Access control at loading ramps

Headquartered in Ardooie, Belgium, Ardo Foods NV produces frozen vegetables, herbs and fruit. With 17 locations in eight countries, the family-run company supplies its customers from retail, gastronomy and industry with high-quality frozen food via a global sales network. Peas, beans, root vegetables, spinach and other vegetables are washed, blanched, frozen, packaged and stored at the Koolskamp location in Belgium. A newly designed parking space for trucks and employee vehicles between the entrance to the company premises and the loading ramps presented the company with major challenges, as transport vehicles are continuously moving in and out. This dynamic in limited maneuvering space carries risks such as collisions, obstacles to access and delays, which could endanger not only smooth operation, but also the safety of persons.

Incoming truck drivers should therefore know in good time whether the site is already occupied and how long they have to wait before they can enter. As drivers come from different countries and often cannot communicate with each other or with the local staff, the system had to operate independently of language. "We have recognized that there may be problems with traffic between the loading ramp and the truck parking lot," says Bart Nollet from Ardo's engineering department, describing the initial situation. "That's why it was important to make sure that drivers, regardless of the language, are warned if there are bottlenecks and know that they have to wait at the barrier." A system for regulating the number of trucks in the loading area, including a display of the waiting time, was intended to solve these problems.

Control, visualization and programming from a single source  

"The Turck Multiprox team suggested using an LED strip that counts down the time while the driver is waiting," says Nollet. "In addition to the hardware, the team also took care of the programming, which helped us a lot." The heart of the traffic control system is the compact TBEN-S2-4IOL multiprotocol I/O module for Ethernet with four IO-Link master channels. One of its key strengths is its flexibility with regard to various communication protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP, which enables trouble-free integration into the existing infrastructure and ensures communication with IO-Link system components. The module enables fast processing of data streams and therefore precise and timely control of the traffic flow. The control functions of the TBEN-S2-4IOL are programmed via the browser-based logic software ARGEE, which enables easy adaptation and expansion of the system and rapid implementation of the TURCK solution.

Improved driver guidance thanks to programmable WLS27 LED lights

The WLS27 programmable LED light from TURCK's photoelectric sensor partner Banner Engineering shows the course of the expected waiting time. The LED strip lights up very brightly and is clearly visible even in daylight. The numerous colors and light modes can be parameterized via IO-Link. This allows the WLS27 to present a wide range of information clearly and intuitively. Due to its shatter-proof, waterproof and UV-resistant copolyester jacket with IP69K protection rating, it is perfectly suitable for outdoor use. At the barrier, it uses different colors and flashing patterns to indicate to truck drivers when they can drive in, regardless of the language. The clear visual signal prevents collisions and ensures a steady flow of traffic while improving safety for people, vehicles and infrastructure.

Flexibility and control intelligence through ARGEE programming environment

The web-based ARGEE programming environment is important for the uncomplicated programming of the TBEN-S2-4IOL module. It extends the multiprotocol I/O module with logic functionalities to a field logic controller, which can be configured without complicated software installations and programming languages. This makes it possible to adapt the LED display to the requirements of the traffic control system. An example of this is the programming of a dynamic timer that adapts to the remaining waiting time. Depending on the remaining waiting time, the timer regulates the speed at which the red LEDs are dimmed.

Connection to the local parking guidance system

Through communication with the local parking guidance system from Ardo, the TBEN-S2-4IOL receives real-time information about the occupancy of the loading ramps and the status of the barrier. This parking space occupancy data allows the traffic control system to precisely control the WLS27 LED lights. TURCK's TBEN-I/O module now continuously monitors data on parking space availability and barrier status, allowing arriving truck drivers to be signaled by light when they can enter or how long they need to wait. Depending on the availability of the parking space, the opening of the barrier is also coordinated. The simple integration of the local parking guidance system was one of the key factors for the overall efficiency of the new solution, which today makes delivery traffic at Ardo in Koolskamp much safer and more efficient.

"We are very satisfied with the Turck Multiprox solution," concludes Bart Nollet. “Just two months after we discussed the problem, the solution was already ready for use thanks to the system engineers from Turck Multiprox. The fact that we have not heard a single comment from a foreign driver since then and that no dangerous situation has occurred proves that the system is working perfectly."

Customer | www.ardo.com