Maximising Efficiency With Food & Beverage Automation

Logistics systems for food & beverages are often characterised by the handling of large volumes. But even in these markets, the variety of articles is increasing and increasingly small quantities need to be handled efficiently and in a short time. The requirements of end customers are becoming more distinctively different, as are the resultant demands on intralogistics. Seasonal products are subject to pronounced seasonality, which places special demands on the scalability of the performance of a conveyor technology and warehousing system.

Pallet High-bay Warehouse for Optimum Utilisation of Space

An automatic pallet high-bay warehouse makes maximum use of available space. Automation makes it possible to increase efficiency in warehouse operations enormously and to dispense with a large number of industrial trucks for warehousing and handling. The systems can be complemented by further automation solutions such as robot-based picking and palletising solutions.

Increasing production had made it necessary to expand the logistics centre for the Ostfriesische Tee Gesellschaft's (OTG) Lager- und Frachtkontor Süd (OLF Süd) facility [South Freight & Storage]. GEBHARDT took on this task and established a state-of-the-art logistics centre for OTG in Grettstadt, Bavaria.

Real-time Monitoring of Logistical Processes Enables Maximum Transparency

Real-time monitoring of logistical processes enables maximum transparency and documentation. This process transparency is created by using the latest software technologies in conjunction with automation of their intralogistics. In this way, they maintain an overview of the warehousing and performance of distribution logistics at all times, taking into account regulatory requirements such as batch tracking. At the same time, they increase process quality, repeatability and achieve shorter throughput times with a lower error rate. In relation to the supplying of end customers and smaller consumers, the trend is towards higher order frequency and the use of smaller containers.

Customer-Oriented Order Picking

When supplying end customers, high delivery frequency, error-free order picking of a large variety of articles and the handling of a wide range of containers and packaging units are crucial. Depending on the degree of automation, different order picking systems such as Pick by Light can be used. Paperless order picking leads to enormous efficiency gains.

A drinks wholesaler supplies wine and spirits to restaurants and bars in the south of England from its distribution centre. Several pick tunnels, each with eight order picking workstations, are set up in the distribution centre. A sorter in the outgoing goods department is used for targeted sorting to the various delivery routes and destinations.

Automated Intralogistics as an Enabler for the Digitalisation of Production and Distribution

Automated storage and order picking systems enable high delivery performance and optimum utilisation of space. The individual process steps in the warehouse must be linked together in the best possible way with the appropriate material flow technology. Multi-deep, automatic warehousing and order picking systems make it possible to achieve high storage density. Food and beverage logistics has a competitive environment with high price pressure, in which they can only survive with efficient intralogistics.

Multi-Deep Storage for Optimum Storage Density

Multi-deep storage systems offer a high degree of flexibility because warehouses can be organised on a last-in-first-out (LIFO) as well as on a first-in-first-out (FIFO) basis. This warehousing structure is the ideal solution in terms of space-saving storage for a large number of pallets. The system shows its advantages to the full when the warehouse channels can be filled purely according to type.

Bosch Tiernahrung [Pet Food] produces approximately 80 different in-house products which are exported to over 35 countries worldwide. This family-run company from Blaufelden-Wiesenbach in the Schwäbisch-Hall district not only places an emphasis on the high quality of its products, but also attaches great importance to customer-oriented service and a high level of delivery readiness.

Ergonomic Workplaces Achieved Through Automation

For their employees, automation offers the chance of a workplace that prioritises ergonomic design and functional safety. Reduce absenteeism and address the challenges of an ageing population (and workforce) and skills shortages. Workplace ergonomics have a direct impact on the work results of their employees due to the high performance requirements. In overall terms, automation reduces the proportion of manual work in the warehouse.