The centerpiece is a Dematic Multishuttle system that automatically stores, buffers, sorts and sequences the products for picking and order picking. The solution is completed by a Dematic conveyor system, picking stations, optional robot palletizing and automated guided vehicles. The Dematic iQ software, which controls all logistics processes and offers tracking functions, is also integrated.

"Increasing demands in the protein industry have meant that manufacturers can no longer rely on manual order fulfillment systems. With our solution, all order fulfillment processes can be fully automated while significantly increasing speed, storage density, freshness, accuracy and availability," says Jessica Heinz, Head of Marketing and Business Development Dematic Central Europe. The solution is specifically tailored to increasingly complex customer orders in terms of pack sizes and types as well as short delivery times.

At the center of the system is a Dematic Multishuttle, which is capable of picking multiple Stock Keeping Units (SKU) from the same aisle simultaneously, significantly increasing system throughput. The gripper fingers of the shuttle telescopic arms can process a wider range of container types and conditions in different temperature environments from chilled to frozen. Multi-deep storage and the patented inter-aisle transfer ensure the smooth exchange of goods across different shuttle aisles, enabling a very high storage density. "This allows the system to make better use of the available space and save energy and cooling costs," says Heinz.

The Dematic Automated Order Fulfillment solution for the protein industry is modular and scalable. It can be expanded according to individual requirements or supplemented with other proven standardized Dematic systems. For example, conveyors, picking and palletizing robots as well as automated guided vehicles can be integrated into the solution. Automation also improves the safety and ergonomics of workstations in the warehouse, as manual handling of heavy cartons in a cold working environment is no longer necessary. The processes are controlled via the Dematic iQ software.