Protection control system SiLoC

automationaccesstraceability

Overview
Streamline silo loading and unloading operations with SiLoC, a key-controlled system that links delivery documentation to secure captive-key locks to ensure materials are routed to the correct silo.

Precision silo loading control for enhanced safety and efficiency
SiLoC integrates order data from the bill of lading into site procedures so that only the key for the designated silo is released. The system automates key release and return to ensure controlled access to each loading point and to reduce the likelihood of incorrect connections.

Risks of incorrect silo connections
Silo loading points are frequently close together and may be unsecured or similarly configured, increasing the risk of a vehicle connecting to the wrong point. Wrong-key use or failure to relock after operations can allow access to incorrect silos, resulting in operational disruption, product contamination, safety incidents, and material loss.

The effects of contamination
Loading or unloading errors can produce severe contamination, hazardous chemical reactions, loss of raw material, equipment damage, compromised product quality, and production downtime, all of which impact costs and delivery performance.

Securing silo loading points
Each loading point is fitted with a captive-key lock and a uniquely coded key. Locks are designed to prevent opening with other keys or bypassing with common tools, providing a controlled physical barrier to unauthorized or incorrect silo access.

Ensuring precise and safe loading operations
The typical operational process is:

• A purchase order is created and sent to the material supplier; the supplier records the order reference on the bill of lading accompanying the delivery.
• On arrival the driver presents the bill of lading at the facility.
• The SiLoC key cabinet reads and processes the order information on the bill of lading.
• Based on the processed data the system identifies the designated silo and releases the corresponding key.
• The unique captive key is handed to the driver.
• The driver uses this key at the designated loading point while all other points remain locked.
• After loading/unloading the key is returned to the SiLoC cabinet, securing the loading point and making the key available for the next operation.

Eliminate human error
By automating key release according to delivery data, SiLoC reduces human error that can lead to hazardous reactions, cross-contamination, material loss, and production disruption, supporting consistent product quality and safer operations.

System components and operation
The SiLoC package includes captive keys for each loading point, captive-key locks on each silo loading point, and a SiLoC key cabinet equipped with Sofis electrical key positions (one dedicated position per silo). The cabinet reads bill-of-lading order information to match deliveries to the correct silo and controls key release and return.

Specifications / technical data

• Solution name: SiLoC (silo loading control)
• Captive-key locks: one per silo loading point with unique coded keys
• Key cabinet: SiLoC cabinet with Sofis electrical key positions, one dedicated position per silo
• Key release logic: reads and processes bill-of-lading order information to identify and release the corresponding key
• Operational flow: purchase order → bill of lading → cabinet reads bill → cabinet releases key → driver uses key at designated silo → key returned to cabinet
• Primary benefits: prevents incorrect silo connections, reduces contamination risk, minimizes human error, protects personnel and equipment, reduces material loss and production disruption
• Designed to prevent bypassing the lock with other keys or common tools