A recent on-site evaluation of Ammann’s as1 Loadout and Weighing system demonstrated improved asphalt plant processes.
The as1 Loadout system manages the movement and loading of trucks at an asphalt plant. The as1 Weighing system records the weight of outgoing asphalt and incoming materials, including reclaimed asphalt.
The Loadout and Weighing system modules were evaluated on a competitive plant in Switzerland. The facility operates three truck scales – two for outbound asphalt and one for inbound material, typically recyclables.
Both as1 modules integrated seamlessly with existing control systems, regardless of the manufacturer.
Ammann’s as1 systems helped direct truckers where to go and allowed operators to easily monitor silo contents and fill levels. Even the printing of the delivery notice is intuitive.
The modules give operators real-time visibility of silo contents and fill levels. This allows the creation of loading lots that are assigned directly from the control interface.
Trucks are called forward using LED displays that show the vehicle’s license plate number and assigned silo. Then, traffic lights guide drivers into precise positions beneath the silos.
Loading is initiated from the control room. Once complete, the system automatically captures a photo of the truck as proof of delivery. Loading quantities and silo data are transmitted back to the plant control system to keep silo inventories synchronized.
Data integration
After weighing, drivers proceed to a terminal to review and electronically sign the delivery note. Documents are printed automatically for the driver and distributed electronically as PDFs to the required recipients.
Relevant invoice data is exported in a standardized file format for processing by the customer’s billing system. This eliminates manual entry that can lead to errors.
The as1 Weighing system also manages inbound material flows, including recycling deliveries. Operators create weighing lots for incoming loads, capture gross and tare weights, and record images of delivered material. All information is stored within the digital delivery note and is available for reporting, documentation and billing.
By integrating the as1 Loadout and Weighing modules with existing systems, the Swiss facility achieved a more efficient and controlled loadout operation. This facility shows how digital automation can bring value without disrupting core production processes
