MWS Weigh Bridge Solution

Customer Profile
In 2022, Micro Weighing Solutions (MWS) was approached by one of Europe’s largest multi-drop parcel delivery companies, operating numerous sites across the UK. The client sought an automated solution to streamline the process of weighing vehicles before embarking on delivery routes. Their objective was to ensure vehicle weight compliance without the need for time-consuming manual procedures.

The Challenge
Previously, the client relied on portable weighpads at each site, which involved relocating and manually monitoring the equipment. This system was inefficient, requiring constant human intervention and creating delays. Consequently, only spot checks were performed, leading to potential risks of overloaded vehicles, compromising road safety and vehicle durability.

The client aimed to move from a reactive weighing system to a fully automated solution. However, the existing technology in the market did not meet their needs. Therefore, MWS and the client worked together to develop an innovative system that could provide real-time, reliable, and automated weight checks across all depots in the UK.

The Solution
MWS, in collaboration with AES Global, implemented a revolutionary vehicle weighing system using MWS’s axle weigher and AES Global’s eLOOP Vehicle Recognition System. The eLOOP proved to be a key innovation, offering seamless integration into MWS’s automated weighing process.

The solution involves vehicles driving over the MWS axle weigher in a single, fluid motion. Simultaneously, AES Global's eLOOP system triggers the start of the weighing cycle, ensuring that the system is prepared to receive the vehicle’s weight data and an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera readout.
Before the eLOOP was integrated, the system experienced delays due to its reliance on ANPR camera signals over the network. The eLOOP’s simple, fast digital input overcame this challenge, significantly improving the system’s responsiveness and efficiency. Now, within just 6 seconds of arriving at the weigh station, the driver receives real-time feedback on a VMS screen, indicating whether the vehicle is within legal weight limits or if it exceeds the threshold.

The system’s data is fed into MWS’s cloud-based management software, allowing the client to monitor weight compliance across multiple sites via a centralised database. Data is accessible through third-party reporting tools like Power BI and Google BigQuery.

The Role of AES Global's eLOOP System
AES Global’s eLOOP Vehicle Recognition System was integral to the project’s success for several reasons:

Ease of Installation: The eLOOP was easy to install, requiring no extensive civil work or external wiring. It was secured to the floor with just two screws, and the receiver neatly mounted next to the existing I/O module. This simplicity reduced downtime, allowing for a quick and smooth transition to the new automated system.

Reliable Triggering Mechanism: The eLOOP provided a digital input to trigger the start of the weighing cycle, eliminating delays caused by previous reliance on ANPR camera signals over the network. This ensured that the system was always ready to receive both weight and vehicle identification data efficiently.

Seamless Integration: Integrating the eLOOP into the MWS system was seamless. The transceiver ran on the 12v power already available in the client’s panel, and the configuration process was fast and straightforward. The option for an external aerial was an added bonus, especially when panels were located inside the building.

Customer Feedback
Ian Farnsworth, Industrial Systems Manager at MWS, remarked on the collaboration:
"AES has been incredibly helpful—from helping with product selection to providing next-day express delivery at short notice. The eLOOP system was easy to install and has significantly enhanced our weighing process by eliminating delays and ensuring real-time data flow."

Conclusion
The integration of AES Global’s eLOOP Vehicle Recognition System into MWS’s automated vehicle weighing solution has revolutionized the process for the client. The automated system has reduced the risk of overloaded vehicles, improved road safety, and increased vehicle longevity by ensuring compliance with legal weight limits. Additionally, it eliminated the need for manual intervention, speeding up the process and reducing labour costs. The solution has been so effective that the client is now rolling it out across all their depots in the UK.

This case study highlights the power of innovation and collaboration between MWS and AES Global in transforming operational efficiency for one of Europe’s largest parcel delivery companies

Visit Micro Weighing Solutions for their case study:
www.mws.ltd.uk/case-study/revolutionising-vehicle-weighing-for-a-leading-multi-drop-parcel-delivery-company/