Unique technology platform provides major savings in logic properties
Smart transport terminals can generate hundreds of millions of kronor in energy savings, efficient transport flows, increased safety and reduced manual handling. Together with several international logistics giants, SI has developed a unique logistics control platform properties that provide coordination benefits on a a whole new scale. Now the SI Logiware platform is made available to everyone.
Today's galloping energy and fuel prices are putting pressure on the efficiency of logistics chains that are developing at a rapid pace with increased e-commerce, growing retail chains, production facilities, warehouses and transport hubs around the country.
In collaboration with around thirty logistics customers, including DB Schenker and DHL, SI has developed a new, powerful platform for the logistics properties that form the hubs of transport chains.
"The unique thing is that we connect intelligent building automation in the terminal building with logistics flows between entrance gates, gates, loading docks and arriving vehicles. Collecting data and controlling the whole thing in the same system provides completely new prospects for saving both carbon emissions and money. I see endless possibilities," says Bobo Ekelundh, partner at SI.
Halves the property's energy use
One of SI's largest customers is DB Schenker, which has saved 230 million SEK in the 14 years of making terminals more efficient through SI's building automation system, which has been expanded with more and more functions over time.
"We saw early on that energy savings in the property and logistics solutions are linked. We have an enormous number of gates in our properties, which previously often stood open and let unwanted heat in or out. Today, the gate only opens when the truck is in place and closes automatically when inactive. Inside the terminal, lights and fans are only on in spaces that are used. We check and cut power peaks for both district heating and electricity, the temperature is regulated and the system signals as soon as something deviates. In this way, we can control and minimize energy consumption," says Tomas Eriksson, property manager at DB Schenker Property.
Logistics management: “revolutionary factor”
The truly unique benefits come when the same smart technology is used to streamline logistics and direct traffic in and around the terminal, tasks that are otherwise most often performed manually.
When a vehicle arrives at the entrance, a camera reads the registration number and matches it against orders in the system. The arrival is registered, it occurs within the agreed time slot, the gate opens and the driver is directed to the correct gate via a screen at the gate or the SI Logiware mobile app. If there is a queue, the car is directed to a waiting zone.
"The system is an important tool for streamlining, digitizing and improving our work. It will be much easier for drivers to find their way among our up to 200 gates. Loading and unloading are faster and we become more efficient inside the terminal when the goods automatically end up in the right place. This is a major improvement for us in the DB Schenker world, which could become a revolutionary factor in all our larger terminals if everything goes as planned," says Magnus Wik, process specialist for terminals at DB Schenker.
Increased safety and smart electric charging
In addition to the money saved in the form of energy and time savings, there are also benefits such as seamlessness and user-friendliness, as the system can be read and controlled via user-friendly interfaces on phones, tablets and computers - on site or remotely.
Another highly sought-after feature is the increased security that results from all arrivals and departures being logged via camera, access being granted in advance and managed automatically, and both gates and doors can be locked and unlocked automatically or on command, individually or as a whole.
New features are continuously being developed, one example is flexible charging of electric vehicles.
"Real estate is a fantastic opportunity to produce energy, for example through solar cells on the roof with battery storage. We have full control over the solar energy production, the battery charge level, when it is most profitable to take electricity from the sun or the electricity grid. The system determines whether a car during loading should only be charged as much as is required for the trip to the next terminal, or if the electricity is cheap and the car should be charged completely," says Bobo Ekelundh.
Profitable investment all the way
For DB Schenker, there are many small savings streams that have resulted in hundreds of millions saved over the years.
"It ultimately benefits our customers that we have an effective solution for well-functioning properties. We have of course made investments to achieve the savings, but they have been profitable all the way. I am happy with the result, it is clearly satisfactory," says Tomas Eriksson.
Press photos can be downloaded here
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ABOUT US
At SI, we develop, integrate and operate software and systems that deliver solutions for energy efficiency and automation in all types of properties. From the start, pioneering collaborations were crucial for us. We always develop and nurture our relationships, both with suppliers and our end customers – all to create a culture where it is obvious that goals are best achieved by working TOGETHER.
Today we have over 200 employees working from our offices in Varberg, Gothenburg, Sundsvall, Luleå, Kungälv, Halmstad, Ängelholm, Skövde, Östersund, Grästorp, Falkenberg, Tyresö and Stockholm. We improve energy efficiency every day in property portfolios within Municipality, offices & commercial premises, Housing, Water & Sewerage, Spa & Bath, Hotels, Logistics and Energy & Operation Services. Welcome to SI!
