In the storage system, 217 shuttles automatically access the bins and transport them directly to the high-performance picking stations. The system achieves a throughput rate of up to 570 bins per hour and workstation, enabling Ceratizit to increase the efficiency of order picking. 26 work stations for packing the goods and 24 for incoming and outgoing goods complete the system. These are connected to the storage system via conveyor lines with a total length of 1.7 kilometers.

"The Dematic Multishuttle system fits Ceratizit's requirements perfectly thanks to its high degree of automation and compact design," says Jessica Heinz, Head of Marketing and Business Development Dematic Central Europe. "It also ensures reliable and efficient order processing with a high throughput rate and error-free picking."

Conveyor loop into the pre-zone is no longer required

The system takes up around 3,000 square meters of floor space, including the workstations in the distribution center. Thanks to the direct connection of the rack aisles to the picking stations and the inter-aisle transfer patented by Dematic, no conveyor loop is required in the pre-zone. The technology ensures that the containers can be moved across all aisles within the racking. This allows the picking stations to flexibly access goods from all aisles and increases the system's reliability.

Automatic camera system records the position of the goods

The containers in the Dematic Multishuttle measure 400x300 millimetres or 600x400 millimetres, whereby the latter can be further subdivided into up to eight compartments. Separation takes place via carton inserts, which are identified by a barcode. A camera system in the incoming goods area records the exact position of the goods after the inserts have been inserted manually, without the employee having to scan the containers and inserts and enter the data manually via a dialog.

As soon as an order is received, the shuttles automatically transport the items to one of the seven high-performance picking stations. There, the employees compile the orders. They are supported by an SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) dialog, which displays the relevant data for processing.

There are also five stations specifically for picking semi-finished products. The intralogistics specialist is equipping all picking stations with a pick-by-light function. Dematic also integrates scales for weight control and handle monitoring when picking items.