10 shuttles + 1 RBG = more performance + efficient logistics

As a distributor of computer systems, Systeam GmbH from Ebensfeld in Franconia deals primarily in branded IT products. These include complete computers, notebooks, tablets as well as motherboards, memory and other components. The focus of the owner-managed company, which has just under 100 employees, is on printers.

Three warehouse locations combined

Systeam has gradually expanded its product range in recent years and in 2013 opened a new logistics center with a multi-aisle, semi-automatic pallet warehouse in Ebensfeld. Three warehouse locations were merged into one. In a second expansion phase, the automated small parts warehouse designed and implemented by Gebhardt Fördertechnik GmbH from Sinsheim went into operation at the beginning of 2015. This means that Systeam can now handle the entire range of goods, including container and cardboard goods, in the new logistics center. "As logistics professionals, we are always looking ahead and constantly investing in new hardware and software to optimize processes. In addition to our own warehouse management system, this includes a brand new storage and retrieval machine (SRM) and two multi-level shuttle (MLS) aisles for fast order picking," emphasizes Systeam with regard to the investment.

Ordered by 4 pm, shipped the same day

At the 14 packing stations connected via conveyor technology, the picked goods are repacked from the tubs into shipping cartons, provided with a delivery bill and invoice, labeled and strapped.

The IT distributor currently keeps around 14,500 items in stock for its customers, with a further 30,000 items available at short notice. Modern logistics enable fast delivery: orders received by 4 p.m. are dispatched on the same day. This efficiency was made possible by numerous automated processes in the warehouse and intelligent control of the material flow.

10 multi-level shuttles and one RBG in use

The warehouse has nine repacking stations at the goods receiving area. Goods from a wide range of manufacturers, sizes and packaging are repacked into storage containers here in a first step. Once they have been recorded in the warehouse management system, the goods are stored either in a two-aisle multi-level shuttle warehouse or in a single-aisle container warehouse. A total of ten multi-level shuttles are used in the shuttle warehouse and one storage and retrieval machine in the container warehouse. The shuttle warehouse has capacity for 20,640 containers measuring 600 × 400 mm. The storage capacity in the SRM warehouse is sufficient for 5,624 containers measuring 800 × 600 mm.

"With the 'Cheetah eco' storage and retrieval machine and the 'StoreBiter MLS' shuttles, Systeam has opted for state-of-the-art storage technology that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of throughput and is also extremely energy-efficient thanks to its consistently implemented lightweight construction. For Gebhardt Fördertechnik, this order is once again confirmation that we have opted for the right concepts in product development," explains Managing Director Marco Gebhardt.

Significantly higher storage and retrieval performance

In the goods receiving area, the items are repacked from the outer cartons into storage containers. The conveyor line above the work stations transports the empty cartons to the paper press.

The StoreBiter MLS is a highly dynamic shuttle system for operating multiple storage levels. The system is based on the rail-bound MLS shuttles, the racking system with lifters, rails and the control system. The shuttle system offers significantly increased storage and retrieval performance compared to conventional miniload solutions, especially when five shuttles are used per aisle, as is the case in this system. Containers from the shuttle warehouse are retrieved for picking at currently four picking stations. These are supplied in parallel with empty picking containers, so-called tubs, via a separate conveyor line. As an order can contain goods from several MLS containers, these must be transported to the picking stations in the correct order. This task is performed by four sequencers, which were implemented by Gebhardt Fördertechnik, as was the conveyor technology and IT connection.

Preventive maintenance

"Systeam has invested in the new logistics center in order to supply its customers on time and without errors. The overall availability of the system required for this is ensured by regular and preventative maintenance as well as rapid intervention by the Gebhardt hotline in the event of faults. Minor faults are covered by Systeam maintenance personnel trained by Gebhardt," explains Emil Zwick, branch manager of Gebhardt Fördertechnik GmbH in Pirmasens.

With a floor area of over 11,000 square meters, a pallet rack with over 13,000 storage locations and the new mini-load warehouse, Systeam's course is set for further growth. "A possible expansion of the facility was already considered and taken into account during the planning phase with the customer. This means that the storage and performance capacity of the system can be virtually doubled by directly adding to the existing system," explains Emil Zwick from Gebhardt. Systeam has thus created sufficient space for the future.

Contact:Systeam GmbH 96250 Ebensfeld Tel.: 0 95 73 / 92 21-0 E-Mail:[email protected] www.systeam.biz

Gebhardt Fördertechnik GmbH 74889 Sinsheim Phone: 0 72 61 / 9 39-0 E-mail:[email protected] www.gebhardt-foerdertechnik.de