Weighing technology company Ravas recently proved the value of its technology for a logistics provider keen to ascertain the exact weight of each pallet in its cross docking operation with the least possible impact on its offloading and loading procedures.

Ravas fork scales enable the weighing of pallets

The provider wanted to optimise revenue by re-invoicing surplus pallet weight, where the real weight of pallet loads proved to be higher than the weight declared by the customer. At the same time, the company wished to optimise load factors and prevent overloads. By knowing the exact weight of every pallet, truck loads can be planned exactly, maximising load factors while avoiding overloads.

The Ravas solution involved both hardware and software. First of all, a number of forklifts and electric pallet trucks were equipped with a Ravas scale, integrated in the forks. The weight display on the truck included a WiFi module to communicate with the transport management system (TMS) over the wireless network of the customer.

After the installation, the client adopted a new work flow which included the weighing of pallets on arrival, without removing the goods. Truck operators scan the label on the pallet for ID. The weight sampling is automated, with minimal impact on existing cross docking operations.

According to Ravas, the customer conducted two ROI studies - one before and one after implementing the first batch of scales. As a result, the customer has continued to invest in scales on their forklifts over the last three years.