WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS ABC.

An automated small parts warehouse is an automated storage system that ensures the efficient storage of small parts such as screws or electrical parts. In contrast to high-bay warehouses, small-volume units in an automated small parts warehouse are always stored, retrieved, and processed automatically by means of control software. The small parts are stored in different containers that are operated with intralogistic shuttle transport units or storage and retrieval machines (SRM). Further Information.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a floor-bound conveyor with its own propulsion system that is automatically controlled and guided without contact. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are used for material transport – namely for pulling or carrying materials with active or passive load handling devices. AGVs are used both inside and outside of buildings. Further Information.

In logistics, a buffer ensures the balancing of any differences or fluctuations between stock inflows and outflows. If the material inflow is greater than the outflow, the buffer storage holds the excess material. In the reverse case, the buffer storage serves to bridge the gap until new goods arrive.

The buffer storage is located between two successive process stages. Not every warehouse process runs at the same speed. Individual commodity elements must therefore sometimes be stored temporarily in a reliable and manageable way. This ensures that everything runs smoothly – also when disruptions occur. Further Information.

Conveyor technology is a sub-discipline of mechanical engineering. It deals with the transportation of individual or bulk goods and is part of intralogistics (i.e. internal company logistics). Further Information.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) refers to the entrepreneurial task of planning, controlling, and managing resources as needed and in a timely manner to realize the company’s mission. Among other things, entrepreneurial resources include capital, personnel, operating supplies, and materials as well as information and communication technology. The goals here are to ensure efficient operational value creation processes and the continuous optimised control of business and operational procedures.

A core function of ERP in manufacturing companies is also material requirements planning. It must be ensured that all materials required for production are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right place. Further Information.

Floor-bound means that the conveyors are supported on the floor. However, they do not require a load-bearing ceiling or wall structure. Floor-bound conveyor systems include stackers, tractors, roller conveyors, suspension chain conveyors, and belt conveyors. Further Information.

Forklift trucks or machines are ground-level conveyors that can be used to transport goods and merchandise horizontally in order to sustainably increase internal efficiency. The counterparts to this are floor-free conveyors that either hang from hall ceilings or use tracks.

Forklift trucks belong to the group of unsteady conveyors. This means that – in contrast to assembly lines – they are able to handle the fluctuating, variable transport of goods. In addition to automated guided vehicles (AGVs), forklifts and pallet trucks also belong to the group of industrial trucks. Further Information.

Goods-to-person picking describes a type of picking in which the goods are prepared dynamically and automatically. The items are guided directly to the order picker by means of conveyor technology. The order picker can select the quantity specified by the warehouse management system (WMS) at their picking workstation.

Advantages:

• High picking performance thanks to the elimination of travel times
• Suitable for a wide spectrum of items
• Less susceptibility to errors
• Containers are easily and automatically removed
• An ergonomic workplace is possible

Further Information.

A load handling device is a piece of construction or equipment that is not part of the hoist. The load handling device is used to grip the load. The load handling device is either located between the machine and the load, attached to the load itself, or intended to become an integral part of the load. In warehouse logistics, the goods are picked up with different load handling devices in order to be brought to the required location with the transport unit (e.g. intralogistics shuttles, driverless transport systems, or transfer cars).

Load handling equipment includes roller and chain conveyors or special equipment such as multiple load handling devices and picking trolleys.

See Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Article 2 d.

The compact storage form in which several storage units are stored directly one behind the other is referred to as multiple-deep storage. With this facility feature, you can save space and increase efficiency in automated warehouses. Multiple-deep storage is suitable for items with large stocks and a high variety of goods. Double-deep storage is used in automated small-parts warehouses as well as in pallet and high-bay warehouses. Further Information.

Order picking is the compilation and organisation of specific partial quantities (items) from a given total quantity (assortment) on the basis of accumulated orders. The orders can be categorised as customer and production orders. The employee who takes care of assembling the orders is referred to as an order picker or grabber. Depending on the requirements and framework conditions, the order-picking workstations can be individually designed. Further Information.

Pick-by-Light (picking according to light signals) is one of the paperless picking methods. Light signals and displays directly on the pick compartment take over the function of a pick list and give the order pickers the needed information for the required product picks.

Advantages:

• Quick to find and confirm
• Complete and controlled
• Reliable stocks
• Short training period
• Punctual and reliable delivery

Further Information.

Unlike other transport units, the Fb Compact Shuttles are characterised by their level independence. The shuttles can switch between individual racking levels with the vertical conveyor and thus store, retrieve, and transfer goods in a cost-efficient manner. Decoupling horizontal and vertical transport gives you maximum flexibility.

Redundant storage is a type of chaotic storage in which the goods are distributed over several storage aisles – this strategy allows access to the required items even in the event of a system failure. Thanks to the intelligently positioned cross-distribution, maximum failure safety is ensured, and the availability of your goods is guaranteed even in an emergency. Further Information.

Sequencing describes sophisticated strategies in production planning for the formation of smart production sequences. Available capacities of human and machine are thus optimally utilised. In addition, empty runs are reduced and throughput is increased.

A stacker crane or storage and retrieval machine is a track-mounted, single-track industrial truck for automatic storage and retrieval in a high-bay or automated small parts warehouse. The degree of automation ranges from manual to fully automated, depending on the application.

Further Information.

In intralogistics, throughput describes the average flow of unit loads into and/or out of a warehouse. Throughput can be calculated using the following formula: T = I/F. T = Throughput, I = Inventory (the number of units in the production process) and F = The time the inventory units spend in production from start to finish. In logistics, throughput performance is particularly relevant for the calculation of costs (throughput charges/time spent). Further Information.

Transfer cars are floor-mounted, rail-guided transport cars. They are used for the independent pick-up and delivery of loading units between fixed transfer points. This allows different internal areas to be efficiently and automatically connected with each other. Depending on the mode of operation, the transfer cars can be subdivided into transverse and longitudinal transfer cars; they also perform sorting and distribution functions. Rail-guided crossing and passing options allow the use of additional transfer cars to cover higher workloads. Further Information.

Goods turnaround describes the process in which goods switch means of transport (i.e. they are loaded from a truck onto a ship or railcar). Or in intralogistics from a roller shuttle to an overhead shuttle.

Further Information.

A vertical conveyor is a heavy duty lift for vertical transport (↕) between the individual racking levels and the transfer or picking stations. The Compact Shuttles from the automated small parts warehouse efficiently reach the appropriate level to process the work order.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are software-based systems for the business management of warehouses and distribution centres.

The entire internal material flow from goods receipt to storage and stock transfers to stock removals and shipping can be clearly mapped. The physical flow of materials is accompanied by the flow of information. This ensures inventory transparency and data security during transport.

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The Zero Defects Concept is one of the continuous improvement strategies within the framework of Total Quality Management (TQM). The assumption is that it is not the production of high-quality goods and services but rather the correction of defects that results in additional costs. The goal is thus to eliminate even the smallest defects in every production process. Creating optimal framework conditions is a basic prerequisite for this. Tested and high-quality materials and well-functioning and maintained machines as well as qualified personnel are essential for the flawless execution of work.

Further Information.