An important aspect is the flexibility and scalability with regard to storage and picking processes and expansion, as offered by the UCS (Unified Control System) Ferag.doWarehouse and the warehouse lift Ferag.starlift. The Ferag solutions grow with the company's requirements and can be easily expanded as the warehouse grows or requirements change. They can also be used independently of each other and in combination with existing processes and products. But together they are unbeatable.

The hardware: lots of capacity in a small space

The Ferag.starlift enables goods to be stored efficiently and in a space-saving manner. Thanks to its vertical design, it makes optimum use of the available space and offers high storage capacity in a limited area. With a footprint of just 3 square meters, a load capacity of up to 2,500 kg per shelf and a lifting speed of up to 2.5 m/s, the Starlift is a powerful solution for warehouses of all sizes. A warehouse lift is used in various areas such as storage and provision of all kinds of items, order picking, replenishment of tools and spare parts, storage of medical and pharmaceutical products, sensitive and expensive goods or use in office environments and cold stores.

The software: easy to use and efficient

The Ferag.starlift enables goods to be stored efficiently and in a space-saving manner. © Ferag

Ferag.doWarehouse is designed to enable users to switch to a sophisticated warehouse management solution easily and efficiently. The software offers seamless integration with the Starlift (or other existing hardware) and enables efficient inventory management. It makes it possible to track stock levels in real time, monitor orders and control stock movements efficiently. This reduces complexity and improves data accuracy. Ferag.doWarehouse provides the functionality of a WMS (Warehouse Management System) while managing processes and providing information on resource efficiency and transparency in the warehouse. The advanced analytics make it possible to focus on problems, inefficiencies and bottlenecks to maximize efficiency in the warehouse. With Ferag.doWarehouse, established processes do not need to be adapted to the software.

The efficient use of (existing) resources and optimized workflows are the focus of many warehouse operations. Based on three specific application examples, the advantages of this intelligent, resource-saving and growing combination are obvious.

Automated replenishment delivery in production

In a production plant with various production lines, Ferag.starlift enables the efficient management of small parts, tools and materials. Ferag.doWarehouse continuously monitors material requirements in real time. As soon as a production order is pending or the stock level falls below a certain threshold, the software automatically triggers a replenishment delivery. The automated replenishment delivery is carried out by the warehouse lift, which transports the required material from the storage area to the removal station. There, the employee removes the parts and uses them directly in production or forwards them. The software updates the warehouse stock and logs the transaction for seamless tracking.

The goods-to-person principle enables short distances, which increases picking performance. At the same time, the vertical storage lift saves valuable floor space. The software ensures error-free picking and minimizes stock discrepancies. In addition, individually adjustable working heights and safety systems ensure an ergonomic working environment, which increases employee satisfaction and reduces absenteeism.

Automated incoming and outgoing goods

Incoming deliveries are received in the incoming goods area. The incoming goods are or will be provided with barcodes or RFID tags. Employees carry out a quality check and, if necessary, the items are checked against the recorded data, then scanned and stored in the Ferag.starlift. The software communicates seamlessly with the higher-level ERP system to transfer information about the goods received, including their storage location. Automatically generated notifications are sent to the relevant departments (e.g. warehouse, purchasing) and the goods can now be used for production, sales or warehousing.

In the outgoing goods area, finished products, spare parts, components or orders are prepared for dispatch. The Ferag.doWarehouse software processes the shipping orders from the ERP system. Based on the orders, the required items are selected for picking. The warehouse lift transports the required items to the picking station. Employees pick the goods according to the shipping orders. After picking, the goods are packed and provided with shipping labels (automatically generated if required). The software updates the warehouse stock and logs the transaction.

The automated process speeds up incoming and outgoing goods and reduces manual work steps. The software minimizes errors in data entry, inventory management, picking and labeling, while every step of the process is traceable and stock levels are updated in real time. Compared to manual warehouse racking and Excel-based processes, this solution offers a significant increase in productivity and greater flexibility for future growth.