Efficiency thanks to HE-SFK underfloor truck scales and intelligent yard management
When numerous trucks enter a factory premises every day, it’s not just precise weighing that matters—but every meticulously managed process step before and after it. For an industrial customer in the paper and packaging industry, ESSMANN has implemented a customized system solution that integrates vehicle weighing, yard control, time slot management, and digital driver communication into a seamless process. At the heart of the solution are two HE-SFK 18 in-ground vehicle scales, intelligent self-service terminals, and a seamless connection to existing IT systems.
Initial situation and challenge
The customer is undergoing a comprehensive transformation process: The goal is the systematic digitization of logistics and yard operations. The existing ERP system will remain in place and will be intelligently integrated with the Transporeon Time Slot Management system. Freight forwarders and truck drivers will receive a time slot in advance, along with a corresponding QR code for their trip.
The operational challenge was to reliably weigh a large number of trucks entering and leaving the facility every day while efficiently managing traffic flow on the plant grounds. The installation of one of the two in-ground vehicle scales was particularly challenging: It had to be installed in an extremely cramped existing space between two warehouses and beneath a pipe bridge with a clearance of only 4 meters. This installation presented a special technical challenge even for the experienced ESSMANN team—and was successfully mastered.
The solution: HE-SFK, software integration and smart terminals
Check-In with safety module
At the plant entrance, all drivers and visitors check in using a modern stainless-steel check-in terminal equipped with a large touchscreen and a QR code scanner. The software was developed entirely in-house at ESSMANN and is multilingual, allowing drivers of various nationalities to navigate the process intuitively.
The integrated safety module guides drivers through a safety briefing in their respective national language—including digital confirmation. After logging in, the driver enters additional information, such as their license plate number and cell phone number, and then proceeds to the parking lot. There, they wait for the factory team to assign a charging bay, for example via text message or phone call.
Weighing via HE-SFK underfloor truck scales
Trucks enter and exit via an HE-SFK 18 in-ground vehicle scale, which is certified for calibration. The installation work on the entrance scale posed a particular logistical and technical challenge: Using two special mobile cranes, the precast concrete sections were precisely hoisted into place beneath the narrow pipe bridge—precision work in the truest sense of the word.
The pit prepared by the customer corresponded exactly to the specifications in ESSMANN’s installation procedure and foundation plan. The result was a smooth installation under challenging spatial conditions—a good example of how important precise planning, clear coordination, and experienced installation teams are in industrial scale manufacturing.
Both scales are equipped with self-service driver terminals. The terminals feature an integrated touchscreen, QR code scanner, and weighing terminal. The intuitive HE Terminal software guides the driver through the calibratable weighing process—without the need for permanent staff supervision and entirely digitally.
Transparent yard management with Transporeon and ERP connection
The entire process is seamlessly integrated with the Transporeon time slot management system and the customer’s existing ERP system. After unloading, the second weighing takes place on the exit scale. Only when all required process steps have been completed does the automatic barrier at the exit open—triggered by scanning the QR code again.
Seamless synchronization of all data ensures transparency, process reliability, and efficiency in farm logistics. Paper-based intermediate steps are reduced, manual intervention is minimized, and the systems involved operate on a shared data foundation.
Conclusion: Modern logistics meets proven weighing expertise
With this project, ESSMANN demonstrates how in-depth experience in industrial scale manufacturing, modern software solutions, and customized planning can be combined to create a future-proof, comprehensive solution. The HE-SFK in-ground vehicle scale impresses not only with its robust construction, its calibratable design, and its suitability for challenging installation situations. Through its integration into the ESSMANN Yard Management System, it also becomes a central component of a digitally controlled yard process.
If you’re looking to integrate vehicle weighing, yard management, and existing IT systems into a smart, end-to-end process, you should contact us early on—our team of experienced weighing system experts looks forward to working on your project.
Photos: Dr.-Ing. Gregor Graßl
