Digital transformation of logistics

Basalt AG introduces VAS Yard Management Germany-wide

No more waiting times at the weighbridges, no more delays in data collection: Basalt AG, a leading supplier in the building materials industry, is transforming and standardizing its logistics processes in the natural stone division with the Germany-wide introduction of the VAS Yard Management System from Axians IAS.

Weighing is a central component of the logistics process, as it forms the basis for invoicing, order processing and capacity planning. In the past, local automation solutions were therefore implemented around the weighbridges in the quarries, mixing plants and landfills of Basalt AG, which led to a decentralized, heterogeneous system landscape that made end-to-end interconnectedness and a synchronized data flow difficult.

A large-scale, cross-location modernization project was launched in 2017 to put plant logistics on a uniform, future-proof footing.

From decentralized system landscape to centralized plant logistics

An internal working group evaluated various systems in terms of their suitability for practical use in different scenarios. A system was sought that would enable real-time data transfer and automation of shipping logistics – from entry to loading to exit – and the standardization of existing systems and processes, while at the same time taking into account and mapping site-specific requirements.

Furthermore, the solution needed to be SAP-compatible and scalable to allow for expansion and future growth: “A major advantage of this initiative is the creation of a homogeneous infrastructure and process landscape, which will make us even more agile and competitive in the future,” says Frank Schädel, Manager of Industry Solutions at Basalt AG, who supported this project.

Standardized, scalable, future-proof:

VAS Yard Management prevails in the selection process

The modular VAS Yard Management System from Axians IAS was ultimately chosen. The solution, which was specially developed for the building materials industry, impressed with its modular design, live data acquisition and complete automation of the weighing processes:

Fully automated processes
VAS Yard Management combines ERP systems and automation components to create end-to-end digital process chains: At Basalt AG, vehicles are now automatically identified by camera or cards when they enter the yard and the tare weight is determined by entry weighing. After loading, the vehicles are weighed again, the system calculates the material weight, creates the delivery note and switches the light at the factory exit to green – completely without manual intervention. All data is transmitted in real time to the ERP system and the BAG customer portal.
Seamless integration
The hardware-independent system architecture of the VAS solution enables smooth integration into existing processes and industrial interfaces. Open standards and interfaces ensure that the solution remains scalable and can be easily adapted to future changes in the logistics workflow.
Modular architecture
Thanks to its modular structure, the VAS solution can be tailored precisely to the customer’s requirements. This modularity makes it possible to standardize systems and processes across plants and at the same time map the individual requirements of different locations in a central software solution.

“The introduction of VAS marks one of the largest cross-departmental and cross-branch software projects in our company’s history. With Axians IAS, we have gained not only a competent software manufacturer, but also a partner for process optimization and standardization.”

Frank Schädel

Manager of Industry Solutions, Basalt AG

Example of a cross-plant VAS integration process:

Phase 1 – Analysis and specification: At the start of the project, the customer’s processes are comprehensively analyzed and checked for optimization potential.

Phase 2 – Template development: The second step involves the development of a customer-specific template that ensures that the solution is optimally tailored to the customer’s processes and facilitates the roll-out in other plants.

Phase 3 – Customizing: The template is adapted to the requirements of the various locations and use cases.

Phase 4 – Expansion: Additional automation components such as driver self-service can be integrated.

Phase 5 – Roll-out and support: Successive roll-out at all locations with ongoing support and maintenance.

Mapping of further processes in VAS Yard Management planned

Following the successful roll-out of Yard Management for truck processing, Basalt AG has now initiated the next development step. In future, external storage sites and rail loading will also be controlled via the system. The aim is to digitally map and fully automate the entire process chain – for greater transparency, efficiency and process reliability in logistics.

Do you have any questions?

Contact us - we will be happy to help you!

Phone: +49 731 1551-0
Mail: info@axians-ias.com

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