Keg Management Cloud
Checkology builds connected hardware and software for quality control and traceability in reusable and industrial packaging. By combining sensors, computer vision, and cloud software, our solutions provide data on how packaging is cleaned, handled, moved, and reused throughout its lifecycle.
Keg Management Cloud
A cloud platform for tracking reusable kegs across the supply chain, from filling and distribution to return to the brewery. Using QR codes, computer vision, and connected devices, it records keg movements and provides information on location, inventory, utilisation, contents, and lifecycle. This reduces keg losses and gives full control over the keg pool.
Key Features
Keg Tracking and Monitoring:
Each keg is scanned at key stages, from cleaning and filling through warehouse storage, shipping, distribution, and return. The system offers the possibility to automate stage changes without manual input and records its location and status, while the dashboard provides access to its history, current contents, overdue status, as well as Big Data Analytics.
Custom Data Collection
Custom checklists and forms support data collection across different operations, including filling, keg return, and cleaning. Information such as beer style, product expiration date, keg condition, and cleaning details is recorded during each operation and stored in the keg’s history.
Vision Camera Automation:
For breweries with large-scale operations, the Vision Camera System (patent pending) automates keg identification during handling. It scans the QR codes of kegs on pallets and records their movement through the brewery. Combined with tracking technologies for forklifts, the system provides information on keg location and movement, with data transmitted to the cloud in real time.
QR Code Labelling:
Kegs are identified using printed or laser-marked QR codes, which can also be generated through the cloud platform. New kegs can be added by scanning the QR code and entering the required information.
Analytics and Reporting:
The collected data can be analysed by keg type, product type, customer, country, and other defined parameters. Reports provide information on keg utilisation and time spent at different stages of the keg lifecycle.
Vision Camera System
For breweries with large-scale warehouse operations, the Vision Camera System (patent pending) automates pallet identification and keg tracking during warehouse handling. As kegs are palletised, the system generates a QR code for each layer or full pallet, linked to a GS1 SSCC and containing the list of kegs on the pallet. The code is applied to the front of the pallet and read by the forklift camera, allowing all kegs on the pallet to be identified in a single scan. Partial pallets can also be combined into custom pallets, with source counts updated automatically.
Forklifts equipped with a vision camera and a tracker scan pallet QR codes during handling. When a pallet arrives in the warehouse, the system assigns the kegs to the appropriate storage zone. At dispatch, the operator selects the customer on the forklift HMI, and the system assigns every keg on the forks to that delivery, including other goods such as pallets and CO₂ bottles.
Automated scanning reduces manual handling and the risk of scanning errors, while providing a continuous record of keg movements within the warehouse. This supports more efficient keg tracking, monitoring, and logistics operations.
Key Capabilities
- Keg tracking through QR code scanning
- Keg monitoring for status, contents, and time at customer locations
- Keg lifecycle records from cleaning through return
- Custom digital forms and data collection
- Cloud-based access to keg data
- Alerts for overdue kegs
- Analytics and reporting on keg utilisation and movement
- Automated keg identification with the Vision Camera System
