Overview
The Dematic Intra-Facility Transport System features Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to move pallets from point to point within a facility. Dematic Warehouse Execution System (WES) software manages the flow of materials. The AMRs provide safe, multi-shift operation with reduced labor costs and highly accurate inventory management.
These systems are ideal for operations that have continuous, on-demand load movement requirements between operational areas.
Benefits
- Process improvement
- Operational flexibility, real-time control
- Responsive, on-demand continuous flow
- Synchronized material flow paths that reduces response time and delays
- Visibility and insight of operations
System description
The Dematic Intra-Facility Transport System has a pre-engineered, standardized design configuration that ensures predictable performance. Here is the general order of how the system functions:
- The system receives a request for a load to be picked up and delivered.
Load types include pallets, table shelf units, and kit carts. - The AMR travels to the load pick up site and lifts it.
- The AMR transports the load to the designated site and drops it at that location.
Note: The throughput rate of the operation determines the number of AMRs needed. Simulation models can determine optimal fleet size.
Note: If the operation requires point-to-point transport of smaller loads, tote handling AMRs can be used. Also, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be used if the operation requires laser guidance, handles heavy-duty loads, or requires alternate load handling device such as a fork mast.
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 dynamically manages unit load pallet flow in real time by evaluating the current location and availability of each AMR and dispatching the optimal AMR to complete the task.
Warehouse Management System (Host)
- Interface to ERP
- Inventory control
- Pallet transfer commands
Pallet move requests
Status and completion
Dematic Warehouse Execution System
- Task management and execution
- Task attributes, priority, changes
- Synchronize and optimize processes
- Status of load stands
- Mobile automation fleet management
- Visibility and insight
AMR Traffic and Operations Management
- AMR task management and dispatching
- Traffic control and communications
- Visibility and insight
Comparison
The Dematic Intra-Facility Transport System is more accurate, require less labor to operate, and use less warehouse space than conventional pallet transport systems.
| Manual Transport System | Automated Transport System |
| Manually operated | Automated system (less labor resources required, safer work environment) |
| Manual transport, pick up and drop off | Automated transport, pick-up and drop-off |
| Pathways route determined by manual operator | Optimized pathways |
| Workforce sets pace for all tasks | Dematic WES software sets pace, provides even continuous workflow |
| Potential for issues with task management | Synchronized with on-demand requirements |
| Manual functions prone to errors, inefficient, slow | Optimized workflows |
| Variations in response time for material move requests | Predictable response time for material movement requests |
| Limited visibility, status, and insight | Real-time visibility, status, and insight |