Case Study Mydibel

Perfection in deep-freeze logistics

SSI SCHAEFER implemented an automated channel storage system in the deep-freeze sector for the food manufacturer Mydibel. Controlled by the warehouse management system WAMAS®, storage and retrieval machines with Orbiter® shuttles and an intelligent material flow concept provide high transparency, significant efficiency increases and improved service. In order to exchange the complex manual storage at five facilities, Mydibel management decided to concentrate all storage capacities in one new, modern warehouse complex at the Mouscron head quarters.

Since May 2012, the plant completed within 18 months, has been running in all-out operation. In the five 93 m long aisles of the high-bay channel storage system the pallets are stored on eleven rack levels. 57 channels per level are accessible on every side of the aisle by the 5 storage and retrieval machines (SRM). Except for the two outer channels, the channels can be operated from two aisles by the use of the Schaefer Orbiter System. Depending on the demand, Mydibel can load the channels from two sides with different batches or according to the principle First-In-First-Out, store on one side of the channel and retrieve on the other side. After accepting the pallets, the SRMs move the pallets to the targeted channel. Both material flows are partially separated and controlled by WAMAS®. Mydibel can either store or retrieve or use both functions simultaneously.

Thus was the conveying system designed so that both material streams move on them. From goods receiving, the supplied pallets are transferred to the conveying system. An automatic relocating-station then puts system pallets under the goods receiving pallets. The conveying system leads the pallets to the storage spurs of the high-bay warehouse (HBW). The central pallet conveying system serves 2 conveying sections at the storage spurs which are located on top of each other. The storage is done on the bottom level and the retrieval is done via the top level.

The retrievals from the HBW either target the production supply with raw materials and semi-finished goods or the order picking. On both conveying sections, a lift system with the function of a vertical loop guides the pallets to the basis level. The goods shipping pallets are guided on one conveying section that serves 11 shipping lines. With a capacity of nearly 100 pallets, the shipping lines create a buffer for the sequencing of the goods shipping pallets for a total of 3 truck loads.