Transportation company uses Xpress PLC to automate grain terminal

Compact, with a high-speed processor, varied communication interfaces and support for multiple communication protocols, Nexto Xpress Series of programmable controllers has the capability to meet most demands of the industry. This plurality of features allows the latest Altus IoT-Ready PLC models to be used in simple applications, such as single-function machines, or even complex processes in large production plants. Today, we bring you another application to demonstrate how the versatility of Xpress PLC can deliver more control and productivity.

An example that can be mentioned to demonstrate this multifunctionality of Xpress PLC is the application developed for the call notification system for a grain terminal from a renowned company in the transportation sector located in Brazil. The company specializes in the transport of corn, soy, soybean meal, sugar and others. Developed by a partner company, the application is responsible for controlling the access to the patio and the automation of the vehicle concierge and electronic call notification for truck drivers waiting to perform the unloading. In the application, the XP300 PLC uses MODBUS protocol and REST APIinterfaces to communicate with sensors, drivers and other field devices.

As an outcome, in addition to a clear increase in efficiency and pace with the automation of calls, which were manual, the new system also added greater security for the terminal operation, since each vehicle entering and leaving the patio is individually identified. This improvement also resulted in a 98% reduction in cases of process failures due to unauthorized vehicle circulation.

Why use Altus technology?

Our partner, who developed the system, says that Altus technology, a reference in the industrial automation market, was chosen for this project to ensure its ruggedness and reliability. "All software was developed from end to end by our company with extensive support from suppliers, thus ensuring greater ease of support and/or future improvements and expansions". They also highlighted the quality of the products and the availability of the company`s Technical Support as differentials for this project.