Manutention

"Creating logistics results with Dematic" – Siemens will be exhibiting under this motto during the Manutention Equipements et Systèmes on March 7-10 in Paris-Nord Villepinte. 2006 marks the first time that the Salon Manutention will be combined with the Semaine Internationale du Transport et de la Logistique (SITL). With 1400 exhibitors, it will be the branch's largest European trade fair; the organizers expect 50,000 visitors. On display at the Siemens booth will be the Dematic Multishuttle and the Dematic C-L 100. In addition, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will be a central topic of the exhibition.

The Dematic Multishuttle, developed by Dematic together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) in Dortmund, is a modular warehouse and transport system with drivable containers that can be universally deployed. It is especially suitable for companies which need variable logistics operations. The components at the heart of the system are a mobile base, the Dematic Multishuttle vehicle and support rails that supply the power as well as provide carrying and steering functionality. Load transfer takes place by means of a patented, compact load-lifting device with rapid access times. Tests have shown that a system using four Dematic shuttles surpasses the performance of a miniload system. In addition to containers, cartons stored on shelves can also be transferred. The Dematic Multishuttle is planned to go on sale in April.

The Dematic C-L 100 is a new conveyor developed by Dematic for handling light packaged goods. The conveyor is characterized by simplicity – due to its few basic modules – and a broad range of functionality. Trade fair visitors will be able to experience for themselves the benefits of this innovative mechatronics concept that implements modular applications based on open communication standards. The lack of pneumatics and reduction of basic components – which of course means fewer spare parts – ensure lower maintenance costs. The limited number of basic components and rigorous use of plug-and-socket connections also reduce downtime to a minimum if maintenance or repair should become necessary. Standardized functions such as automatic shutdown, which reduces energy consumption, or drive unit diagnosis, simplify integration. The Dematic C-L 100 is supplied either with belt or roller surface and is the first conveyor that can accumulate in curves. Dematic delivers the desired modules ex works completely mounted, pre-wired and tested, guaranteeing fast on-site installation; the modules need only be joined with the pre-installed connectors. The Dematic C-L 100 is the first product of a new integrated family of material conveyor technology under the Dematic name.

RFID involves much more than only attaching an intelligent tag to a product before it leaves the warehouse. When its use is carefully planned, RFID makes the entire supply chain more effective, reduces costs and speeds products to their destinations. With a broad spectrum of products and solutions including software, modular material flow components and transponder technology, Dematic delivers its customers complete solutions and systems for all related tasks. Simplified reading of materials and products makes Tracking & Tracing (T&T) procedures significantly easier, secure and more economical to implement. With its integrated RFID Material Flow Solution, Dematic achieves 100% reading performance at a transport speed of three meters per second within its Totally Integrated Supply Chain (TIS).