WITRON has developed a new automated system to deal with the increasing demand for fruits and vegetables, noting that no other product segment challenges logistics experts as much these days.
With the OFP (Optimal Fresh Picking) solution, WITRON has applied for a patent that combines all scenarios in one system. The store-friendly picking of full totes and cartons as well as the piece picking from totes and cartons is undertaken within one automated system.
The system is cost-efficient, flexible, with short throughput times, ergonomic, space-saving, and compact - with a balanced use of conveyor technology. The customer starts with a basic version that can be expanded due to the scalability of the innovative system. Additional modules can be integrated into the overall concept without any issues.
Special Features
Movements within the system are reduced to a minimum. Storage and replenishment components are product-gentle using Dynamic Mini Loads (DML) - small, energy-efficient stacker cranes with double load handling device.
Two DMLs per aisle guarantee redundancy within the modules and ensure constant replenishment for order picking. Replenishment is done on individual pick levels. All pick levels work completely independent from each other, which means that several orders from different stores can be processed in parallel with a short throughput time.
Full Automation
One store order is completed on every pick level. Full totes and cartons of different sizes are removed directly from the pick front by means of a pick shuttles and placed onto a discharge conveyor. The provision of the items in the modules is carried out according to the store layout, to allow shortest driving distances of the shuttle.
As in the case of the replenishment by means of the DML, the long driving distances for shuttles - for example to the end of the aisle - are no longer required, and thus allow maximum outbound performances. The outbound lane transports the load carriers directly to the automated stacker cranes, where they are stacked onto pallets or roll containers without being buffered.
Several pickers work in one aisle - guided by a pick guiding system that ensures maximum pick quality. Walking distances are reduced considerably. All pickers work on the same store order and pick fruits and vegetables from totes and cartons directly into the order totes.
Once the store totes are filled optimally based on a volume calculation, they are supplied to the automated stackers via an outbound lane and stacked for transportation together with the previous full totes or cartons.
WITRON Development
WITRON’s customers benefit from a great amount of successfully designed and realised logistics projects in the food retail sector.
An end-to-end networking solution is ensured through the WITRON 4.0 software suite. If an OFP distribution centre connects all products, areas, and elements - from receiving to dispatch - in a logical and IT-supported manner, it allows a real-time optimised order processing that runs largely without staff intervention.
If master data, departure times, store layouts, machine, or frame conditions change, order processing or prioritisation will also change in a flexible and automatic manner, and in real-time.
For further information, visit www.witron.de.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Sponsored content. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
