B&H Worldwide Launches AI Tire Scanning in New Zealand Facility

This article is based on an official press release from B&H Worldwide.

B&H Worldwide, a global aerospace logistics provider, has successfully deployed new AI-driven tire scanning technology at its New Zealand facility. The initiative marks a significant step in the company’s digital transformation efforts, aiming to streamline operations and improve accuracy in handling high-value aerospace components.

According to an official press release from the company, the new system integrates directly into B&H Worldwide’s proprietary FirstTRAC platform. By replacing traditional manual data entry with advanced computer vision and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), the logistics firm has reported a 60% reduction in inventory processing times.

As aerospace supply chains face mounting complexity and strict regulatory compliance demands, the New Zealand station was chosen as the global pilot site for this technological upgrade. The successful rollout is expected to pave the way for broader implementation across the company’s international network.

Redefining Accuracy and Speed in Aerospace Logistics

Prior to the introduction of the AI-powered scanning technology, tire logistics at B&H Worldwide relied heavily on manual intervention. This traditional approach carried inherent risks of human error and often resulted in delayed reporting, which can be particularly problematic in the fast-paced aviation sector.

The newly implemented system transforms standard smartphones and tablets into high-performance scanners. Staff can now instantly read both standard barcodes and complex tire serial numbers directly from the sidewall of the tires. The company states that this shift has yielded immediate and measurable improvements across key operational metrics.

Specifically, inventory handling time has decreased from an average of four minutes per unit to just one minute. Furthermore, error rates have been cut by 80% to 90%, pushing data accuracy above 99%. Overall productivity, measured in units processed per hour, has seen an approximate 30% increase, according to the release.

Seamless Integration and Strategic Benefits

The technological backbone of this initiative relies on a dual-integration approach developed by B&H Worldwide’s IT team. The system utilizes the Anyline Mobile SDK for iOS and Android devices, alongside the Anyline Web SDK for web applications, ensuring a unified data stream within the FirstTRAC warehouse management system.

This seamless integration allows stock checks, dispatch requests, and bulk inventory uploads to be updated in real time. For customers, including leading global tire manufacturers, this translates to unparalleled visibility into their high-value assets and a simplified process for regulatory compliance through a reliable digital audit trail.

The pilot program was initiated as part of B&H Worldwide’s internal continuous improvement strategy. However, the resulting benefits extend directly to its partners, ensuring complete stock integrity for used tire casing movements and enhancing overall service quality.

“This implementation represents a significant step forward in how we manage high-value, safety-critical inventory. By introducing real-time tyre scanning, we’ve improved accuracy, speed and traceability across our operations,” said Lee Hedges, Branch Manager of B&H Worldwide New Zealand, in the company’s press release.

Future Outlook and Global Expansion

Following the success of the New Zealand pilot, B&H Worldwide has established a blueprint for a global rollout of the AI scanning technology. The company has announced that its facility in Melbourne, Australia, is scheduled as the next site for implementation.

This digitization strategy also aligns with broader sustainability goals. By reducing reliance on paper and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with logistical rework and manual reconciliation, the company aims to promote more environmentally friendly operations across its global network.

AirPro News analysis

The integration of AI and OCR technology into warehouse management systems is becoming increasingly critical for specialized logistics providers. In the aerospace sector, where component traceability and safety are paramount, the ability to accurately track assets like aircraft tires in real time offers a distinct competitive advantage.

B&H Worldwide’s reported metrics, particularly the 60% reduction in processing time and the near-elimination of data entry errors, highlight the tangible return on investment that digital transformation can deliver. As the company expands this technology to Melbourne and beyond, we anticipate it will set a new operational standard that other aerospace logistics firms may need to adopt to remain competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What technology is B&H Worldwide using for tire scanning?

The company is utilizing a mobile-based scanning SDK that employs computer vision and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to capture tire data, including barcodes and serial numbers, directly from the tire sidewall.

How much has processing time improved?

According to the company, inventory handling time has dropped from an average of four minutes per unit to just one minute, representing a 60% improvement in processing efficiency.

Where is the technology being implemented next?

After a successful pilot program at its New Zealand station, B&H Worldwide plans to roll out the technology at its facility in Melbourne, Australia.

Sources

• B&H Worldwide