 RWE AG is one of the five biggest utility companies in Europe. The company manufactures, transports, deals in and sells electricity and gas. In continental Europe RWE is also active in the water business. Approximately 63,500 employees deliver electricity to around 20 million customers and gas to about 10 million people.
In 2007 the company's turnover was €42.55 billion.
RWE Rhein-Ruhr, together with its mother company RWE Energy AG, belongs to the RWE AG group. With their headquarters in Essen, Germany, RWE Rhein-Ruhr is the biggest regional utility company and possesses one of the largest distribution networks in Germany. According to the company they offer energy, gas, water and related services to about 2.7 million customers. Independent companies operate the distribution network, as well as the network service and customer services. RWE Rhein-Ruhr employs about 7100 people.
Within all processes at RWE AG, security is treated with utmost priority and existing processes are constantly reviewed. One of RWE AG's missions is therefore: "Our mutual target is to always guarantee information security for protectable and sensitive information within the RWE group in order to guarantee secure business processes."
Green light for efficiency and security
Because of new security provisions, the mobile data capture and communication processes had to be updated in the warehouse in Essen. RWE was looking for mobile computers, to work in existing Cisco wireless LAN infrastructures, thus guaranteeing secure data transmission and reliable radio connection.
Mobile data communication online for electrical work
Through the use of electricity meters, electricity can be measured and invoiced. Meters and further components such as, for example, 3000 different types of time switches and modems, are stored and managed in an area of about 1500 m2.
For example, the two German RWE companies, Rhein-Ruhr and Westfalen Weser-Ems (WWE), have about 4 million meters in use. Every year RWE exchanges hundreds of thousands of devices that need to be checked beforehand. With such a high volume, goods receipt, quality control, internal logistics and dispatch have to work hand in hand faultlessly.
Automatic data capture with barcode labels and KymanTM mobile computers guarantees that stock is always displayed in real time within the warehouse management system. In this manner, all involved departments in the company always have access to real time warehouse data.
At RWE Rhein-Ruhr goods receipt is mainly handled by electronic bill of delivery. When capturing the bill with mobile computers, the barcode of the delivery is scanned and the delivery approved within the warehouse management system, and then taken into stock. The GM then defines the place of stock and the delivery is taken to the corresponding stock place. When stocking, the employee scans the barcode of the goods as well as of the place of stock with the Kyman™. The warehouse management system is then informed that the goods have been stored correctly. Goods dispatch takes place in the same way. By scanning the place of stock number and entering the order number, it is assured that the goods have been taken from the correct stock place. Depending on the order, the parts will then be passed for repair or for checking.
The online solution
For mobile communications, RWE Rhein-Ruhr is using the Kyman™ from Datalogic Mobile. Secure and robust with ergonomic design, the Kyman™ mobile computer satisfies all of RWE's requirements.
The integrated, fast Intel XScale-Processor guarantees maximum data capture and communication. The Windows CE 5.0 operating system is increasing efficiency thanks to its seamless integration and easy handling. A 2D imager and laser options with standard or extra long range enable reading either from short distances or afar. The Datalogic patented green spot gives immediate good read feedback directly on the code - a clear advantage in dark or noisy environments.
With Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) Version 3 all the advantages of a Cisco-WLAN-Infrastracture can be obtained and the security requirements of RWE can be met. With IP64, the mobile computer is very robust and suitable for harsh environments. In total, RWE uses 35 Kymans and 11 access points. Access points communicate with the device management via LAN. Therefore, the computers are connected via radio with the warehouse management system. The mobile computers are controlled by the host via radio bridges. All dialogues with the host are in real time. The complete data management capacity comes from the host, the fast Intel XScale-processor integrated in the Kyman™ is used only for data exchanges. The application software also runs on the host.
Electricity made visible and safe
By using automatic data capture and mobile computers, goods movements at RWE Rhein-Ruh is now faster and more transparent.
Customer: RWE Rhein-Ruhr AG
Industry: Utility
Application: Stocking, Inventory
Country: Germany
Datalogic Mobile Solution: Warehouse
Datalogic Mobile Products: Kyman™
Datalogic Mobile Partner: PS Computing |