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Aerospace forwarder B&H pioneers AI tyre scanning

[ April 21, 2026   //   ]

Aerospace logistics forwarder B&H Worldwide has piloted AI-driven tyre scanning technology at its New Zealand operations. Integrated directly into the company’s proprietary FirstTRAC platform, it has led to a 60% reduction in inventory processing times.

it replaces manual data entry with mobile-based scanning using computer vision and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to instantly capture critical tyre data.

Tyre logistics has in the past relied heavily on manual intervention, slow and with the risk of human error. The new system allows staff to use smartphones or tablets as high-performance scanners, capable of reading both standard barcodes and complex tyre serial numbers directly from the sidewall.

Inventory handling time has dropped from an average of four minutes per unit to one minute, and error rates have been slashed by 80-90%, with data accuracy now exceeding 99%.Total units processed per hour have increased by approximately 30%.

The technology is fully embedded within B&H Worldwide’s FirstTRAC WMS platform and provides a unified data stream. This ensures that stock checks, dispatch requests and bulk inventory uploads are updated in real-time, improving visibility for customers.

The system ensures 100% stock integrity for used tyre casing movements and creates a digital audit trail that simplifies regulatory compliance.

Branch manager of B&H Worldwide New Zealand, Lee Hedges, said: “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. For our customers, it means greater visibility, faster reporting and increased confidence in the integrity of their stock. It’s a clear example of how technology can directly enhance service quality and operational excellence.”

The New Zealand pilot will be the blueprint for a global rollout, with Melbourne, Australia, scheduled for the next implementation.

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