Thyssen Krupp speeds up steel transport with T-Systems

* High cost savings due to shorter loading times in ports
* International RFID project with central data processing
* Internet portal provides information

T-Systems has developed a solution for the automatic identification and location of steel transports for ThyssenKrupp. The contactless identification and recording technology safeguards logistics from ThyssenKrupp’s new plant in Brazil and is based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). One of the aims is to significantly reduce handling times in the port. In addition, staff safety is enhanced as RFID means that greater distances can be kept when loading the steel. The identification technology also makes logistical processes more transparent overall and enables them to be controlled better.


At a labeling station, employees stick RFID tags on an average of around 20 tonnes of steel ingots before these so-called slabs are shipped to Europe and North America. The small mini computers, which are fitted with transmitters, carry an identification number (ID) that clearly identifies each steel block. Reading devices can then scan the ID numbers without contact as often as necessary on their way from Brazil to the steel mills for further processing.

As the ID numbers no longer need to be read by hand, the crane drivers in the destination ports know immediately which recipient the slabs are going to and where on the quay they need to be placed. This pre-sorting cuts the loading times to date significantly. The use of RFID also increases the safety of port workers as the ID numbers on the steel slabs can now be read automatically. This means that they do not need to be in the dangerous swing range of the cranes as much.

The entire RFID data traffic from Brazil, the United States, the Netherlands and Germany is routed via one of T-Systems’ data centers in Frankfurt. The central platform then maps the entire transport route for each individual slab - from the steel works via the loading port on to further processing. Registered users can access the platform provided by T-Systems for so-called AutoID/Right Time Enterprise Services via Internet. In addition, the solution informs specified employees of the steel group if, for example, steel slabs are loaded wrongly or transport times are exceeded. T-Systems can control all RFID reading points worldwide remotely from Frankfurt and intervene in the event of faults.

The plant in Sepetiba Bay in the state of Rio de Janeiro will produce around five million tonnes of steel. Overall, this means that some 250,000 steel blocks will be on the move each year, around 100,000 of which en route to Germany. When the ThyssenKrupp port starts operating, 120 ships will be able to dock and cast off there each year. From South America, the steel will be transported to Alabama, United States, or via Rotterdam to Duisburg and Bochum.


About T-Systems
Drawing on a global infrastructure of data centers and networks, T-Systems operates information and communication technology (ICT) systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions. On this basis, Deutsche Telekom’s corporate customer arm provides integrated solutions for the networked future of business and society. Some 46,000 employees combine industry expertise and ICT innovations to add significant value to customers’ core business all over the world. T-Systems generated revenue of around EUR 11 billion in the 2008 financial year.

About ThyssenKrupp
ThyssenKrupp is an integrated materials and technology group offering solutions for sustainable progress worldwide. Eight business areas focus the Group’s activities and know-how in the strategic competency areas of Materials and Technologies. Around 200,000 (as at Sep. 30, 2008) committed and skilled employees meet the challenges of the markets: high-performance materials and plants, components and systems form forward-looking capabilities for customers in over 80 countries.