In 2007 we saw the launch of the iPhone, heralding a new digitalera. Since then, our personal lives have undergone dramatic change.We are always connected, and able to communicate with the rest of theworld anytime and anywhere, generating huge volumes of data.
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The SAP logistics suite already goes back a long way. Logistics processes were first covered in the R/2 ERP software up to the early 1990s, before being developed in the R/3 software when Warehouse Management (WM) and Transport Management (TRM) were introduced in their own modules as part of the ERP. This marked the launch of the first-ever embedded warehouse management and control system. WM is still maintained as an embedded module in the era of S4/HANA, although SAP will stop providing official support by the end of 2027. However, there is a delimited workaround available in the meantime with “Stock Room Management” that can be used beyond 2027.
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Everything has a limited lifespan, including intralogistics systems. While steel and iron are less susceptible to the ravages of time, control and IT systems are rather more exposed to the effects of advancing years. Even processes themselves grow long in the tooth and require an overhaul to bring them back to cutting-edge relevance. We call this "retrofitting" – in other words, turning old into new.
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With conventional storage systems, only a single – albeit important – aspect of the system is shown: the purely technical situation. Traditional visualization systems are not capable of meeting the current and future requirements of an intralogistics system and are therefore no longer adequate sources of information upon which to operate an installation. Other important aspects, such as the material flow or the comparison of key performance indicators (KPIs), are not usually considered in sufficient detail.
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Computers can be used to quickly process and analyze large volumes of data in complex settings. Self-learning machines can recognize and remember patterns, and then react as we would when new situations with similar patterns arise, provided that we have defined the ideal result.
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Warehouse management systems find routes that will minimize the distance covered between storage and picking points. Parameters can be adjusted to apply various strategies that will boost efficiency levels while still ensuring that goods are handled correctly.
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The starting point: A sudden increase of orders and a broken pallet led to major delays in the warehouse. In the example of Ines and Max, there are a number of ways in which the system can take action.
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Ines and Max are sitting in the warehouse control center monitoring the operating states of the material flow systems on the screens that surround them. The visualization does not show any incidents, everything appears to be running smoothly. In fact, it looks like today is going to be a pretty boring day...
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Nowadays, timely service for customers with intralogistics solutions goes far beyond the provision of spare parts and the maintenance of systems. Every day, customers are confronted with new challenges in their business environment which need to be dealt with as quickly as possible; this is made all the more essential due to e-commerce and the rapid shortening of delivery times.
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New and increasingly demanding market requirements mean that companies are facing increasing pressure to improve their performance. This pressure also causes extra challenges for intralogistics, such as constantly growing quantities of goods that need to be handled during warehouse operations or additional tasks that need to be carried out in the warehouse, as well as short delivery times.
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An activity is carried out efficiently and effectively when it comes easy and follows clear processes. In order to meet these requirements, as part of the ergonomics@work!® program, we implement special picking stations designed to motivate employees, promote peak performance and significantly improve ergonomics at the work station. Movements such as lifting and carrying are assisted with ergonomic pulling and pushing. This means optimization of workflows and work heights. The goal is to create “feel-good work stations” that feature intuitive operator guidance using intelligent communication and display systems. The solutions are specifically tailored to the customer’s needs.
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The name "Leonardo" is most commonly associated with the multi-talented Leonardo da Vinci, who 600 years ago used his wide range of skills to develop pioneering inventions and make groundbreaking discoveries[i].
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In the following interview, Elie Zita provides an overview of how digitalization has revolutionized customer service, guaranteeing maximized system availability and sustainability as a result of customized, predictive maintenance.
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Artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, big data – just some of the buzzwords we hear every day in relation to intelligent, digitally networked systems. As well as the availability of the overall installations, the issue of security is becoming ever more prominent when it comes to the IT components. Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the data stored on the IT systems is of particular importance.
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Demand for cold storage facilities has never been higher.
In the US, the spike in online grocery is spurring growth for cold stores. Real estate services and investment firm CBRE Group Inc. expects that up to 100 million sq. ft. of cold storage warehouse space will be added in the US by 2023. Here in Asia, the rise in consumer demand for perishable food items and the need to maintain the quality and shelf life of food, cosmetics are driving industry growth.
Warehouse automation has many advantages: it increases the efficiency and speed of order processing, helps to reduce costs and reduces the number of errors caused by people. However, there are still doubtful opinions on if it necessary to automate the warehouse. SSI SCHÄFER's expert shares his opinion on some popular misconceptions about automation and explains why they don’t reflect the way things really are.
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India is the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a population of 1.35 billion, the country has demonstrated itself as one of the quickest growing IT hub in South Asia. However, India has also long branded itself with its lower wage structure and access to a vast labour market; and on the other side, it has a pool of young technology enthusiasts and innovators. According to the Global Innovation Index, India’s ranking went from 81st in 2015 to 52nd in 2019. Notably, Indian start-ups and companies are continuously making significant steps to further improve technological innovation.
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Intralogistics systems are becoming larger and larger and increasingly complex. Today’s computing power of a modern warehouse IT infrastructure is breaking new ground in terms of size and complexity, thus reaching dimensions that would have been unimaginable just a couple of years ago. In the following article Markus Klug, Team Leader Data Analysis & Simulation, explains how SSI SCHAEFER enables sustainable logistics with and through IT.
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Everybody is talking about climate protection. Discussed in-depth in society and linked to global campaigns, the topic of sustainability is also increasingly becoming a decisive criterion in logistics to ensure whether the offered solutions are viable. This is nothing new for SSI SCHAEFER as the topic corresponds to the long-term view on Green Logistics that was firmly engrained at an early stage. This is part of our Think Tomorrow. philosophy according to which we plan logistics solutions that are tailored to our customers’ needs and continually optimized with a view towards long-term criteria - this is the basis of our success.
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An activity is carried out efficiently and effectively when it comes easy and follows clear processes. In order to meet these requirements, as part of the ergonomics@work!® program, we implement special picking stations designed to motivate employees, promote peak performance and significantly improve ergonomics at the work station. Movements such as lifting and carrying are assisted with ergonomic pulling and pushing. This means optimization of workflows and work heights. The goal is to create “feel-good work stations” that feature intuitive operator guidance using intelligent communication and display systems. The solutions are specifically tailored to the customer’s needs.
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In the following interview, Elie Zita provides an overview of how digitalization has revolutionized customer service, guaranteeing maximized system availability and sustainability as a result of customized, predictive maintenance.
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How volume reduction helps to reduce CO₂ emissions and what returnable container options SSI SCHAEFER provides.
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When planning a new logistics building – and for retrofits too – green building and sustainability factors gain in importance. SSI SCHAEFER offers several green solutions. Moreover, the company offers further services from energy consulting and planning, certification and monitoring, and subsidy consulting. Johannes Zimmermann, Director Construction Management at SSI SCHAEFER, provides deeper insights in the following interview.
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Interview with Dr. Armin Vogel: how sustainable plastic containers are produced and used in logistics over the long term.
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Learn more about how SSI SCHAEFER increases efficiency in manual or semi-automated processes with our AGV portfolio.
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In the area of SSI Mechatronics, SSI SCHAEFER applies a product-based approach to supplying the market. Our day-to-day business involves delivering intralogistics components to a general contractor. How this business sector works and the role that SSI SCHAEFER plays is explained by Arnold Lanz, Vice President of Hub Development & Integrator Business.
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A new compact “C” assembly group is now available, completing the range of proven SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines from SSI SCHAEFER. SSI Exyz C automates the pallet rack processes in existing buildings in heights of up to 13.5 m. Without any need to upgrade floor slabs or perform extensive modifications - implementation during ongoing operation is also possible. Learn more about the energy-efficient solution.
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Felix Lütkebomk, Head of Product Sector Dynamic Systems at SSI Schaefer explains how existing storage solutions can be made more efficient and transparent.
Digitalization, automation, industry 4.0, and smart logistics are buzzwords that are discussed in many companies. Material handling has numerous examples of well implemented digitalization strategies. In sectors where storing and picking items is not yet part of the core business, there are still longstanding structures with manual registration tasks, little transparency, and no interconnectedness. Making a future-proof warehouse requires digitization, which is now a prerequisite in order to stay competitive. One can achieve modernization through a gradual implementation of flexible upgrades and retrofits.
Striking the right balance between Standardization and Individuality
In an age of increasing digitalization and growing e-commerce, the challenges of volatile markets and unforeseeable environmental and societal events – along with fluctuations in demand that are virtually impossible to plan for – make flexibility a vital top priority. We all aim for individuality in both our personal lives and in business. However, to gain efficiencies in material handling (with the associated software), one must look for the right balance of custom flexibility and standardization.
How we deal with lack of space, high energy costs and rising property values with an individual and adaptable rack system
Mr. Frank Matysiak, Head of System Planning at SSI Schaefer, explains how the appropriate rack solution can solve typical warehouse challenges, and how SSI Schaefer provides customers with individual and future-oriented support in finding the most suitable racking system.
The new hazardous goods container by SSI SCHAEFER meets the special safety requirements for transporting solid dangerous substances.
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Manual picking methods in material handling have always been physically demanding. In addition, the aging demographic and decreased physical ability of older employees put further strain on operations. For these reasons, ergonomics plays a central role in the development of logistics systems. Ergonomic workplace design is also critical for younger employees, in order to avoid damage to health and to minimize sick leave. This is why SSI SCHAEFER develops solutions for innovative storage systems and high-performance conveying systems with the guiding principle of healthcare.
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The everyday role of e-commerce in retail, wholesale, and fashion industries, becomes also more important for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies with the growth of online pharmacies. Increased consumer health awareness, coupled with self-medication trends, is leading to higher online demand for over-the-counter products and beauty and care orders.
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The wide range of modular, scalable automation solutions by SSI SCHAEFER covers the steadily growing requirements for goods handling in the healthcare and cosmetics industries. Modern piece
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No matter whether it is due to rapid growth, supply bottlenecks or absence of employees – the importance of flexibility in small parts storage becomes apparent in cases of unforeseen events. How do you ensure delivery capacity, even in dynamic times? If automation is the solution, what measures can be implemented in a small parts warehouse with only minor investment? How flexible and scalable are these systems?
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To stay competitive in a pandemic climate, many food and beverage businesses might have considered, researched and even strategized co-opting automation solutions to their operations. For many of them, the term automation still implies machines or robots taking over manufacturing plants. While there is a space and need for such solutions, automation can also further enhance efficiency side-by-side with human labour. Further, manufacturers could also incorporate software solutions that help ensure product quality and safety that Labour would struggle to keep up with.
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To manage such seasonal shifts in demand, combined with the expectation for e-commerce to continue growing upwards within the region and beyond, we’re looking at establishing an integrative, collaborative effort between the labour force and automation.
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Fully automatic concepts that are integrated seamlessly into intralogistics processes, provide the ideal basis for tailor-made, gentle and reliable product handling. For this purpose, SSI SCHAEFER offers tailor-made, modular solutions for robot-supported palletizing and picking as well as high-performance robotics applications for single-piece picking in the warehouse.
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Deriving Recommended Courses of Action from Valid Material Master Data
‘Data is the new oil’. This now widely used quote was coined by Meglena Kunevas back in 2009. With regard to oil, certain developments such as combustion engines or specialty chemicals were required in order to make full use of this precious resource. Similar considerations apply to the warehouse, where data runs all ongoing processes. But it takes more than just data. Only if the quote is extended with ‘...but information is the new gold’, can the circle be successfully closed. Ultimately, the goal is to derive actions from data on the basis of information.
Valid Material Master Data as a Basis for More Efficient Material Flow Processes
When it comes to innovative warehouses and logistics centers, SSI SCHAEFER is a strong partner who delivers and realizes solutions from a single source on demand. Its extensive and at the same time high-end products lay the foundations for complete customized solutions. A complete solution by SSI SCHAEFER generally also covers the migration of a considerable amount of data to the IT systems, which are installed with the new warehouse.
In times of e-commerce, digitalization and automation, continuously increasing requirements towards performance and efficiency in warehouses are on the daily agenda. In order to achieve top performance rates despite increased requirements, SSI SCHAEFER applies their in-house warehouse management system WAMAS® for the administration of automated warehouses.
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