WHAT’S NEW

SmartCrane SpeedThrough Software Offers New Solution to Supply Chain Logjam   SmartCrane, LLC, has introduced SpeedThrough software to help solve the supply chain logjam by reducing the time truck drivers wait for containers at ports and terminals, increasing throughput without the need for more drivers.

With the ongoing trucking slowdown, import containers continue to stack up, clogging pathways and drastically slowing down operations. Stacking containers higher can relieve some of the congestion, but it does not speed up the flow of containers.

SpeedThrough software can help solve the logjam by reducing the time each driver spends waiting for port workers to fetch the right container.

Through data mining, the software analyzes container movement history in a terminal and predicts how long each container will await pickup. These predictions allow terminal operators to move containers to shorter stacks in staging locations close to truck parking areas. This speeds up turnaround, increases driver productivity and reduces on-site congestion.

SpeedThrough software can access a terminal’s truck reservation system to automatically add appointments and further improve flow of containers. The software also allows operators to better manage the timing of container release to shippers, to suit predicted operating conditions and to reduce truck congestion.

SmartCrane can work with individual terminals to integrate its software with existing IT systems. Once installed and “tuned” using the port’s past records, the software can be set to run automatically on any schedule, with no data entry required.

New and Improved Full Crane Antisway Motion Software for RSLOGIX and Siemens STEP7v5 and v14(TIA).  Make your AllenBradley or Siemens TIA based crane system into a fully automated system, customizable to almost any customer’s automation requirements.  Version 4.0 now easier than ever to implement within an existing RSLOGIX or Siemens STEP7 crane project.  From simple antisway modulation of operator speed demands to coordinated horizontal and vertical motion in straight paths and around danger zones.  Import our programs and Add-on Instructions or Function Blocks in a few minutes and replace our placeholder tags with your existing tags.  Load your frequent position destinations into our database and use your HMI to direct operations.    All on-site commissioning and calibration steps are supported with our built-in commissioning tools. 

Options, from simplest to most comprehensive:

    Open Loop Antisway Input Shaping changes speed demands to sway-free speed profiles.

    Automatic Move Sends speed demands to go from one position to another in minimum time. without sway.

    Path Control Coordinates progress of separate automatic moves for bridge and trolley, for straight line motion and simultaneous arrival.*

    Route Control Allows the customer to easily setup safe paths that regulate automatic motion near and around obstacles.*

    Button Management Supports the operator’s role in selecting, activating, or modifying automatic destinations.*

    Closed Loop Sway Removal for the most demanding situations, use sensor data to remove the last vestige of sway for millimeter positioning.*

*Not yet available for STEP7 v5

Entry Level Antisway.  SmartCrane announces the launch of its new AntiswayComplete product designed specifically for smaller cranes with no PLC or controller.  Upgrade your simple overhead crane from contactor controls to a safe, efficient, easy-to-use, automated crane with SmartCrane’s hardware and software.  Functions include operator-assist antisway control or pushbutton automatic move to selected destinations.  Package includes 32-bit SmartController with high protection rating IP 67, commissioning display, relays, lights, buttons, and wiring components.  Assemble it yourself from the kit or order custom factory installation in your choice of cabinets.   No programming required: all easy-to-use commissioning steps are supported using the commissioning display screen.   All at a surprisingly low price.  Call or email for more information.

WHY AUTOMATE?

Improved Safety.  SmartCrane’s fully automated move controls the load, prevents dangerous sway at every phase, and stops the load precisely at the target, every time. This eliminates the need for people to handle loads or attach guide straps or ropes.  The load always behaves itself, without endangering workers.

Increased Productivity.  SmartCrane automatic moves take place at full rated speeds, accelerating and decelerating within rated motor ramps.  Cyclic duty cranes, as in maritime container operations, experience immediate productivity gains of 30% or more.

Reduced Structural Stress.  Every uncontrolled swing of a load places horizontal stress on the crane structure, eventually leading to stress cracks or failure.  SmartCrane’s sway control limits the sway to the minimum needed to accelerate and decelerate the load at the ends of the move, or at turns.  SmartCrane’s optional S-Curve smoothing coddles structures and operators alike.

Reduced Training Requirements.  With SmartCrane, even an untrained operator can move any crane at full speed to the destination, with a simple press of a button. 

INSTALLATION

Software. For simple open-loop sway control in a crane that already has its own PLC, SmartCrane offers software libraries to host the anti-sway algorithms.  Open loop, closed loop (with customer-supplied swing measurements), and automatic positioning are supported.    We support Allen-Bradley, GE, Siemens, ifm Efector, and Beckhoff PLCs.  Other brands can be supported but may require an engineering fee.

Hardware. SmartCrane offers a number of machine options to support its software.  For highly complex installations requiring travel in up to three dimensions and around obstacles, an external PC may be required.  If both open- and closed-loop solutions are needed, all anti-sway software is hosted in a single, small machine vision SmartCamera (called All-in-One).  For the basic crane without a PLC, SmartCrane offers a complete solution including mobile controller, hoist sensor, and operator display at a surprisingly affordable cost.

PLC Interface.  The SmartCrane external PC and SmartCamera both operate on an Ethernet LAN, exchanging data with using industry standard MODBUS-TCP. SmartCrane can supply or recommend Ethernet Gateways for proprietary networks if Ethernet is not supported.

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