Overview
The Dematic Automated Pallet Pick System for Finished Goods featuring an automated storage and retrieval sub-system (AS/RS) handles finished goods inventory prior to outbound shipment. It is directly connected to a production operation and provides on-demand distribution for shipments to customers.
These systems are ideal for production operations that create pallets of finished goods, typically a single part number (a single stock keeping unit) per pallet.
Typical users include manufacturers of durable goods such as electronic devices, automotive parts, and industrial components. The system is also well suited for consumable products such as food, beverages, paper, healthcare items, and personal care items.
Benefits
- Optimized workflows (accommodates peaks/valleys)
- Real-time visibility to pallet storage locations and pallet movement
- Pre-engineered, modular design creates predictable, consistent performance
- Inventory security/accuracy, controlled access, high-density storage
- Scalable for future changes and growth.
System description
The Dematic Automated Pallet Pick System for Finished Goods has a pre-engineered, standardized design configuration that ensures predictable performance. Here is the general order of how the system functions:
- Inbound from Production: Conveyor transports pallets from production to the AS/RS. Additional conveyor allows the AS/RS to induct an inbound pallet into any storage aisle. Each pallet passes through a load dimension scan check tunnel. Weight check can also be included.
- Automated Storage: The AS/RS holds the finished pallets and acts as a buffer until there is an order for it.
- Outbound to Shipping: When the system receives an order for a pallet, it releases the pallet and stages it in a corresponding shipping lane.
Note: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) can replace conveyor for a more flexible automation option.
System management
The Dematic Warehouse Execution System (WES) software manages a continuous flow of orders for processing downloaded from the Warehouse Management System (WMS). The WMS is responsible for the overall operation of the facility, including inbound receiving and outbound shipping.
The Dematic WES software is a scalable logistics software platform responsible for directing, controlling, and synchronizing workflows. It evaluates each pallet move request upon receipt and constantly re-calculates urgency level for real-time prioritization, planning, and execution. It adds the next best task assignment to execute based on priority and storage space availability.
The Dematic WES software improves productivity and supports faster fulfillment of priority task requests. It produces smooth and consistent material flow.
Warehouse Management System (Host)
- Interface to ERP
- Inventory control
- Order entry
Pallet move requests
Status and completion
Dematic Warehouse Execution System
- Task management and execution
- Task attributes, priority, changes
- Synchronize and optimize processes
- Visibility and insight
AGV/AMR Traffic and Operations Management (optional)
- AGV/AMR task management and dispatching
- Traffic control and communications
- Visibility and insight
Comparison
The Dematic Automated Pallet Pick System for Finished Goods is more accurate, require less labor to operate, and use less warehouse space than conventional systems.
| Manual Pallet Pick System | Automated Pallet Pick System |
| Manual process requires significant labor | Automated process reduces need for labor |
| Manual process prone to inefficiency | Dematic WES software manages, directs all pallet movement efficiently |
| Open access to inventory reduces accuracy, increases shrink potential | Controlled access to inventory increases accuracy, lot control |
| Manual load profile measuring and weight check | Automated load profile measuring and weight check |
| Issues with load tracking, visibility and insight into operations | Real-time load tracking, excellent visibility to inventory and operations |
| Pallet location management errors | Strategic pallet location management, eliminate put-away/retrieval errors |
| Less optimized task management | Evaluate queue of tasks based on storage availability and priority |
| Response time dependent on performance of manual fork truck operators | Optimized response and performance of task completion |
| Low storage density requires larger warehouse floorspace | High-density, compact, ideal for temperature-controlled applications |
| Moderate throughput capacity | High throughput capacity |
| Potential facility/product damage, worker ergonomics/safety issues | Minimizes facility/product damage, ergonomic and safety issues |