A manual warehouse inevitably reaches its limits at some point because the parameters, based on which the distribution center was initially designed, change over time. For example, the number of items may have increased which leads to a shortage in storage locations. Or walking time and item search take too long, causing an interrupted material flow. Or the picking speed is not fast enough and too many picking errors are made so that supplied end customers are no longer satisfied. Furthermore, the shortage in skilled staff as well as a fluctuating demand additionally impede the daily business in the logistics center.
Looking at the above mentioned challenges, it is worth thinking about how the cost-intensive use of staff in the warehouse can be optimally planned and how the quality of work and the efficiency of processes can be increased at the same time. Since structural or financial conditions do not always permit an extension or a new building, these considerations focus on two aspects: The partial automation of storage processes, which can be implemented in different ways, and the increase in storage capacity with optimal use of the existing space. The automation of certain partial processes in the logistics center aims at saving costs and ensuring a safe, transparent, continuous and efficient material flow.
SSI SCHAEFER has many years of experience in planning and implementing large logistics projects, in which intralogistics processes were comprehensively automated. SSI SCHAEFER uses this expertise and know-how for partial automation and optimizes manual storage processes by implementing individually tailored and smaller automation solutions. Particularly smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SME), who try to find answers to the typical challenges mentioned above, can benefit from these solutions to be successful in the future.
SSI SCHAEFER offers high-performance products which are combined to intelligent, scalable and modular storage solutions for different applications. The solutions ensure a faster and reliable material flow and increased efficiency. Thanks to a plug and play principle, they can be easily and flexibly integrated into existing processes and thus enable a perfect interaction within the system. Compared to the automation of the entire warehouse, the costs for partial automation are manageable. The customer receives these solutions from a single source, which is a clear advantage for the user: For all projects involving partial automation, there is one reliable supplier for project planning, implementation and after commissioning. This allows for short and simple communication channels.