Palletways scanning system tracks pallet movements

Published: February 01, 2012

European express palletised freight network, Palletways, has developed a scanning system to photograph every pallet on its journey through its UK hub in Lichfield.

The company designed and installed the £750k system in conjunction with specialist suppliers, and created the world’s first 'archway' hub scanning system to provide full visibility of vehicle and pallet movements.

Palletways' new scanning system helps to maximise efficiency while reducing any security threats or issues with missing goods: “[the system]...virtually eliminates missing pallets, damage, theft and security issues, and the possibility of false claims for loss or damage of goods”.

At the entrance and exit of each warehouse, eight banks of two vehicle scanners, 16 barcode label image scanners and two high-definition cameras are installed. Both vehicle sides are covered, allowing every pallet to be recorded as it enters, goes through and leaves the site.

Martyn Young, Palletways UK MD, said: “We handle up to 20,000 pallets a day in the UK alone, so it’s imperative we have total control and security for every pallet.

“Our new system allows us to do this more effectively, while maximising efficiency by reducing the handling time for each pallet and every load.

“We’re now looking to extend it across our member network and throughout our hubs in Europe."