Jungheinrich has delivered an automatic warehouse to ESM Ertl Systemlogistik, requiring no conversions through the use of an innovative transfer station.
ESM Ertl Systemlogistik's automatic warehouse is based on an 'ordinary' narrow aisle warehouse. The racking (13.5 metres high, 14 aisles) accommodates 13,000 pallets. Seven robotised narrow aisle trucks with telescopic forks handle the inbound and outbound operations. Transport from goods reception to the storage system is done with manual reach trucks.
Where previously conveyors were required for the manual transfer of pallets to an automatic system, Jungheinrich has developed transfer stations for ESM Ertl. A new contour control system is integrated on the transfer stations. The sensors on the transfer stations ensure safe handling of pallets of all sizes. It is the first time the contour control system has been used. "First of all, the fact that conveyors are no longer needed naturally results in a lower investment value. Even more interesting is the saving of space. The building can therefore be built smaller, or, on the contrary, a larger part can be used for the storage itself."
Ivo Buitelaar, director Intralogistic Solutions at Jungheinrich, explains that the new system gives several advantages: "first of all, the fact that conveyors are no longer needed naturally results in a lower investment value. Even more interesting is the saving of space. The building can therefore be built smaller, or, on the contrary, a larger part can be used for the storage itself."
Sensors prevent manual and automatic trucks from blocking each other at ESM Ertl, allowing the logistics system to continue to operate efficiently even when it is very busy. Buitelaar: "In the case of ESM Ertl, power conductors ensure that the robotic trucks can be used indefinitely, 24 hours a day. As a result, the logistics centre is now capable of handling 3,000 pallets per day with seven narrow-aisle trucks."
