Overview
The Dematic Automated Trailer Loading System features Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to stage and move pallets from docks to truck trailers. Dematic Warehouse Execution System (WES) software manages the flow of finished goods through the operational requirements of pre-ship staging, including staging loads prior to trailer loading. The AGVs provide safe, multi-shift operation with reduced labor costs and highly accurate inventory management.
Typical applications include pre-ship staging to outbound trailers, warehouse storage to outbound trailers, and palletizer to outbound trailers.
Benefits
- Automated pallet loading to truck trailer
- Pick at palletizer or storage for outbound
- Real-time control and visibility into operations
- Consistent and safe operation around workers and obstacles
- Scalable for future changes and growth
System description
The Dematic Automated Trailer Loading System has a pre-engineered, standardized design configuration that ensures predictable performance. Dematic AGVs with automatic trailer load (ATL) capabilities perform the same functions as lift trucks but without making adjustments to facilities, trailers, or docks.
Dematic AGVs with ATL capabilities handle multiple operations and are equipped to perform line take-aways and warehouse storage and retrieval. They can perform high-reach picks and placements (with or without racks), including drive-in racks. The same vehicles are capable of reliably unloading trailers and moving product between work-in-process (WIP) and other manufacturing operations within a facility.
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)
- 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 Traffic and Operations Management (optional)
- AGV task management and dispatching
- Traffic control and communications
- Visibility and insight
Comparison
The Dematic Automated Trailer Loading System is more accurate and requires less labor to operate than conventional systems.
| Manual Trailer Loading System | Automated Trailer Loading 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 |
| 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 eliminates errors |
| Response time dependent on performance of manual fork truck operators | Optimized response and performance of task completion |
| Moderate throughput capacity | High throughput capacity |
| Potential facility/product damage, worker ergonomics/safety issues | Minimizes facility/product damage, ergonomic and safety issues |