Auf dem Weg zu einer saubereren Logistikumgebung: Hikvision und FWA schließen sich zusammen, um den Zugang zu Logistikstandorten zu automatisieren und die Abläufe auf dem Hof zu automatisieren

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The roads around logistics sites are often noisy, polluted and congested. To prevent this, French software developer FWA has integrated Hikvision hardware into their logistics solution, DuckTheLine, to manage the arrival of trucks for loading or unloading. We spoke to Dimitri Ashikhmin, Associate Director and Co-Founder of the company to find out more.

Dimitri Ashikhmin, Associate Director and Co-Founder, FWA

Q:Could you please tell us about yourself and your company?

A: We’re a team of about 25 software developers based in Paris, France. One of our solutions, DuckTheLine, was originally designed to manage queues of people such as those entering museums or restaurants. But once you’ve developed a solution for managing queues, you start to spot them everywhere. It wasn’t long before we noticed the queues of trucks outside logistics sites.

Q: What are the main challenges caused by trucks queueing?

A: When too many trucks arrive at the same time, there is no alternative but to queue outside a logistics site and wait your turn. As most trucks keep their engines on, this is extremely bad for the environment. It can also be very dangerous, as these trucks may also cause congestion on the surrounding roads. In some countries—and this is certainly true here in France—there are significant financial consequences for sites which cause queuing because trucks can invoice for their time spent waiting. We have some customers who, before they installed DuckTheLine, were paying up to €100,000 per year in such costs. In addition to this, congestion also leads to delivery delays that generally upset end customers.

F: How does your DuckTheLine solution address these problems?

A: DuckTheLine enables logistics site managers to schedule delivery time slots when designated trucks should arrive, and to optimize their progress through the facility when they are on-site. Even when arrival times cannot be scheduled, the software enables trucks to start loading and unloading as soon as possible by bringing forward other workflow elements that can be done in advance. Drivers can select available slots via mobile, and register their vehicle and plate number for access validation during authorized delivery times.

F: What kinds of customers use the DuckTheLine logistics solution?

A: We work with many kinds of logistical companies, both large and small. These include some very large international companies such as CEVA and TotalEnergies, which use our system to manage the safety-critical logistical operations at depots which load trucks with oil and biofuels, natural gas and renewable green gases.

F: Can you summarize how DuckTheLine works?

A: The process starts when drivers join the virtual queue either using an app, or via our website. This can happen hours, or even days, before they are due to arrive at the logistics site. After selecting their preferred language and capturing their license plate information, our system shows the drivers a range of available time slots for arrival if that is possible. When they arrive, DuckTheLine guides them to their allocated gate.

We can configure the system to ensure that other workflow elements are carried out before goods are unloaded. This could be to ensure that drivers read and sign relevant safety rules, or providing proof of import tax payments. This can be a very important part of the process for some sites.

DuckTheLine also enables operators to quickly and efficiently report issues with deliveries. QR codes enable operators with the app to scan the goods and select from several common issues or write their own in free text. They can also take photos and upload these along with the report which can be automatically sent to both the site manager and the transport company.

F: How does Hikvision enhance your system?

A: The main benefit of the partnership with Hikvision is that it allows us to automate access to a logistics site by reading vehicle number plates. This, in turn, reduces the waiting time for vehicles at the site entrance. When a truck arrives at the site, our system receives the vehicle registration from Hikvision automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed either at the entrance gate or the approach road. These cameras are connected to HikCentral Professional which, in turn, synchronizes the appropriate data with our DuckTheLine server. This authorizes (or not) the vehicle and sends the appropriate command to the barrier control.

Hikvision’s ANPR functionality also enables DuckTheLine to track vehicles when on-site. In some installations, we use Hikvision visual display screens to guide drivers to their allocated docks.

F: Why did you decide to partner with Hikvision?

A: Hikvision was recommended by some of our customers because of their high quality hardware. As a software developer, another priority for us was that they had an open architecture and Hikvision’s HikCentral Professional OpenAPI is perfect in that respect.

Above all, however, successful partnerships rely on great technical support. Hikvision has been on our side right from the very beginning. The Hikvision team here in France has been outstanding, helping us address the inevitable technical challenges that happen when you are integrating one technology with another.

F: Do you have any final thoughts?

A: In the future we hope to build on this great working relationship as we develop new customizations for our customers. For example, we are currently working on connections to their large displays to improve the communications to drivers in a very large logistics site. We are also thinking about integrating with Hikvision’s smart door access system. The key thing for us is that we can always meet our customers’ requirements. Whenever that means working with Hikvision hardware we know that won’t be a problem.