The changing demands on logistics and the associated transport chains are forcing a rethink among warehouse operators. Extendable storage capacity and scalable throughput are no longer just “nice to have”, instead are crucial for competitiveness. Whether due to greater transport volumes resulting from the growth in e-commerce, safety stocks during pandemics or supply of metropolitan areas, efficient warehouses are becoming increasingly important. The ensuing high demand for new logistics sites and the fact that logistics properties are becoming more interesting for investors are making brownfield approaches ever more appealing. Upgrading an existing instead of building a new warehouse is not only the faster, but also the more economic alternative.
Existing warehouses often have unimagined potential in terms of capacity and throughput. Compared with manually operated warehouses, modern automation concepts can increase capacity and throughput many times over. Up until now, such innovative approaches have been confined to small-parts storage, e.g. automated small-parts warehouses operated by picking-robots. LOGI-KIT now allows pallet warehouses to benefit from these advantages too: maximum storage density, high operational reliability, and scalable storage and retrieval operations with flexible warehouse design. Thanks to LOGI-KIT, investing in new warehouse capacity is no longer an expensive, prolonged undertaking.
LOGI-KIT is simple! The system can be easily adapted to any building geometry and generally implemented in just approx. six months while operations continue. Internet of Things (IoT) compatibility for the warehouse is guaranteed by the integral control system. Various storage strategies become possible, with variable fast-mover pallet zones and sorting logics. The software interface is compatible with all common warehouse management and ERP systems. Both manual and fully automated order-picking solutions can be implemented through the goods-to-person approach. Optimum use of the space available is also possible where there are space constraints.
Sustainability is equally important for customers and suppliers, and LOGI-KIT is helpful here as it can reduce energy consumption considerably. Decoupled pallet movements in warehousing systems, heating and lighting eliminated, making automation extremely energy-efficient. The other benefits of automated systems, e.g. restricted access (preventing soiling and theft), eliminating the reliance on personnel (in times of skilled labor shortages), and fewer defects (due to transport damage), also apply to LOGI-KIT.
Various operating models can be proposed depending on requirements. The LOGI-KIT team also works with a network of financing and leasing partners to provide investment options that are easy on cash flows.
Summing up, thanks to automation, it is possible to boost the capacity of an existing warehouse without the need for a new building. Furthermore, once such a system is in place, it can be adapted to suit new requirements, making it futureproof and flexible. LOGI-KIT helps warehouse operators in the digital transformation to logistics 4.0 and cuts running costs.
Author: Dr.-Ing. Benjamin Thumm
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