Material flow and automation technology completely integrated into your warehousing processes
In the course of automating production, the introduction of warehouse automation technologies and the optimization of warehouse technology is becoming more important.
Reasons for the automation of a warehouse can be, for example, the need for compact storage, high throughput, long internal transport paths, great consolidation effort, and the need for ergonomic and safe working conditions.
With SAP MFS (Material Flow System), warehouse and conveyor technology can be integrated directly into SAP and controlled in real time. SAP MFS as a completely integrated material flow system is a component of SAP EWM. Thus, the use of additional material flow control systems and other communication middleware is no longer required since SAP MFS communicates directly with subordinate programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
The advantages of warehouse automation with SAP MFS are the high degree of standardization, the low number of interfaces, and cost advantages with respect to maintenance, operation, and support. In addition, you need just one system for warehouse management, warehouse control, and material flow control.
Example of automatic high-bay storage and conveyor technology for pallets
Items on pallets are stored in and retrieved from a three-aisle high-bay pallet storage system using a crosswise transfer car. The system handles the storage of goods from production, which is connected directly to two conveyor lines. The conveyor system uses rectification lines (contour and weight check) on the input and output sides. Two conveyor lines and several rotary tables can supply three shipping areas on the output side. There is a separate handover point for manual storage.
Example of case conveyor system
An automatic small-parts warehouse supplies two packing areas with containers. The individual packing stations are supplied ready for distribution with containers. Deliveries with more than five containers will be routed by SAP EWM to the left packing area, which has a conveyor loop. Smaller orders, by contrast, will be routed to the right packing operation. On the PLC side, a sorter functionality with single bin management was implemented in the conveyor system. Thus, the system works with just three identification points. The conveyor segments for the return of empty containers is not depicted.
Reduction of procurement and maintenance costs for hardware
Reduction of procurement, licensing, and maintenance costs for software
High availability with use of existing productive SAP systems
No additional training effort required for system support
No dependence on material flow control system manufacturers for adjustments to or expansion of the system
Integrated, hardware-independent solution based on SAP standard software
As an implementation partner, we assist our customers with all project phases, from planning to visualization and emulation on through to start-up.
In cooperation with our technology partner for intralogistics, we also provide turnkey comprehensive solutions (steel constructions, mechanics, control technology, software) from a single source. We’ll be happy to talk to you.
Would you like to experience your future warehouse interactively during the planning phase? No problem, with our MAGELLAN 3D planning software, we’ll create your warehouse virtually. With VR goggles and gamepad, you can access your visualizations on our web portal easily at any time from your browser and explore your future warehouse even before implementation.
Markus Schneider
Vice President Advanced Logistics
valantic Supply Chain Excellence