Scalable Storage Solutions for the Defense Industry

Automating the warehouse

The customer of SSI SCHAEFER develops and produces complex defense systems in various divisions at several European locations and involves various suppliers: This is the challenge a defense technology provider must face. This provider has been on a stable growth trajectory for years, with demands on warehouse logistics also increasing with the sharp rise in production volumes. The focus here is on supplying production in particular, as item master data in the five- to six-digit range has to be managed.

In 2023, the customer decided to replace the manual solutions and gradually replace them with automated logistics. SSI SCHAEFER, as a general contractor, created the overall solution, supplied all required partial systems and implemented them in just 10 months.

The customer set the following goals:

• Scalable solution to be able to respond to rising demand

• Guaranteed availability for time-critical deliveries 

• Provision of high-performance and quick-to-implement intralogistics

• Gradual automation of production supply

• Availability is a key target

RackBot System Eco for small parts storage

Thus, the use of the RackBot System Eco with six RackBots was deemed to be the most economically viable option. These take over all storage and retrieval processes in the small parts warehouse completely autonomously. In addition to the mobile robots, the required rack system and conveying system as well as the bins are also part of the fully integratedRackBot solution.

Every RackBot has access to every bin; the RackBots work as an intelligent swarm. If, for example, one RackBot breaks down, the others can take over its tasks at any time. Full roaming maximizes the availability of the entire system. In addition, capacities can be expanded at any time – by adding further RackBots or additional rack lines. 

Currently, the small parts warehouse has around 45,000 ESD-compatible Euro containers, which can be subdivided up to eight times. This gives the customer enough flexibility to store a total of 130,000 items with a precise fit. 

The switch to the layout developed by SSI SCHAEFER led to considerable rationalization efforts, as previously almost all items were stored in specific bins with different dimensions.

Flexible IT integration

Even in terms of IT, one of the customer’s key objectives was to keep the number of systems to a minimum. “With that in mind, we focused on integrating the controls of the entire RackBot solution and the conveying system directly into the customer’s ERP system,” Florian Höller, Project Sales at SSI SCHAEFER, explains. “Order management and stock management are now controlled directly from the SAP S/4HANA business software, which the defense technology provider uses company-wide.”

SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift modules as a further step towards automation

The SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift modules are also directly connected to SAP. Here, the corresponding vertical lift module receives its transport orders directly from the SAP system via an interface. Currently, the customer has 12 SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift modules in use or in the process of being realized.

The customer uses these vertical lift modules wherever small and very small parts are to be stored and picked in a space-saving manner. In doing so, they achieve a high level of storage consolidation, picking accuracy and work efficiency. They also benefit from short delivery and commissioning times – between order placement and go-live, an average of 10 to 15 weeks elapses.

But it also works without an ERP connection: Wherever no material postings are required in the SAP system, the free LOGIONE warehouse management system was used, enabling stand-alone operation of the respective vertical lift module. 

Solution related products

Long-term collaboration planned

The customer sees gradual automation as an ongoing process and was therefore looking for an established and reliable partner. SSI SCHAEFER was able to win them over – on the one hand with their broad product portfolio, and on the other with the necessary knowledge and many years of experience. The defense technology provider was particularly impressed by the fact that SSI SCHAEFER manages all sub-systems from a single source – from layout to implementation and IT integration to service management.

With this in mind, the customer examined very carefully whether it could enter into a sustainable, long-term business relationship with SSI SCHAEFER. “The importance of this can be seen not least in the IT sector– a particularly sensitive topic in the defense sphere. Here, we were able to successfully prove that we meet the high industry requirements for cyber security and data protection.”

Efficient systems for sustainable growth and future viability

“As different as our projects are in individual cases, they have one thing in common: The customer wants storage and intralogistics solutions that are quickly ready for use and can be flexibly adapted to future requirements,” Florian Höller summarizes the experience of the defense technology provider to date. “Users in the various business units benefit from high throughput rates, consistent processes and the high availability of their systems. In addition, management keeps an eye on investment security and future viability. In all these areas, SSI Schaefer is the partner to support the company’s further growth and meet the customer’s needs with tailor-made solutions in line with market requirements.”