Smart warehousing is not the same as installing large and expensive automated storage and order picking systems. On the contrary, the Scala Smart Warehousing in hall 2 shows that small and simple technological solutions can already deliver attractive improvements in efficiency and quality. And sometimes a good light is enough.
Smart warehousing is the deployment of AGVs in locations where conveyors are undesirable. "To connect storage systems with order picking stations, we normally use conveyors, but sometimes we lack the space for that," explains Knapp's expert at Scala Smart Warehousing. Smart is also the navigation technology used by Knapp's Open Shuttle. Reflectors on walls or racks are not necessary. "The vehicle determines its position based on the contours of the building. The first time we have to go around the building to read the map once. After that, it finds its way by itself. Does it see an unknown obstacle? Then it makes an evasive manoeuvre."
Illuminated glass plate
Scala in Hall 2 is full of smart technologies that make warehouse work just a little bit easier. Take Knapp's Smartdesk, which consists of an illuminated glass plate with a camera above it. The camera recognises the item placed on the glass plate, after which the screen indicates whether the employee has grabbed the correct item. "We developed this workstation for a logistics provider that supplies the production line of a car manufacturer. This involved items that were very similar to each other, resulting in frequent errors. With this Smartdesk, we can prevent those mistakes."
Meanwhile, the smartdesk is also deployed by a gearbox manufacturer. It checks whether gears are assembled in the correct order. If they are, a green circle appears around the gear. If not, the circle turns red. "In that case, the system ensures that the next gear is not supplied, so the employee cannot continue. In this way, we can train employees for this kind of task in a short time," says the Knapp expert.
Twice as fast
Scala showcases more AGVs and other transport systems, including a pocket sorter. A standout among this automation violence is Crown's conventional reach truck in the middle of the demonstration plaza. Hidden under the silver-grey steel is smart technology that allows it to lift and lower loads significantly faster. A film shows that the reach truck takes only 21.8 seconds instead of 31.8 to reach a height of 13 metres. The way down is almost twice as fast thanks to the Xpress Lower system.
That is not the only thing. The reach truck's Gena control system automatically manoeuvres the load to the right working height. "One press of a button is enough to raise the forks to the first level. After another push, the forks go to the second level. These heights can be pre-programmed for each section. Drivers therefore no longer lose time positioning the forks accurately," says a Crown specialist.
Good lighting
Smart warehousing does not always have to involve sophisticated technology. Human Workspace explains how packing tables are set up. This starts with an accurate analysis of the process. Where do the goods come from? Where should they go? And what needs to be done with them? On that basis, a workplace is set up that is lean and ergonomically sound. "Don't forget the lighting in the workplace," states the Human Workspace expert. "Good lighting reduces eye fatigue and concentration loss. Good lighting can save 5 to 10 per cent in productivity."
