There's a revolution going on in the pallet distribution industry
Transform your business ..... or watch your competitors leave you behind !

2009 saw the introduction of an innovative combination of hardware and software from Belgravium, aimed directly at pallet distribution operations. 'PalletStar' clearly provides tangible commercial benefits. Leading operators in the pallet sector obviously recognise this, as they're readily adopting the system as a key component within their logistics operation. 'PalletStar' can assist you by ;

• 'Removing the doubt' regarding disputes on damaged pallets. 'PalletStar' hardware is equipped with high quality colour camera.
• Providing long-range barcode scanning ( up to 50ft )
• Facilitating outdoor barcode scanning in bright light conditions
• Giving you 'off-the-shelf' ( but customisable ) software for your pallet receipt and distribution operations
• Fully integrating with other business systems that you currently run

Hardware

The Belgravium handheld device that is generally used in conjunction with the ‘PalletStar’ application is the ‘Boston 8500’. The Boston is designed specifically to operate at maximum performance within the adverse conditions of the warehouse - the device is the most rugged on the market. The main features of this unit are as follows,

• circuit board sandwiched between magnesium alloy chassis for maximum protection
• 320x200 colour screen
• Alphanumeric keyboard
• Pistol grip with trigger switch
• A 3D scanner
• A high resolution colour camera
• Wi-Fi communications
• Magnetic cradle attachment
• Windows operating system.

‘PalletStar’ Software Application

The software on the handheld is designed to allow the user to quickly scan in pallets and to manage operational problems as fast as possible.

There are two modes the application can be in, Hub mode and Depot mode. The options and tasks available to the user differ depending on which mode the device is set to. Before the user can get to the main options they need to login. This can be done by scanning in their ID card barcode or entering the ID code using the key pad.

After this the user selects which of the main options they want to perform.

Then the user starts the pallet inputting process. Each pallet is scanned in one at a time. Warnings are given if duplicate pallets are scanned or if the pallet looks to be incorrect.

The user can also enter pallet discrepancies. They can record if a pallet is damaged or has a missing barcode. They also record the problem by taking a photograph of the issue.

After all the pallets have been scanned in the user sees a summary of the job. The user will also see a comparison result screen, showing what should have been scanned in and what was scanned, what was missing and what is new.

All the data is saved in XML files and the photos take are saved in JPEG images.


Communications

The device sends all the saved data and images to a computer located somewhere near the Depot or Hub building. This is done by either connecting to a Wi-Fi or GPRS network using the Cradle/Dock that directly connects to the PC.


Back Office

All saved data and images are stored in a special folder on a server. There is a program running on the server that transfers the files to the main back office system over the internet using FTP.


Control and Customization

There are a number of areas that can be tailored and controlled by the client. These include ;

• Quality of the JPEG images saved
• Main options in Hub/Depot modes
• Flow, task and procedure control depending on main option selected
• Discrepancy options and status codes
• Password administration
• Pallet barcode administration
• Depot Code administration

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