One of the national supermarket chains in the UK (one of the ‘Big 4’) operates through distribution centres across the country. Goods are transported between the factories, distribution centres and stores by use of company vehicles and independent supplier vehicles.

For safety and security reasons, access to the distribution sites is restricted to company, employee and supplier vehicles. At the site entrance a contracted guard would grant access to suitable vehicles, and ‘check in’ suppliers. This took time causing queues of vehicles waiting to gain access. The site is operational 24 hours a day which meant contracting security guards proved extremely expensive.

Although a number of lanes were made available, the high traffic caused congestion. Lorries were consuming high levels of fuel while waiting to gain access. This was costing the company money and increasing CO2 omissions. In addition the process was increasing stock delivery times, and therefore wastage.

Nortech Control Systems delivered a system called Hyper X Long range tagging.

Priority lanes at the entrance to the site are allocated to company vehicles. Access via each of these lanes is restricted by Broughton Controls’ high security barriers. The barriers are controlled by long range Hyper X readers.

Heavy-duty Hyper X tags are fixed under the bonnet of the company vehicles. When the company vehicles approach the barriers, the Hyper X reader will identify the Hyper X tag and grant access. Identification occurs quickly allowing the lorry to enter without physically stopping.

Intercom communication, CCTV and keypads are present at the non priority lanes for independent supplier, emergency and visitor vehicles.

Details of the vehicle’s action is recording by Nortech’s ‘Norpass2’ Access Management Software. The software provides a quick and easy tool for updating access rights. The software also provides accurate information about a vehicle’s movements.

The Norpass2 software integrates the existing staff access system enabling easier management.

The cost savings within the first few months is estimated in excess of £50m. The system is now being implemented in all sites across the UK and Europe.

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