Stevedore company Combined Cargo Terminals deploys Zebra rugged tablets for high-quality, continuous operations over the 4G network
CCT offers extensive, round the clock facilities for the handling, storage, breakdown and onward shipment of containers, breakbulk and general cargo at its terminals strategically located in Moerdijk and Alphen aan de Rijn. CCT is both a full-service seaport and hub for trimordal transport throughout Europe.
CCT needed full, reliable network coverage across its terminals, which are spread across a wide, and expanding, area for the use of its logistics software from Modality. Zebra ISV partner, Triple-9, has worked with CCT to migrate its ageing Wi-Fi network to 4G. Triple-9 specializes in developing and delivering highly reliable software and wireless communication connections and its Lyfo.NET and Lyfo.SIM solutions enable users to switch seamlessly between different 4G operators. As part of this project, CCT was looking to refresh its fleet of outdated consumer tablets. Triple-9 recommended the Zebra XR12 and L10 tablets, knowing that Zebra’s latest generation of ruggedized tablets are designed for use in environments like container yards and offer optimal 4G processing speeds. CCT was also looking for a hardware supplier who could support these tablets with enterprise level comprehensive coverage and remote management; again, Zebra could deliver: Triple-9 introduced CCT to the locally based Zebra team, who then involved Indicium, a highly
experienced, long-term Zebra partner, as hardware reseller.
CCT has deployed the Zebra XSLATE R12 and the L10 rugged tablet, with its IP65 and 6ft drop rating. Both tablets have 4G LTE cards installed for optimal 4G connectivity, as well as a pre-installed Windows® 10 OS. The XR12 is built into the various types of vehicles, such as reach stackers, empty handlers and forklifts, which operate in the terminal. It has been mounted in a Zebra ruggedized cradle in a Zebra docking station, with pass-through antennas to ensure a strong 4G signal. The L10s are deployed in smaller, non-specialised vehicles and are also used by mobile operators, moving round on foot.
As system integrator Indicium delivers and configures the tablets and stages them with SOTI MobiControl, which CCT uses to centrally push out updates to the tablets, troubleshoot and disable a tablet, if necessary. Indicium installs the Lyfo.NET software and the Lyfo.SIM card, which allows access to virtually all networks, including the KPN, Vodafone and T-Mobile networks accessible at CCT’s port and yard. Intelligent algorithms in Lyfo.NET choose the best available 4G network; and, if the connection no longer meets the criteria due to poor coverage, capacity problems or a wider network malfunction, via Lyfo.NET and the Lyfo.SIM, the Zebra tablets will seamlessly and immediately switch between mobile providers as and when necessary, for ongoing optimal 4G connectivity.
“The support that Indicium offers is invaluable for us. ”
Peter van Veelen
Proces & IT-manager, CCT
Indicium also integrates the Modality Software Solutions container management web-based applications, which operators access via the Zebra tablets to manage and report on the loading and unloading of ships and outbound and inbound container and box checking. Workers can take photos of shipments, to show they are complete, with no damages, to attach to shipment files. CCT works with leading global companies, so effective operational management to enable CCT to meet strict SLAs is crucial. With the Modality Software applications being web-based, Indicium has enabled Kiosk mode on the tablets, to ensure their web browsers are locked down to only allow access to the port’s applications.
Leo Verstraeten, Sales Development at Triple-9 explains why he likes working with Zebra Technologies: “Zebra devices have the latest technology and great 4G connectivity, which makes them an ideal hardware partner for our solutions.
Zebra has a good range of tablets and associated accessories, with flexibility in tablet sizing and spec, depending on the customers’ requirements, backed up by excellent support, repair and MDM options. And we have very much enjoyed an open, direct working relationship with both Zebra and Indicium on this project and hope to work with them both on future deployments. Indeed, we have just become a Zebra ISV partner and are looking forward to benefitting from the associated additional sales, marketing and technical support.”
The project has been a success and CCT will continue to develop the solution in conjunction with Indicium. Operators’ feedback is very positive and they particularly appreciate the robustness, connectivity and fast processing power of the tablets and how easy they are to use, with good readability even in direct sunlight. SOTI MobiControl and the Zebra OneCare contract, for ongoing repair and maintenance of any damaged tablets, ensure CCT always has a full fleet of tablets operating optimally for continuous effective terminal operations.
