Compactness is what counts

Westfalia Logistics Solution Europe has designed its patented satellite warehouse for this multi-deep storage and maximum storage density. Depending on requirements, all system components are designed for normal temperature storage, cold storage and deep-freeze storage for temperatures down to minus 35 degrees Celsius. If required, several temperature zones can be integrated into one storage system. The most complex storage processes are concentrated and automated in the smallest of spaces. Tönnies' maturing warehouse in Badbergen, for example, benefits from this compactness and serves as the hub of one of the most modern beef production facilities in Europe. It was integrated into a gutted existing hall.

Satellite warehouses achieve a particularly high degree of area and space utilization, which also includes niches between hall trusses. They are particularly suitable for a medium range of products. The satellite load handling device can hold up to three load units and store and retrieve goods on both sides of the storage aisle, but cannot access all goods directly at all times if the storage channel depth is particularly high. If storage aisles with a particularly high access frequency are required, Westfalia uses telescopic forks as an alternative load handling device.

If, on the other hand, a high capacity needs to be combined with an increased access frequency, additional sequencing buffers are used to sequence goods according to the route - for example in the high-bay warehouses of temperature-controlled logistics provider Lineage Logistics in Lelystad and Rotterdam. The warehouse strategies of the Savanna.NET logistics software, which as a warehouse execution system combines all warehouse management and material flow control functions for maximum data transparency and warehouse control, also enables the widespread use of satellite technology.

Greater economy and efficiency thanks to satellite warehouses

The satellite is the key to efficiency. This detaches from the stacker crane and travels into channels of any depth, which are equipped with special bearing profiles for gentle material handling. Additional support points provide support for heavy-duty loading aids. This means that they can be used for longer without being damaged or causing disruption. Depending on the version, satellites are designed for high loads, a wide variety of loading aids and formats as well as palletless storage. Depending on the requirements, SRMs are equipped with one or more satellites or particularly long satellites for a higher storage and retrieval capacity. Depending on the stacker crane design, very low approach dimensions can be achieved.

In this way, manufacturers and logistics service providers can bundle, handle or strategically store large quantities of items in a minimal space with an hourly throughput of hundreds of pallets for maximum supply chain stability. This makes it easy to store seasonal goods until they are sold out or more raw materials at low prices. Statics and space are ideal for solar modules.

The vehicle infrastructure is reduced

Compact warehouses also score highly in terms of energy efficiency beyond cooling and refrigeration technology: the system achieves a high level of route efficiency thanks to the optimum combination of storage, retrieval and transfer, and saves energy and service costs compared to multi-aisle warehouses thanks to fewer vehicles. Accident-prone routes and fleets of industrial trucks are reduced. These are only necessary in loading and unloading zones, which can also be automated. Storage and retrieval machines are equipped with energy-efficient, high-quality drives, intelligent control solutions and drive inverters.

High process reliability reduces errors in order picking and distribution. Returns and unnecessary truck kilometers are reduced and the company's_{CO2 balance} is improved. Automation also relieves the strain on staff working in extreme temperatures. A full warehouse team no longer needs to be on site to automatically provide truck tours overnight. Satellite warehouses are therefore ideal for production buffering, minimum quantity levels and strong fluctuations in demand with limited personnel. They provide an important building block for the economic efficiency and climate neutrality of companies.

The article appeared in materialfluss 8-9/22.