At this point, pallets are distributed via four elevator shafts onto a conveyor system with eight lanes. They are then labeled on three sides on the long, short and reverse sides using the pallet labelers from REA Label. In this application, labeling takes place while the pallets are stationary. A servomotor-driven height adjustment is not required. The data for each pallet is transmitted from the conveyor system to the respective labeling unit via a Profibus interface. The pallet labeler automatically detects dimensions and edges. This ensures compliance with the label positions specified in the GS1 standards. With three-sided labeling, up to 80 pallets can be handled per hour. The GS1-compliant labels contain product and order-specific data for freight forwarders and customers.

Simple handling
The pallet labelers have been integrated into the logistics process, and REA Label also scores highly in terms of handling in daily operation: The systems work fully automatically and are monitored decentrally, all messages are visualized. Alternatively, they can also be operated at the line via an integrated terminal with an illuminated LCD plain text display and touch panel. In addition, each system has a three-color bar light that indicates the current operating status.

Industry 4.0 is standard at REA Label: the interface programming for data communication enables convenient integration of the pallet labelers into the existing infrastructure and connection to Storck's warehouse management system (LMS). The just-in-time print data required is transferred directly from the higher-level LMS system to the pallet labelers. The labels are printed inline and then applied in accordance with standards. The conveyor system/labeler interface was implemented via a DP/DP coupling, and the safety-relevant signals are processed digitally.

Flexible system
In addition to data exchange, REA Label also offers a large selection of thermal transfer print modules. The system housing protects against dust and, if necessary, a heating or air conditioning system ensures the right operating temperature.
operating temperature. REA Label pallet labelers are also available in a stainless steel version on request and can be used in the cooling range down to minus 24°C. Storck is very satisfied with the pallet labelers from REA Label: "We have found a high-performance, future-proof solution that we can adapt to current and future requirements as needed. This allows us to react faster and more flexibly to the market than before," reports Frank Müller, head of the logistics center in Halle.