Long-distance data transmission or telematics

VEGA is the specialist for measurement of filling level, limit level and pressure. More and more, measurement data are needed not only locally for control and indication, but at distant locations as an important basis for various tasks: registration and archiving, supply chain management (for further processing in scheduling systems) and inventory management and logistics.
Only dependable measurement technology can provide the basis for acquiring precise measurement data, for designing reliable databases or for optimising stockkeeping and logistics processes. The application range for these kinds of applications is extremely diversified – from foodstuffs to cement, from petrol stations to applications in the water/sewage sector, from container services to waste disposal.
 
PLICSMOBILE together with the web-based information system WEB-VV is the ideal solution when measurement data from single or multiple, distributed measuring points have to be made available for further processing at remote locations.

Silo and tank management by suppliers (VMI - Vendor Managed Inventory)

Storage and logistics processes offer considerable potential for cost optimisation. A large portion of supply chain expenditures results from the storage and transport of products. If improvements are made in these areas, substantial cost savings result in this sub-segment of the supply chain. An important component of inventory management is the acquisition of stock level data. Only suppliers who have access to exact information on current stock levels can develop efficient replenishment strategies.

The basic requirement for effective inventory monitoring is a reliable measurement technology for measurement data acquisition. Silo and tank management by suppliers within the context of the Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) business model requires on top of that secure and reliable remote data transmission. For individual freestanding tanks and silos, PLICSMOBILE and measurement data transmission via public mobile phone network with GSM/GPRS technology is the right choice.
The visualisation software WEB-VV provides via the Internet simple worldwide access to all inventory information needed for the optimisation of logistical processes.

Mobile silos and transport containers

Everywhere where bulk products, as opposed to packaged products, simplify handling, the processing industry relies increasingly on mobile containers. For example, in the building and construction industry, transporting dry mortar, plaster and floor screed in mobile silos on special silo vehicles has many practical advantages. But to be able to plan the delivery of the right quantity at the right time and deploy the vehicles and drivers efficiently, exact fill-level information is an absolute must.
The visualization software WEB-VV together with VEGA measurement technology and PLICSMOBILE for remote data transmission offer an ideal solution for this task.
 
Mobile containers become transparent
On the basis of WEB-VV history data, which are transmitted by PLICSMOBILE, material requirements at the respective construction sites can be determined quite accurately. If the fill levels of the silos are known, the right quantities can be delivered at the right time. Delivery routes and vehicle fleet exploitation as well as capacity utilisation at the manufacturing site can thus be optimised to a great degree. The resulting speed-up of silo circulation also reduces investments in silos.

Especially robust measurement technology is needed for deployment in transport silos because it is subjected to large mechanical stresses already during transport with the silo. The first choice for mobile transmission of filling levels to the visualisation software WEB-VV is GSM/GPRS technology, as offered by PLICSMOBILE. Levels at the construction site can also be transmitted by e-mail and SMS, as an alternative or in addition to other methods.
A special requirement of level measurement in mobile silos is the power supply for the measuring instrument and communication unit. What is needed is a measurement and communication technology that maintains the data transmission over longer periods of time without an external energy supply. Solutions from VEGA achieve long operating periods without battery exchange or accumulator recharge through effective power management. Another advantage is the simple, cost-effective installation of VEGA measurement technology on silos, which actually requires only a few individual units.

Groundwater level measuring points

Up-to-date information on water levels, i.e. river or sea levels, is hugely important for water management activities, inland navigation as well as flood alarm systems. To this end it is necessary that level measuring points be equipped with automatic measuring and data transmitting equipment.
 
Groundwater level measuring points
Groundwater is a fundamental component of the ecosystem and of great ecological and economic importance. A network of groundwater measuring points is operated to monitor the groundwater level and the groundwater composition. Continuous observation of the groundwater level is the prerequisite for respectful, prudent management of our groundwater resources and for water-related economic planning. Owners and operators of the numerous groundwater measuring points are primarily waterworks, companies, associations and government institutions.
Groundwater is measured in sounding pipes. The water-levels of the individual aquifers fill these 50 to 100 mm diameter pipes to the corresponding height. To keep tabs on the groundwater level, observers were often employed to directly measure the water level, e.g. with the help of a whistle pipe. Suitable VEGA measurement technology and the PLICMOBILE for remote data transmission represent a considerable improvement and simplification of this measuring task.