SSI SCHAEFER is known across the globe for its large-scale intralogistics solutions, but its expertise ranges far beyond projects of this size. As the inventor of the semi-open fronted picking container, SSI SCHAEFER is well-versed in small-scale challenges, and can help guide companies from this level through to the medium and even large-scale logistics world.
Crucially, this transition can be achieved entirely with SSI SCHAEFER’s own manufactured products, making it one of the only companies in the world that can offer this kind of consistency and integration throughout a client’s intralogistics journey.
Indeed, thanks to this extensive range of products, SSI SCHAEFER never approaches a job with limited products or ideas no matter what the size of the project. Whether it is a company wanting to improve its manual warehouse operations, one which is looking to begin their journey to automation, or one which is considering expanding its existing automated logistics systems, SSI SCHAEFER is open to all types of solutions to make sure the client receives a system which is specific to their situation.
One company, Toolstream, required help with its transition to mid-tier logistics operations, with a need to move from manual shelving and racking systems to semi-automated solutions. Toolstream distributes over 6,000 branded tools, and its success and competitive edge relies on making all of these available for immediate despatch.
Thanks to year on year growth, storage space was at a premium and increased customer demand led to a need to rethink its intralogistics strategy. SSI SCHAEFER analysed Toolstream’s operations, creating a bespoke solution to satisfy the company’s increasing demand for storage space and faster order processing. To enable more efficient space usage, SSI SCHAEFER installed a series of 14 LOGIMAT® machines along with a conveyor system to further enhance picking rate.
Thanks to SSI SCHAEFER, Toolstream managed to reduce over 30 pack benches down to just 2, as well as removing the backlog of picked orders awaiting packing. This system has also helped with small orders as well as dealing with an order rush every Friday, ultimately relieving pressure on and improving Toolstream’s distribution processes.
SSI SCHAEFER also helped C+C Krug GmbH on its journey to automation, whose existing warehouse could no longer accommodate the necessary stock. C+C Krug also wanted to adapt its operations to minimise searching and picking times, as the existing system caused long searching times which had an adverse effect on production times.
The goal was to gain more space for raw materials, and find suitable and modern warehouse equipment for a large number of items, resulting in increased efficiency of warehouse processes ideally using semi-automation.
From the initial enquiry, SSI SCHAEFER was fast, efficient and flexible in its response. “Only one or two days after my inquiry, I got a call from the responsible sales representative and a week later we scheduled an on-site visit.” (Christian Krause, Head of Logistics at C+C Krug GmbH).
SCHAEFER presented the customer with three different logistics concepts, based on a manual, a semi-automated, or an automated solution. In the end, C+C Krug chose a solution comprised of three LOGIMAT storage lifts, a bin and carton conveying system, two WEASEL AGVs, and two transfer locations. This concept was also designed for future expansion in a number of stages, allowing the company to learn how to handle the systems and plan for further steps according to its requirements. Thanks to this semi-automated solution, C+C Krug has achieved significant time savings, increasing the availability speed of components by 90%, and reducing picking times by 50%.
In addition to the LOGIMAT®, WEASEL®, and conveyor systems used in these instances, SSI SCHAEFER also offers Pick by Light which can be retrofitted to existing systems and mobile pallet racking to aid with these kinds of transitions. As a semi-automated, paperless picking system, the Pick by Light can help to optimise processes and reduce logistics costs, especially when used with SSI SCHAEFER’s conveyors and WAMAS® software, allowing almost the complete elimination of picking errors.
For the storage of large or heavy goods, SSI SCHAEFER’s mobile pallet racking is a compact solution equipped with a modern control system. The racking is also modular, meaning customers can easily create a system to fit their needs.
This is, of course, only a brief look at the expanse of SSI SCHAEFER’s capabilities. With its comprehensive range of products particularly for this kind of transition, SSI SCHAEFER has the expertise, portfolio and creativity needed to find an appropriate solution, no matter whether you are journeying from manual processes to semi-automated, or from here to complete automation.
