel enables fast and reliable detection and sorting, and the inspection goods concerned can be ejected after identification if a pusher unit is present. The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted to customer-specific requirements.

Benefits

  • 100% inline quality control
  • Minimization of personnel deployment by reducing manual or visual quality control
  • High inspection throughput in fast-running container conveyor systems
  • Prevention of disruptions and complaints in downstream processes through reliable ejection of dirty or damaged containers or products
  • Improvement of container management through continuous condition monitoring and generation of a reliable database for the higher-level asset management
  • Tracking the history of your inspection data and analysis values
  • Simple integration into existing systems, even without intervention in inventory controls

 

Flyer RCI Reusable Crate Inspection

Flyer RCI Reusable Crate Inspection French

Flyer RCI Reusable Crate Inspection Nederlands

Technical parameters

  • Inspection performance of up to 3000 items to be inspected per hour
  • Integrated pusher for ejecting containers. Alternatively, existing devices can also be used to eject containers.
  • Modular, scalable architecture
  • Based on artificial intelligence (AI) models
  • Robust design in stainless steel, suitable for use in food production

Crate Data Services

For the Crate Data Service, the RCD or RCI logistics systems are connected to a database server. The recorded data is stored in a structured manner on this data server and is available to you for subsequent analysis. We have already preconfigured some important reports and dashboards. Filter functions can be used to create your own evaluations. This gives you more transparency about your reusable container and its life cycle in the cycle.

Benefits

  • Digital CVs for your containers
  • Continuous monitoring of key indicators (performance, quality)
  • Configurable graphical representation of data
  • Functions for maintaining and correcting data records

Crate Support Services

  • Hotline support
  • Delivery of spare parts
  • Maintenance of existing software
  • Software extension with new algorithms
  • Updating of AI models