Mobile Weighing Systems

Based on Südlohn, Germany, Pfreundt is one of the world’s leading providers of mobile weighing systems. Its spectrum of pro-ducts includes mobile scales for construction equipment, like wheel loaders, dump trucks, and excavators, and for removal and commercial vehicles, as well as conveyor-belt scales, data-transmission and -processing software, vehicle weighbridges, and specialised applications. 

 

Pfreundt has been continuously expanding its international pre-sence through distribution partners and subsidiaries, and it is currently represented in 38 countries. The company services dealers and customers throughout Europe and in a variety of countries in North and South America, as well as in Australia and China. 

 

Successful systems provider 

 

As a systems provider, Pfreundt is currently broadening not only its spectrum of products but also its key areas. In mid-2012 the development department was redefined as the “technical department” and restructured and expanded under the new direction of Wolfgang Holtermans (photo). Organisational changes were instituted, and new capacities and the “metrology” staff unit were created. These were essential in order to continue to maintain and expand the company’s leading position in the market, as well as its innovative capabilities.

 

Innovations 

 

New: Wheel loader scale prototype

 

At Bauman 2013, Pfreundt will present the prototype for a new wheel-loader weighing system, which has initially been outfitted for markets in developing countries, for intralogistics, and for agriculture and forestry. 

 

The new scale’s features include connection to the new Pfreundt web portal (see below), self-assembly and -calibration by dealers or customers, and a touchscreen with a simple, intuitive interface, similar to smartphones. Market launch is scheduled for 2014.

 

New: PFREUNDT web portal

 

With the new Pfreundt web portal, which is compatible with common web browsers, users can manage master data, transmit data to and from scales, and evaluate and process scale data via the Internet.  

This means that by using their web browsers, customers can have access to full functionality without needing to install additional software or, in particular, hardware. The portal software is continuously kept up to date, and centrally stored data is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An interesting approach for both small businesses and large companies.

 

Under the heading “software as a service” (SaaS), Pfreundt acts as a service provider by taking the burden off its customers in the management of their IT landscape and, at the same time, ensuring maximum availability of data. From the customer’s perspective, this also increases flexibility in its workflow.

 

The portal takes into account country-specific settings and multiple languages, as well as customer-specific settings, a messaging system, and monitoring.

 

Data security is assured by modern server technology in certified data centres. Using a variety of interfaces, the portal can communicate with a number of systems (e.g. ERP) and users, with data being exchanged only through encrypted channels. 

 

Online connection – Benefits for processes and service 

 

In addition to enabling networked scales to be updated, the portal offers remote diagnosis and online access, resulting in benefits for rapid, cost-effective servicing and maximum scale availability.

 

With the aid of online communication, time constraints on equipment are eased. By transferring the printing of delivery receipts and invoices to a separate printing terminal (e.g. at the plant entrance), customers can deploy equipment more effectively, further optimise operational processes, and reduce costs.

 

Other innovations and enhancements 

 

At the Pfreundt trade fair booth, visitors will be introduced not only to innovations but also to many enhancements to the current spectrum of products.