Steel plants operate under some of the harshest industrial conditions—extreme heat, constant dust, high humidity, and heavy vibrations. In these environments, overhead cranes are essential, moving molten metal, semi-finished products, and finished goods across large warehouses. Any disruption in crane operations can directly impact plant efficiency, safety, and delivery schedules.
A leading steel manufacturer in Asia sought to improve crane visibility and warehouse inventory management by deploying a crane tracking and warehouse management system (WMS). The main challenge was finding industrial-grade hardware capable of withstanding cabin vibrations, temperatures above 50 °C, and humidity levels reaching up to 90%, while still ensuring reliable performance.
Customer Requirements 
The project demanded a rugged computing solution with the following key features:
-
Windows OS compatibility with the plant’s existing IT applications.
-
IP66/IP65 housing to withstand dust and water exposure.
-
15-inch display for operators to clearly view dashboards and navigation interfaces.
-
Intel® processor for high-performance real-time tracking and database synchronization.
-
Stable WLAN connectivity between cranes and the central control system.
-
Shock and vibration resistance for uninterrupted operation inside crane cabins.
The Solution: Darveen VT-979
After evaluating different options, the steel manufacturer partnered with an automation solutions provider and selected the Darveen VT-979 Vehicle Mount Computer. Installed in each overhead crane, the VT-979 enabled the deployment of a crane tracking and WMS system that provides:
-
Real-time crane position monitoring.
-
Precise material handling.
-
Automatic warehouse inventory updates.
-
Integration with MES and yard management systems, ensuring visibility across production and logistics.
Key Features of the VT-979 
-
15-inch sunlight-readable display (1000 nits) for excellent operator visibility.
-
Intel® 12th Gen Core™ processor delivering strong performance for WMS applications.
-
IP66-rated housing, resistant to dust, humidity, and water spray.
-
8–36VDC wide-range input with shock and vibration tolerance for crane and vehicle environments.
-
Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, LTE, 5G, and GNSS.
-
Windows OS support, ensuring smooth integration with existing plant infrastructure.
Results Achieved
The implementation of the VT-979 brought significant improvements to the steel plant:
-
Improved operational visibility through real-time crane tracking and material movement monitoring.
-
Enhanced safety, as operators can clearly view instructions on the 15-inch high-brightness display.
-
Reliable performance under extreme conditions, withstanding heat, dust, and vibrations.
-
Seamless integration with IT and ERP systems, minimizing additional infrastructure costs.
Conclusion
By integrating Darveen VT-979 rugged vehicle mount computers into overhead cranes, the steel manufacturer significantly enhanced warehouse efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Beyond internal use, the company successfully exported the solution to steel plants in the United States, reinforcing the proven reliability and durability of Darveen’s rugged computing platforms.
sales@logicbus.com | support@logicbus.com | +1 619 616 7350 | Start conversation