Nanolike Blog

From manual checks to 24/7 visibility: how silo monitoring transforms daily operations

Written by Francisco Iglesias | Feb 26, 2026 8:24:44 PM

For decades, cement producers have relied on manual silo checks, Excel files: a process that consumes time, increases risk and human error, and leads to reactive decision-making.

In many markets, operators still spend between 4 and 6 hours per week performing manual level checks and reporting: time that could be redirected toward higher-value logistics tasks.
With connected sensors and cloud platforms, companies can now monitor silo levels 24/7, automate replenishment, and plan deliveries with unprecedented accuracy.

The limits of manual checks

Operators often climb silos or call customers to estimate remaining stock. Measurements are inconsistent, delays are frequent, and logistics decisions are reactive.

This process leads to:

  • Delivery bottlenecks.
  • Unplanned truck dispatches.
  • Safety risks for on-site teams.

On average, an unplanned truck dispatch can cost €300–400 in additional operational expenses (fuel, downtime, overtime). When multiplied by hundreds of trips per year, these inefficiencies represent a hidden cost that directly impacts margins.

(Visual idea: photo or infographic of “Old vs New way” => TBD)

How connected silo monitoring works

Unlike radar or ultrasonic sensors that measure the level inside the silo, SiloConnect uses an external strain measurement approach: capturing the micro-deformations that naturally occur on one of the silo’s metallic legs under load.

This deformation reflects the actual weight of the material stored inside. By continuously collecting these measurements, SiloConnect’s AI algorithms (patented by Nanolike) learn and adapt to the unique behavior of each silo, accounting for its geometry, installation, and environment.

 

This combination of strain sensing and adaptive algorithms allows SiloConnect to deliver reliable and stable monitoring over time, without intrusive installation or maintenance.

Key advantages:

  • Non-intrusive installation: mounted externally, on one leg only.
  • Resistant to dust, humidity, and vibration, unlike radar or ultrasonic systems.
  • Consistent data over time, refined by the AI as it understands each silo’s unique profile.
  • Simplified deployment: install, connect, calibrate remotely — and the system learns autonomously.
  • No contact with the product inside the silo.
  • Quick installation: typically around 30 minutes.
  • No production stop or mechanical alteration of the silo.

“Attach, drill, connect: that’s it. SiloConnect was designed to make installation fast, simple, and safe.” says Sebastien Applanat, Head of Sales at Nanolike

Rather than reinventing the wheel, SiloConnect makes silo monitoring smarter and simpler, turning complex logistics data into actionable insights. Not with unrealistic precision, but with dependable, decision-ready information.

24/7 visibility means predictive efficiency

Once data becomes reliable and continuous, logistics shifts from reactive to predictive.

Teams can:

  • Plan deliveries in advance.
  • Optimize routes and fleet usage.
  • Eliminate “urgent” deliveries that disrupt schedules.
  • Set automatic low-level alerts.
  • Get historical data to identify consumption trends.

“With 24/7 visibility, you move from firefighting to foresight,” explains David Poirot, Product Director at Nanolike.  

In deployments across Europe, connected silo monitoring has helped reduce emergency deliveries by up to 50% and improve route efficiency by 15–20%, based on results from Holcim France, Spain, and Greece.

Impact on safety and operations

Eliminating manual checks reduces the need for operators to climb silos, a major safety improvement.

Additionally, planning stability improves job satisfaction for logistics teams and drivers. Dispatchers report fewer late calls, smoother scheduling, and a more balanced workload throughout the day: all contributing to lower stress and higher retention.

Conclusion: visibility drives value

Cement logistics no longer needs to rely on estimation. Connected monitoring turns data into action, delivering measurable gains in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Observed benefits from SiloConnect deployments (France, Spain, Greece, Mexico):

  • Up to 50% fewer emergency deliveries

  • 15–20% improvement in route and fleet efficiency
  • ≈30% reduction in unplanned transport costs
  • Fewer last-minute calls and safer operations

 

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