Digital Volume Measurement for Transparency and Process Reliability at Sauerland Spanplatte
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Sauerland Spanplatte, a family-owned and operated company, specializes in the production of high-quality tubular particle boards primarily used in interior door manufacturing. The raw materials required for this process – wood shavings and wood chips – are stored in large piles at the company’s sites in Arnsberg and Gotha, some of which are housed under covered storage areas.
For a long time, the procurement team faced a significant challenge: while incoming material volumes were documented, natural fluctuations in consumption during production meant that actual inventory levels were unclear. Estimates were the norm rather than the exception.
With the introduction of Blickfeld’s LiDAR sensors, Sauerland Spanplatte found a sustainable solution – achieving continuous access to precise, real-time stock data.
Raw material consumption at Sauerland Spanplatte naturally varies with daily production, making it difficult to accurately assess the inventory of wood shavings and chips. This led to a constant concern in procurement: Are we overstocked or understocked? Do we need to take action?
Although incoming volumes were recorded, these figures alone weren’t enough to provide a reliable picture of actual stock levels. The result: discrepancies that made production planning more difficult and complicated the monthly inventory process. This was previously conducted using a measuring wheel and measuring rod – a labor-intensive and error-prone method. The lack of reliable data also had an impact on regular price negotiations with suppliers.
At one point, the use of drones equipped with GPS-supported cameras was considered, as they can capture volumes with great precision. However, this idea was deemed impractical due to the high effort involved and their limited usability in covered storage areas.
In its search for a long-term, digital solution for inventory volume monitoring, Sauerland Spanplatte discovered Blickfeld’s 3D LiDAR sensors. Today, two Qb 360° hemispherical sensors monitor the wood shavings storage area, while the wood chip yard is equipped with two additional Qb 360° sensors and one standard Qb2 sensor.
These sensors continuously collect 3D data, visualized in the form of a point cloud, where individual stockpiles are clearly identifiable. The true value, however, lies in the intuitive dashboard that displays both current and historical inventory volumes – measured in cubic meters and metric tons – at a glance.
The installation of the sensors was handled independently by the on-site team, while the subsequent configuration and dashboard setup were carried out remotely by Blickfeld experts. The entire implementation process went smoothly and without any technical issues.
Several key features proved especially convincing: the sensors provide continuous measurement data without the need for manual initiation. A zoning function in the wood chip yard allows different material types to be clearly separated and individually monitored. In addition, responsible personnel receive daily automated updates on current inventory levels.
One significant advantage: since the sensors collect only 3D spatial data and no personal information, there are no data privacy concerns – clearly setting this solution apart from the previously considered drone system.
The added value of the Blickfeld solution became evident shortly after it was put in operation. The most significant efficiency gain came from the time saved: follow-up inquiries, manual inspections, or gathering information are now obsolete, as all relevant data is available at any time from a central source. Monthly inventory counts are now faster and far more accurate: instead of estimating volumes with measuring wheels and visual checks, stock levels can now be determined at a glance—without the need to visit the storage areas in person.
The improved data quality and transparency have also noticeably optimized procurement operations. Trends can now be identified early, decisions are based on reliable data, and processes can be better understood and improved.
Despite the challenging environmental conditions – especially high dust levels in the halls—the sensor system has proven to be stable and reliable.
The introduction of Blickfeld’s sensor technology marks just the beginning of Sauerland Spanplatte’s digital inventory transformation. The next step will be to integrate the fill-level data from a storage silo into the central dashboard as well.
The long-term goal is to use this data to determine actual consumption levels, gain deeper insights into process relationships, and implement continuous process improvements.
There are also plans to equip the company’s second site in Gotha with the same sensor system to ensure digital transparency across all storage areas.
