Optimized inventory management with smart level measurement
19.10.2020
The Micropilot FWR30 level sensor and the Netilion Inventory IIoT ecosystem can be used to monitor the liquid levels in mobile containers anytime, anywhere
© Endress+Hauser
Full transparency for the storage and transport of liquids: The launch of the Netilion Inventory cloud service, grants users of the Micropilot FWR30 level sensor access to dedicated new functions for storage applications. These enable optimized inventory control and help to evaluate stock levels and anticipate demand planning.
The Micropilot FWR30 from industrial process measurement and automation specialist Endress+Hauser ensures cost-effective digitization of level measurement points in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). Thanks to the new Netilion Inventory cloud solution, users now have additional management options. Smart sensors enable the automation of manual control processes.
Dashboard for precise overview on mobile devices
Best possible monitoring and management: Endress+Hauser has enhanced the Micropilot FWR30 with the new Netilion Inventory cloud service
© Endress+Hauser
A prerequisite for using the dashboard is the world's first high-end wireless 80GHz radar level sensor Micropilot FWR30. It delivers reliable level measurement, even in instances where only assumptions were possible in the past, and provides detailed information about IBC inventory to optimize logistics and inventory processes.
By digitizing the measuring points, IBC levels can be checked anytime and anywhere. The new cloud-based Netilion Inventory service provides users a dashboard with numerous new analysis options, such as current and historical data, threshold values and notifications. It shows a volume calculation, consumption history and forecasting. This gives users an accurate overview of their inventory and the need to reorder. All data is visualized in the web app in a clear, user-friendly way.
To keep manual control processes to a minimum and to automate processes, a notification function can also be used. It automatically sends users an email when certain threshold values are reached.
Easy entry to inventory management
The Micropilot FWR30 level sensor and Netilion Inventory provide information on material levels, ambient temperature, measurement history, and battery status at all times
© Endress+Hauser
Linearizing the container volume and level makes it possible to calculate how much stock is currently available. Taking historical consumption of products into account improves forecasting of future replenishments and the free storage capacities. This renders production downtime due to missing materials a thing of the past. Preventive safety stock, which increases storage costs, can also be avoided.
Due to the time and cost investment required, inventory analysis has not yet been automated for small containers. Netilion Inventory allows for easy entry to inventory management by analyzing past material and consumption data as well as process anomalies.
"The Micropilot FWR30 represents the merging of the physical and digital world," senior product manager Dietmar Haag explained. "Proactive monitoring of systems and equipment finally works. We offer a low-cost, simple way to start digitizing even existing systems without stopping or endangering core processes".
Wireless level measurement in various industries
Micropilot FWR30 and Netilion Inventory enable contactless measuring and comprehensive monitoring of storage tank levels
© Endress+Hauser
In many industries, companies depend on detailed information about their inventories. In IBCs, the chemical industry stores additives for chemical production along with cleaning agents for tanks and pipelines.
The construction and cement industries use the containers for the condensers required for concrete production. The textile industry needs colors, oils, perfumes and chemicals to refine textiles. Large quantities of various liquids stored in IBCs are also used in the pharmaceutical industry as well as water and sewage technology, mineral oil technology, and cleaning and maintenance technology.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensor combines cutting-edge measurement technology with user-friendly digital services in one cost-effective device. All data associated with the digital services can be accessed on a range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets and desktop computers.
Netilion IIoT ecosystem: certified data security
A simple, low-cost way to digitize, the new Micropilot FWR30 takes just three minutes to install on a smartphone and stationary plastic tanks (IBCs)
© Endress+Hauser
The certified Netilion cloud services are integral to the solution designed to access data in the cloud, process it and use it as a basis for additional calculations and use cases.
Users can flexibly choose from a broad portfolio and successively adapt the services to their own requirements. The launch of the Netilion Inventory cloud service complements Netilion Value, the entry-level solution for easy tank and container level monitoring. The SupplyCare Hosting service offers extensive inventory and supply chain management to monitor larger, more complex supply chains.
Netilion Inventory can be used for the integration of up to 200 tanks yet also benefits smaller applications. All Netilion cloud services meet the highest security and data protection requirements according to European and German standards.
