The solution was supplied by track-and-trace systems provider DHL-MyIDentification, with RFID tags attached to tools that were provided predominantly by assembly and fastening materials maker Würth.
SSC Wind first deployed the solution in 2014 as a pilot involving 1,000 pieces of equipment and 600 tools stored in a single container and one vehicle at a lone site. This year, the company is deploying RFID-tagged items at each of its energy projects throughout Europe—a total of about 20 different locations.
For the past 14 years, SSC Wind has been providing operations and maintenance support at various European wind farms. In this capacity, the company has built and now maintains 1,300 wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.
At each project, the firm sends a team of workers who use wrenches, pliers, slings, harnesses and other equipment, all stored on site within vehicles or trailers. The teams are expected to focus on maintenance tasks, but are often distracted by the need to locate equipment. The company also needs to track the use of tools to be sure they are properly calibrated and certified.
