Bredero Shaw in concert with its key suppliers has been able to lift the bar once more with the introduction in its plant of the latest generation Automatic Label Printer Applicators (ALPAs). This development has further enhanced the integrity by removing a step that was conducted by manual labour. This will offer levels of accuracy in traceability and information that were previously not possible, particularly in instances where multiple barcodes are required on a single pipe at one or both ends.

The ALPAs interface directly into Bredero Shaw’s global host system “Pipetrak”. This enables the tally operator to scan the barcodes internally (supplied by the pipe manufacturer) which in turn generates external barcodes at one or both ends. These external barcodes are tamped into place by ALPAs without any human intervention. The information that can be contained on the barcode is quite diverse as by pipe number all the other relevant information can be retrieved in an instant from the “Pipetrak” database such as the individual coil number and pipe length to name a few. However, Bredero Shaw is able to customise the content of the barcode label to meet client requirements.

All of this traceability is put to good use during the installation of the pipe, as each pipe is scanned for the pipe number and then surveyed in-situ using GPS co-ordinates. Through the record of the pipe number all the pipe history and quality information can be obtained, from the manufacture of the steel through to pipe and coating manufacture, transport, logistics and welding. This information is combined in the Construction Management System (CMS) in conjunction with the precise location of the pipe in service, which allows the pipeline operators to understand their pipeline much more intimately and precisely than was once possible.

The importance of traceability and the integrity of that traceability is a key factor in any pipeline. Bredero Shaw’s implementation of automated barcode machines enhances the capabilities of the whole Australian pipeline industry, as it seeks to ensure the most accurate pipeline data.