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A Top-notch Program: CHS, Inc. Grain Terminal in Savage, MN Values Oneweigh Software’s Reliability
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
Applicable Industries
- Agriculture
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain Visibility
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
The CHS, Inc. grain terminal in Savage, MN faced a significant challenge when they decided to switch over to the oneWeigh™ scale automation system from Cultura Technologies. The switch happened in late February 2011, at a time when the Minnesota River had breached its banks, and the terminal was shut down. As a result, the terminal was already facing a backlog of inbound grain trucks. To catch up, the terminal was soon handling 400 to 500 trucks daily using oneWeigh. While these volumes aren’t all that unusual at the terminal, the situation was still less than ideal for testing a new system because there was virtually no opportunity for training.
About The Customer
CHS, Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products. The grain terminal in Savage, MN is a part of this vast network. The terminal handles an average of approximately 60 million bushels of grain yearly consisting primarily of corn, soybeans, and small grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. For inbound grain, about 90% is delivered by truck and 10% by rail. For outbound shipments, barge accounts for 80% and rail 20% of the volume.
The Solution
The solution to the challenge faced by the CHS, Inc. grain terminal was the oneWeigh™ scale automation system from Cultura Technologies. The software was installed during a period of high demand and flooding, which provided a rigorous test for its capabilities. The oneWeigh software system greatly improved the terminal's bulkweighing capacity and efficiency. The weigh scale data is uploaded daily to the IT department at CHS, Inc.’s corporate headquarters in Inver Grove Heights, MN, which is 20 miles from the terminal. The Cultura software can be upgraded easily and is very expandable and flexible, which are very important for the terminal's future plans.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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