“We went looking for a solution when we realised that the communication struggles at our gates were blockers for our logistics flow”, says Willem Van den Broeck, Warehouse Manager at Reynaers Aluminium.
“The problem was two-fold: the language barrier was very frustrating for both drivers and staff, and we saw that trucks trying to enter the site were blocking our gate because of the delays at reception.”
At the previously staffed gatehouse, the growing problems with communication were slowing the whole yard down. During the slow and frustrating registration process, drivers were parked in not-so-convenient places, which could cause traffic jams.
There are no longer employees at the reception; there are just the Peripass kiosks and added signage. All frustrations are in the past. “The drivers receive and give all information in their own language, so we know why they are here, and they know where to go.”
Willem and the rest of the Reynaers team also realised they would need to convey the maximum amount of information in the minimum number of words because of the language barriers. “First, we need them to easily find and use the kiosk so they don’t drive around aimlessly.”
Once the drivers locate the kiosk, things go smoothly. “He fills in his unique reference, personal details and license plate. Afterwards, we communicate with him through SMS. These automated messages get sent out in the language chosen while registering, making it easier for him to understand everything.” A map of the site next to the kiosk gives drivers an extra visual aid to see where they must go.
Reynaers Aluminium takes signage very seriously. More signage is placed at the barrier, explaining how to access the restricted area of the site. The Reynaers team has placed an ANPR camera and a PIN pad at this gate. “We use the license plate number the driver provided. If it recognises the plate, the driver does not have to use the PIN; that is convenient.”
Drivers have received an SMS with information on their next steps, including a personalised PIN. Here at the barrier, they use it to gain access when the ANPR camera does not work. When the barrier opens, cameras take pictures of the truck from three angles. “A safety precaution”, Willem explains. “In case of a damage claim, we can easily check in what state the truck arrived at our gate.”
Since Reynaers Aluminium handles large shipments, which are sensitive to the weather, it has created big, inside loading docks for drivers to enter. The spots are assigned on the Peripass digital twin and dispatching dashboard. “We see here what trucks are at the waiting parking and what docks are occupied.”
“Before Peripass, we had to go outside to see who arrived and in what order to see who could go load and unload.”
Now, they have a perfect view of all drivers on-site, know the order of arrivals, can dispatch with the convenient drag-and-drop system, and have cut out a lot of complicated communication.
“We now know who is on our site, how long they have been there, and where they are.”
“Just place yourself in the position of a driver”, says Willem, “trying to navigate a site you don’t know, where all communication happens in a language you don’t speak. They just want to get in, load or unload, and get on.”
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