COVER STORY
SCALABLE, COST-EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTION TO INTRALOGISTICS INTERCONNECTIVITY
transport goods of up to 35 kg between manual or automated transfer stations.
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s one of the first companies to recognise the crucial role of intralogistics in the digitalised world, SSI SCHAEFER has continuously adapted each component of the intralogistics chain to digitalisation from the very beginning. Digitalisation is heavily impacting the supply chain, requiring it to be more interconnected, intelligent, and flexible. One of the ways SSI SCHAEFER has overcome these challenges is with the LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Module, a small parts storage and picking solution with a compact design to fit into almost any space.
As an SAP Silver Service Partner with over 1,000 in house IT experts, SSI SCHAEFER has developed a new generation of software interfaces in partnership with Status-C. The software, SPS-EasyConnect, allows the LOGIMAT to have a real time connection with SAP EWM/ WM/MM. “Integration of third-party hardware or software into SAP systems can sometimes be a very daunting and expensive task for most businesses,” explained Chris More, UK and Ireland LOGIMAT product manager. “This is mostly due to the fact you are trying to implement multiple software suites that weren’t developed with inter- connectivity and data exchange in mind. “This can lead to a situation where a custom interface between the systems has to be developed so that the different software packages can run independently but still communicate with each other. This is an expensive exercise, mostly because you have to engage with a multitude of specialists for the different hardware and software systems across the new processes.” In addition, ongoing support after implementation for multiple systems can be difficult to manage, risking the
integrity of the system.
If you need a connection between a Vertical Lift Machine and an SAP system, then the LOGIMAT and SPS-EasyConnect software is the ideal option. Offering a totally fluent system with an all-in-one software suite set up as a function within SAP, the master data management, order management, and inventory management are centralised between the SAP server and the LOGIMAT. What’s more, the Graphical User Interface has real-time functionality with SAP, making it a true all-in-one solution. SSI SCHAEFER also developed WAMAS®, logistics software which allows all of its equipment and associated control software to integrate, creating a truly scalable system. WAMAS has the ability to continually evaluate system data to optimise tasks and storage locations, whether this is the flagship WAMAS WMS, or SSI SCHAEFER’s VLM software WAMAS LOGIMAT.
“If we take WAMAS LOGIMAT with order handling as a simplified example, it has the ability to shuffle tray locations according to their usage, meaning trays that are used the most are put at the bottom of the machine for quicker access. Also, if multiple orders are sent to WAMAS LOGIMAT, it can optimise across all orders to perform a batch pick, so tray movements are reduced, again optimising picking,” explained More. As well as being used in fully automated systems, WAMAS LOGIMAT is ideal for what SSI SCHAEFER terms as ‘mechanised systems’, semi-automated equipment working in tandem with standard manual pick processes performed by operatives. Increasingly, SSI SCHAEFER’s lightweight AGV the SSI SCHAEFER WEASEL® is becoming a common feature within these systems, with the ability to
6 JULY/AUGUST 2020 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
Such a system is suitable for a number of situations. Many companies look to install this system to future proof their operations and to deal with demands for order volume. It can also be ideal for businesses looking to upscale their operations due to their storage requirement outgrowing their existing static storage systems with manual picking. “In these situations, businesses cannot warrant moving to fully automated systems due to cost and the impact on business operations. This is where mechanised or semi-automated systems are the most effective way of improving or replacing traditional picking and storage operations,” said More. Although the operation of the WEASEL® is simple, it still needs a layer of control. This need is fulfilled by the WEASEL Fleet Controller software, which sends instructions to the AGV, such as which station it needs to travel to, when it should divert, and when it should mute its sensors. The Fleet Controller can run in a closed loop system, as well as having the ability to exchange instructions and data with a WMS or MFS, like SSI SCHAEFER’s WAMAS software.
With the manufacturing world advancing at a rapid pace, the need to implement automated processes is crucial. And, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, such automation could be vital in adhering to new social distancing rules as the world looks to readjust to the ‘new normal’. Thanks to its deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities this transformation brings, SSI SCHAEFER is offering solutions not only for today, but for the developments and expansion of the future.
SSI SCHAEFER
www.ssi-schaefer.com
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