handling front cover story l
Linde Material Handling has developed a 3D warehouse planning and simulation tool – Stratos – that enables its customers to analyse all levels of a warehousing project and thus provide optimum storage layouts.
Stratos:the perfect planning solution M
odern businesses know that correctly specified material handling equipment can play a major role in reducing
their handling costs. Having the right equipment working to maximum effect in a given storage and
distribution system not only provides efficient, cost-effective load handling but can also help companies to increase productivity and cope effectively with growth.
The ever increasing demands of modern warehouses means more than ever that we need to remain close to our customers to understand their needs, as their requirements for a material handling supplier extend beyond just the hardware. Linde Material Handling has a revolutionary warehouse planning and simulation tool to help its clients achieve maximum return on their investment by allowing warehouse projects to be accurately costed in the early planning stages. Senior systems support analyst, Steve Porter, explains the benefits of the system.
“At Linde, we have
developed a unique range of consultancy services and systems to meet each customer’s specific needs and deliver added value to the customers’ supply chain process. Our Stratos 3D warehouse planning and simulation tool is a perfect example of our expertise in action.
“Whether a customer is planning a new greenfield site or extending and modernising an existing facility, Stratos eliminates the guesswork and
14 ShD January 2012
www.PressOnShD.com
the risk. Working alongside the customer, our expert consultants use the tool to evaluate the customer’s application data, including all projected storage and material flow demands for the facility. They will then use Stratos to identify the optimal storage system and configuration needed using modelling.”
Stratos is able to analyse all levels of a warehousing project and provide optimum storage layouts as well as a detailed view of the warehouse operation using dynamic simulations of pallet throughputs, order picking rates, truck movements and their consequent energy consumption. It can even be used to review marshalling areas and dock utilisation to control potential bottle necks. The system will calculate the right amount of racking needed to suit a specified layout, as well as both the number and type of truck required for each function. The findings are then rigorously tested and verified against real-time, on-screen simulation sequences of the optimum materials handling solution.
With the details of the loads to be stored, alternative racking layouts can be generated automatically, displayed on the screen and easily adjusted for best fit.
The system then provides 3D visuals of the warehouse to provide the client with a clear schematic overview of the project. Important dimensional views such as beam heights, overall height of loads, aisle widths and operating clearances are all automatically generated, giving both client and
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