U-Plus, optimal trucking logistics for disposal and hazardous waste
Introduction
At the time of our project, U-Plus Umweltservice AG, which now belongs to EnBW AG, was responsible for the disposal of hazardous waste, among other things.
One of the particular challenges in handling the transports is the rapid processing of the delivering transporters in order to make optimum use of the limited capacities at the registration stations, on the transporter scales and at the reloading stations.
The limited space available for temporary storage also requires optimum time and load management for reloading onto the incoming transporters in order to transport the delivered waste to the place where it is to be disposed of.
It goes without saying that the sensitive and careful handling of documents, random samples and test routines plays an important role, especially in the case of hazardous waste.
The previous paper-based processes, which involved the personal registration of drivers and the associated handover of documents at counters, had simply reached the limits of capacity in terms of time, space and personnel.
Procedure
After analysing the existing process flows, the current area organization and examining the legal basis for hazardous waste, we developed a step-by-step plan to gradually optimize the processes, which should allow extensive digitalization and automation of administrative processes.
Each stage covered one step of the complete process chain, from request processing and order scheduling to the individual steps of operational processing at the transshipment stations (transport registration, weighing, unloading, transshipment, departure). The measures should be usable with as few technical requirements as possible for the delivering and collecting transport companies.
In the step-by-step plan, we presented concept variants for individual steps where it made sense to do so. These were evaluated and weighted to form recommendations that enabled the stakeholders to make a decision without having to deal with the details of the content.
Sub-projects were then created and implemented for each decided and approved stage.
Solution approach
At the destination, delivery vans should be checked in digitally in predefined delivery time windows so that drivers can complete the entire check-in process without getting out.
Missed check-in times should lead to dynamic reorganization of delivery sequences so that traffic-related delays do not lead to congestion in the limited delivery areas.
After check-in, the transporters should be routed directly through the stations (scales, unloading, transhipment etc.) depending on the goods registered or your order type (delivery, collection).
Random checks should be carried out for certain disposal goods, as is the case today at airports for baggage and passengers. The checkout from the site should also be completely digital.
In addition to comprehensive organizational and process work, the solution required the implementation of software as well as the implementation of display boards and scanner facilities on the premises.
The software solution ensured that the cell phone number of the registered driver was recorded when the order was registered so that the driver could be given new delivery times in the event of delays.
With the order confirmation, the driver receives a printed barcode, which can also be delivered to the cell phone (similar to how airline tickets are delivered today).
At check-in, drivers have a scanner at driver height at the entrance, where you can scan your check-in barcode, as is the case with access barriers - and receive a ticket with your registration number (similar to that used by public authorities).
When the driver registers, the software transfers the driver to the dispatch queue and uses this to control the station displays by showing the driver's registration number, who then receives permission to drive through to the station.
At each station, the van's license plate number is scanned and logged. Once the vehicle leaves the premises, the job is completed.
The driver hands over physical documents to an employee at check-in, who takes over the documents directly at the check-in and hands them over signed before check-out.
