Digitalization on construction sites presents companies with unique challenges:
New systems must be implemented without lengthy disruptions, complicated transitions, or time-consuming training. The collaboration between STRABAG and PFREUNDT on a challenging infrastructure project demonstrates how this can be achieved—with a fast, structured, and closely supported transition to the PFREUNDT Web Portal.
“For demanding projects, you need solutions that work right away without a long ramp-up period. With the PFREUNDT Web Portal, we achieved this flawlessly.” Fabian Iglhaut (STRABAG)
Not only the technology, but above all the intensive support during the transition was crucial to the success. Thanks to the close collaboration, questions were clarified early on, requirements were implemented in a practical manner, and the solution was integrated quickly. The intuitive operation of the Web Portal further facilitated the transition.
The PFREUNDT Web Portal is flexibly expandable: Additional functions and other applications can be integrated as needed. This ensures the solution remains scalable and customizable to meet future requirements.
The project demonstrates how digital solutions can be introduced quickly and practically, even in demanding project environments. The rapid transition and close support make the project a compelling example of successful digitalization in the construction industry.
Initial situation: Need for standardized software and greater transparency in the weighing process
The customer has been using a WK60 wheel loader scale with the PFREUNDT Web Portal for years. To ensure complete transparency regarding material inflows and outflows, the weighing process needed to be expanded to include a vehicle scale. The customer wanted to ensure that no additional software was required and that the vehicle scale could be operated on a self-service basis.
Integrated solution: Truck scale with PFREUNDT software solution for vehicle weighing
An 18 × 3-meter PFREUNDT in-ground vehicle scale was installed, with the SysTec IT3 weighing terminal serving as its technical control center. The calibratable vehicle scale was seamlessly integrated into the existing PFREUNDT system environment and enables a fully digital weighing process. From order data entry and weighing to data processing, every step is mapped in the PFREUNDT Web Portal.
“Our customers expect integrated solutions rather than individual components. At Schlenter, it was clear: the vehicle scale had to integrate seamlessly into the existing web portal. With our high-performance solutions, we have created a robust, calibratable, and fully digital weighing environment that operates without the need for a permanently staffed operator station.” Mark Terbrack, Application Consultant and Specialist for System Solutions, PFREUNDT GmbH
An Overview of the Digital Weighing Process
1. A master order is created in the PFREUNDT Web Portal
All relevant data—such as customer, material, and construction site—is stored centrally, eliminating the need for the driver to enter it manually.
2. Initial weighing upon entry
The driver operates the self-service terminal independently and enters the master order number and the license plate number. As soon as the vehicle is correctly positioned on the scale, the SysTec IT3 weighing terminal records the weight and transmits the data to the PFREUNDT Web Portal via the MQTT interface. At the same time, a SysTec IT1 secondary display shows the weight to the driver.
3. Second weighing upon exit
The delivery note is displayed digitally, signed, and printed.
The benefits at a glance
By integrating the new vehicle scale into the existing PFREUNDT system, Schlenter now has a unified, efficient, and future-proof environment in which the wheel loader and vehicle scales are centrally consolidated.
- Time and cost savings through automated self-service of the vehicle scale for fast truck processing
- Precise weight measurement for accurate billing
- Real-time digital data transmission
- Fewer errors thanks to order management in the web portal, as manual entries by the truck driver are reduced
- Shared database for wheel loaders and vehicle scales in the web portal
- Uniform user interface for all weighing processes
Outlook: A future-proof and scalable weighing solution
With additional camera technology, the system will in the future also be able to automatically read and process vehicle license plates and capture images of the loaded material. This lays the groundwork for flexibly expanding the weighing process and enables H. P. Schlenter to respond optimally to future requirements.
PFREUNDT as a pioneer in weighing technology
PFREUNDT has been regarded as a technological pioneer in the field of mobile and stationary weighing solutions for many years. With the development of this calibratable axle load scale, which records the axle and axle group weights of the vehicle as it passes over, the company has once again set new standards. The scale is the first of its kind with German domestic type approval that also records axle and axle group loads subject to calibration – a milestone for traffic control and infrastructure monitoring in Germany.
Regulatory background: EU Directive 96/53/EC
EU Directive 96/53/EC requires EU member states to implement measures for detecting axle load violations in road traffic. The aim is to protect the transport infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded vehicles. With its axle load scale, PFREUNDT is the first supplier to offer an approved solution that meets the requirements of the EU directive and enables legally compliant, automated monitoring.
Technical implementation and pilot project at the A31 Gescher/Hochmoor motorway rest area
At the heart of the PFREUNDT weighing solution is the calibrated axle load scale, which enables legally compliant measurement of axle and axle group weights during transit. Vehicles pass over the scale at a speed of 2 to 6 km/h, while the integrated weighing electronics, in combination with specially developed software, output the weights of the individual axles and axle groups.
This technology is being used for the first time as part of a pilot project at the A31 Gescher/Hochmoor motorway rest area. Potentially overloaded vehicles are weighed in a separate lane, into which the PFREUNDT axle load scale is integrated. This provides the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) with legally valid results for evaluating axle and axle group loads and enables a high frequency of checks.
Approval by the PTB: A technical milestone
The PFREUNDT axle load scale meets all the specified requirements of the Regulatory Committee, of which the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is also a member. This makes it the first automatic dynamic road vehicle scale (SSW) with German national type approval that can measure axle and axle group loads. PFREUNDT will also soon be authorized to carry out conformity assessments for future installations itself.
Would you like to learn more about PFREUNDT axle load scales or are you planning to set up your own inspection station?
Get in touch now!
PFREUNDT: Hello Mr. Schröder, as a long-time user of various bulk loading management solutions, how do you rate the new web portal?
Mr. Schröder: Hello, I was actually pleasantly surprised by the efficiency and simplicity of the new web portal, which transmits loading data in real time from a scale installed on the wheel loader.
PFREUNDT: What advantages have you noticed in terms of time savings?
Mr. Schröder: The direct transfer of loading data to the web portal significantly reduces the time previously spent on manually entering and tracking data. This means that more time remains for the actual core tasks.
PFREUNDT: Can you tell us more about the availability and clarity of the data in the web portal?
Mr. Schröder: The web portal offers a clear presentation of all relevant data. Regardless of whether you are in the office or on the road, the data can be viewed at any time and from anywhere. This facilitates decision-making and enables a rapid response to current events.
PFREUNDT: How does the web portal affect your paperwork / bureaucracy?
Mr. Schröder: Thanks to the digital recording and storage of data, there is no more tedious paperwork. Everything is recorded digitally and can be called up at any time, which considerably reduces bureaucracy and minimizes administrative work.
PFREUNDT: Has the introduction of the web portal noticeably changed the utilization of the fleet and employees?
Mr. Schröder: Thanks to the real-time availability of data, the fleet and employees can be planned and deployed more efficiently. This leads to optimum capacity utilization and thus to an increase in productivity and efficiency in the company.
PFREUNDT: What impact does the automation of data transmission have on the error rate?
Mr. Schröder: The automation of data transmission considerably reduces the need for manual input. This not only minimizes the effort involved, but also the risk of input errors, which in turn improves data quality.
PFREUNDT: What are the advantages of real-time data availability?
Mr. Schröder: The real-time availability of data makes it possible to react immediately to changes and requirements. This is particularly important for planning and controlling logistics processes.
PFREUNDT: How did the integration of the web portal into your existing software solutions go?
Mr. Schröder: The integration of the Web Portal into existing software solutions is uncomplicated and does not require any complex installation. This saves time and costs and enables rapid commissioning.
PFREUNDT: What do you think about the user-friendliness of the web portal?
Mr. Schröder: The Web Portal is characterized by a user-friendly and intuitive interface. Even without extensive training, employees can work quickly and efficiently with the system.
PFREUNDT: To summarize, how would you rate the Web Portal?
Mr. Schröder: Overall, the Web Portal offers a well thought-out and effective solution for the management of bulk material loading. The combination of real-time data transfer, ease of use and extensive benefits makes it an indispensable tool for companies that want to optimize their logistics processes. I can recommend this system without reservation.
Calibratable PFREUNDT forklift scales can be retrofitted at any time in forklifts from a wide range of manufacturers
The Robers brothers have now equipped one of their forklifts with a PFREUNDT forklift scale. After initial doubts regarding the accuracy of the scale, Andre Tenk, managing director of the company, is now highly enthusiastic. “Previously, we weighed our packaged goods with a pallet truck equipped with a scale or recorded the weight of the loaded trucks via third-party weighings at a truck scale. We now save ourselves these trips. Because with the forklift scale, we now determine the weight of the goods directly during the loading process. This saves us not only time and money, but also CO2. The forklift scale is robust and weighs very precisely, even if the forklift is not quite level. The scale enables us to load our trucks optimally while complying with the axle loads and the permissible total weight. In this way, we avoid overloading the vehicles and thus incurring fees.”
Advantages of the PFREUNDT hydraulic forklift scale at a glance
- Shortened logistics or production process and precise loading of trucks through direct weighing within the work process
- Easy access to the recorded weighing data via the web browser-based PFREUNDT Web Portal
- Calibratable weighing technology of highest accuracy
- Simple and intuitive operation via touch display
- Can be retrofitted at any time in forklift trucks of various manufacturers, such as Jungheinrich, Still, Toyota, Hyster and Linde
Learn more about PFREUNDT Forklift Scale
Rheinische Baustoffwerke (RBS) is a large producer of sand, gravel and building materials with disposal capacities.
In Hürth Ville, Germany, RBS operates a modern landfi ll for mineral waste. To unlock effi ciency gains in truck
scales at the disposal site, RBS has chosen an automated weighing solution designed by PFREUNDT and equipped
with smart SysTec weighing indicators. PFREUNDT considered especially RBS‘ operating requirements
during development.
The key facts
- Fully automated weighing process
- 2 truck scales at the entrance with driver self-service terminals and 2 vehicle scales at the exit
- Weighing data recording on RFID cards
- Logging of the unloading position (storage of GPS data)
- Legally compliant material sampling processes
Customer benefits
- Automated PFREUNDT system solution saves time and resources – high productivity, lower operating costs
- More throughput: No more queues at the entrance, as trucks can be quickly dispatched by means of digital truck scales with self-service terminal
- Precise accounting of weighed and delivered materials
- Robust SysTec weighing indicators for outdoor use
- Complete digital documentation of the disposal process on RFID cards
- Fast processing of the data by ERP connection
- High reliability due to self-suffi cient system: the solution is designed in such a way that power supply is suffi cient in case of temporary failures of the online connection
Weighing 4.0 – PFREUNDT´s system solution
Automation is a key lever at RBS to become faster and more efficient. For this reason, RBS relies on digital weighing processes. When it comes to designing and implementing the weighing technology solution for the landfill in Hürth Ville, RBS opts for a PFREUNDT system solution and the smart SysTec weighing indicators.
“We developed the system solution specifically for RBS‘s operational requirements. It covers all processes from the completely automated weighing process, including initial and secondary weighing of the trucks, to material sample documentation during the
dumping processes and commercial procedures at the exit,“ says Mark Terbrack, application consultant and specialist for system solutions at PFREUNDT. “PFREUNDT has always had a high demand for innovation and quality – this is also appreciated by our customer RBS. The weighing electronics must meet this demand. That‘s why we rely on SysTec weighing indicators and terminals: robust, digital, W&M approved and the systems have a convincing operating concept.“
Check-in scales
Both truck scales operate with an automatic check-in. The truck drivers, who already possess RFID cards from RBS with recorded master data for the loaded material, can simply hold the card up to the reader at the self-service terminal. There is no need to get out of the vehicle, the processes run quickly.
The self-service terminal displays the unloading point, all order-relevant data, and also the material to be dumped. The truck driver actively confirms the data at the terminal. At check-in, an RBS employee can use a camera to carry out a visual inspection of the loaded material and, if there is any suspicion, arrange for unscheduled sampling of the load. For new customers not yet registered, an RBS employee issues a new card. The truck scales are equipped with a traffic light system. If the system is not ready for use, this is signaled by the flashing red light. When the scale is zeroed, the traffic light is green and the truck can drive onto the scale. After weighing, the truck starts to the designated unloading point.
Dumping and material samples
The self-service terminal displays the unloading point, all order-relevant data, and also the material to be dumped. The truck driver actively confirms the data at the terminal. At check-in, an RBS employee can use a camera to carry out a visual inspection of the loaded material and, if there is any suspicion, arrange for unscheduled sampling of the load. For new customers not yet registered, an RBS employee issues a new card. The truck scales are equipped with a traffic light system. If the system is not ready for use, this is signaled by the flashing red light. When the scale is zeroed, the traffic light is green and the truck can drive onto the scale. After weighing, the truck starts to the designated unloading point.
Check-out and weighing data approval
Finally, the weight of the unloaded truck is recorded at the outgoing scales. The driver signs the weighing data approval and receives the delivery note.
