StoreIT-Truck – RFID-based lorry inventory

The inventory check of lorries, which is required when there is a change of driver or when the lorry is handed over to a garage, usually takes about an hour. This check verifies the presence or absence of all documents and items assigned to the lorry.

This process carries a great deal of responsibility, as the absence of a specific document or device can result in the vehicle being unable to travel in a particular country or within the EU, leading to very high fines.

This procedure takes place at least once a week, sometimes more frequently, and results in a significant loss of time and high costs. For this reason, iFD Engineering Joint Venture GmbH has developed a solution for truck inventory, StoreIT-Truck, based on the StoreIT warehouse management system. The inventory is carried out using RFID tags to identify the truck’s contents.

What is the advantage of RFID technology?

RFID tags are labels or other data carriers containing a unique number that identifies each item in the truck’s inventory within the StoreIT database.

Unlike scanning with a barcode reader, the radio-based RFID process detects all tags within the reader’s range simultaneously. This process requires only a single scan with the handheld device around the lorry, which takes between one and a few minutes.

During the initial inventory, all stock items are fitted with the corresponding RFID tags. From then on, the tags are used to automatically identify the items in the truck’s inventory. Depending on the location, different RFID tags are used: paper labels, labels or tags for metal, tyre tags, etc.

Damage or irregularities on the lorry can be documented using the handheld terminal’s built-in camera, and the images are automatically uploaded to the StoreIT electronic archive, attached to the relevant inventory document and sent by email to the responsible parties.

Events with due dates can be created for every lorry in the fleet as well as for equipment such as fire extinguishers, insurance policies, certificates, etc. When the due date is reached, the responsible parties are automatically notified.

During a truck inventory, events that have reached their due date are also displayed in a pop-up list.

The system can be integrated with ERP and telematics systems, enabling the automatic recording of mileage, consumption and fuel levels.

The StoreIT-Truck solution is a cost-effective standard application that can be up and running with minimal effort within up to 6 weeks of order receipt.

Dr Krassimir Dimitrov will be happy to answer any questions you may have about StoreIT on +49 (371) 91 90 90 12 or by email kdimitrov@ifd-sofia.com.