Our solutions

Our answers to your questions

• What is needed to use SupplyLine at my dispensing or filling station?

  
  The SupplyLine Gateway forms the central interface between the RFID chip on the container, the SupplyLine Platform and the existing controls of the plant. This specially developed computing and evaluation unit passes on the read chip ID to the platform, processes the feedback from the platform and can pass this on to the plant control system as an enable signal (e.g. by switching a relay). The Gateway is very compact and can be easily incorporated into existing installations. An RFID antenna is connected to the Gateway, which can be encapsulated in a dispense or fill head, for example. This way, the RFID chip incorporated in the dip tubes can be read and recorded directly when connected - fully automatically without any additional handling.
  
  

• How does the release signal to the system / pump control work?

  
  After a successful check whether the data of the RFID chip correspond to those of the dispensing/filling station, the Gateway can issue a release signal to the control system. For this purpose, a load, e.g. a relay, a solenoid valve or even just a light can be connected to the Gateway, which is switched upon release and enables the start of the pumping process. And if something should not be right during the check, there will be no release signal, automatically and safely preventing the wrong container from being filled or emptied.
  
  

• How is the information assigned to the containers?

  
  With the help of a mobile handheld reader, the RFID chips in the dip tube or on the container can be scanned and assigned data such as the chemical, quality or lifetime. Even linking with existing barcodes on the container is possible.
  
  

• Can additional information be added to the RFID chip?

  
  In the current SupplyLine version, the chemical in its respective quality and concentration, the container lifetime and a container serial number can be assigned and verified. Customer/supplier-specific assignment is also possible. Information about the dip tube, such as the batch and the materials, are already included as standard.
  
  

• Can I test SupplyLine free of charge and without any obligation?

  
  Yes, of course. Apply for your free test access on Free Trial.
  
  

• Can I use SupplyLine if my supplier does not work with it?

  
  Even if your supplier does not fill with SupplyLine from the start, this is not a problem. If this case, they can be provided with free access to the SupplyLine portal. They, they can scan the containers and simply assign them to a chemical, so that everything on your side of the process continues normal daily operations.
  
  

• I already work with dispense / fill heads on my plant. Do I need new ones to be able to use SupplyLine?

  
  Many AS dispense and fill heads can easily be retrofitted with a RFID antenna. Please contact us.
  
  

• Can SupplyLine also be used without a dip tube in the container and without a dispense head?

  
  Yes, SupplyLine is open for all containers, filling and dispensing methods. As an alternative to a RFID chip in the dip tube, it can, for example be attached separately to the container with a chemically resistant cable tie or a seal. Contact us, we will be happy to advise you on the various options.
  
  

• Can I track when a particular container was connected to my station and scanned?

  
  This data is not recorded by default and is not stored in the SupplyLine database. However, if you wish, we can make this data directly available to your databases via an individual interface or add further data. Your data, your choice.
  
  

• How secure is my data?

  
  The security of your data is our top priority. Therefore, as a matter of principle, we only collect and store the data that is absolutely necessary for the function of the features. No more and no less. This makes unintentional evaluation and traceability very difficult from the start. All data, as well as the application itself, are stored exclusively on German servers and thus fall under the strictest data protection regulation of the EU worldwide. The transfer of data also takes place via SSL encryption and runs externally through your company's own firewall. Logging into the platform is done via a secure, password-protected login.
  
  

• Does my supplier / customer have insight into my platform and my data?

  
  No. Despite the possibility of deeper collaboration, the data always remains the property of the respective party - you alone decide which data should be used jointly to make processes more efficient and secure.
  
  

• Can data be read unintentionally when the RFID chip on the container is scanned with a handheld reader?

  
  No. The RFID chip only contains a meaningless sequence of numbers (e.g. 1234567891011121). Without authenticated access to the platform, no one can gain insight.
  
  

• What data does the Gateway exchange directly with the local plant control system?

  
  None. The Gateway works independently of the plant control system and, after successfully checking whether the data on the RFID chip match those of the dispense/fill station, it merely passes on the release signal to the control system. For this purpose, a load, e.g. a relay, a solenoid valve or even just a light, can simply be connected to the Gateway, which is switched on release and enables the pumping process to start. And if something should not be right during the verification, the wrong container is automatically and safely prevented from being filled or emptied.
  
  

• Are there any specific system requirements for using SupplyLine?

  
  In general, the SupplyLine platform can be accessed via any Internet browser, whether mobile via smartphone, PC or directly with an RFID reader. Without any inconvenient installation of software!
  
  

• How secure and easy is the integration of the Gateway into my company network?

  
  In general, the Gateway contains a microcontroller on which a web server runs and communicates via HTTPS (SSL). This server does not accept any requests from outside, except for the configuration web page, which is protected with a root password and only available within the local network. As an alternative to integration in the company network, the Gateway can also be connected to the Internet autonomously via an LTE router.
  
  

• How can the Gateway be connected to the Internet?

  
  There are several ways to connect the Gateway to the Internet. On the one hand, a mobile LTE router can be connected, which establishes the connection via hotspot directly and independently from the company network. This is often recommended especially at the beginning, during the free test phase. Alternatively, the Gateway can also run via the company's own network. To do this, it is connected via DHCP or via a static IP address using a standard Ethernet cable. Basically like the integration of a new PC (only a bit easier...).
  
  

• What happens in the event of an Internet failure?

  
  If the Gateway cannot connect to the Internet, for example due to an Internet failure, this will be indicated via the LEDs. You will also receive a notification via the platform that no connection can be established. If a container is connected to the station during this period, it can still be filled or emptied. Should a prolonged Internet outage occur, the Gateway housing can be opened by an authorized person with a key to activate an override switch. This ensures that the chemical supply is not interrupted even in exceptional cases.
  
  

• Do I have high investment costs with SupplyLine?

  
  Our philosophy is to keep the investment costs for hardware and software as low as possible. Free access is provided to our SupplyLine application. In combination with a standard RFID reader, you can already assign and check data of your containers today. If you also want to use one of our Gateways at your dispensing or filling station in order to achieve the highest possible level of safety through automatic checking, we charge a usage fee for this, which can be billed on a monthly or annual basis.