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Technology and efficiency

The tray is conveyed downwards to the opening, where the operating personnel can safely pick the items from the tray. SSI Schaefer realized a holistic logistics solution for its customer WFL Millturn Technologies in Linz, Austria, consisting of six SSI Logimat storage lifts and a custom-fit integration into the existing SAP environment using PLC EasyConnect from a single source. The space-saving solution consists of two rows of three units each, measuring 3.8 x 3.1 x 7.3 m (LxWxH). They are each equipped with 58 shelves (3,225 x 815 mm) and allow payloads of up to 550 kg.

Each lift can change 64 trays per hour. Around 6500 LMB containers are used. LMB containers are special containers from SSI Schaefer designed specifically for use in storage lifts, which have been optimized for a tray depth of 800 mm. Four different container types from the LMB series were chosen, which can be varied within a tray and subdivided using sturdy partitions. This enables items to be allocated quickly and easily and prevents products from slipping through and mixing. The additional batch picking function enables several orders to be processed in parallel and significantly increases picking performance.

In total, the picking performance was increased by up to 50% on average and the use of the lift system saved 110 m² of the 180 m² of storage space, which can now be used for other purposes. WFL Millturn Technologies is also much less dependent on staff availability, as all six storage lifts can be conveniently operated in parallel by a single person. Thanks to further process optimizations, it is now only possible to work in one shift instead of two in order to achieve the same performance.

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Unique selling points

The warehouse lift was integrated directly into the existing SAP environment at WFL Millturn Technologies using SPS EasyConnect. This add-on from SSI Schaefer partner Status C enables a direct connection without additional subsystems. All functions of the warehouse lift are mapped in it. Orders generated in SAP are visualized in real time on the lifts and converted into tray movements. Thanks to direct lift control, the worklist is processed more quickly, supported by intuitive touch screen interfaces. SPS EasyConnect also guarantees maximum stock reliability. There is no duplicate stock management and future software updates from SAP are immediately taken into account.

All SSI Logimat storage lifts have a rack and pinion drive. The robust design ensures maximum availability. It also offers high positioning accuracy without sensors that are prone to failure. The drive contains an automatic lubrication system that performs preventive maintenance with every movement. Two additional features have made order picking at WFL Millturn Technologies both more efficient and less prone to errors. The use of LogiPointer, for example, ensures that the product to be picked is marked by means of a built-in laser pointer, making incorrect picking virtually impossible. The entire process is acknowledged by means of a continuous confirmation light barrier under the operating opening (LogiBar). WFL Millturn Technologies makes optimum use of the available space in the storage lift. LMB containers specially designed for the SSI Logimat storage lift can be easily moved and adapted to the stored products.

This means that no space is wasted and the tray depth is optimally utilized. The containers are designed so that the arrangement can be easily adjusted and mixing is impossible. The resulting advantages: - Goods-to-person principle offers a high level of convenience - Compact design makes economic and ecological sense - Highest storage density for small parts, up to 90 percent less storage space - Performance increase of over 20 percent thanks to automated processes and ergonomic design - Simple user guidance and low training requirements - Increased performance thanks to automated processes and improved ergonomics - Direct, interface-free integration into existing SAP environment using PLC EasyConnect.

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