Overview
The Dematic Automated Pallet Handling System featuring Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to transport pallets to store in conventional storage rack and to outbound docks for shipping. Dematic Warehouse Execution System (WES) software manages the system to accommodate raw materials, finished goods, and reserve storage through inbound material flow, storage, and outbound material flow.
The system is an on-demand system that can effectively handle urgent/high priority pallet movement tasks, last minute changes, and variations in daily volume. The system has the operational flexibility to respond to daily variations in pallet movement.
Benefits
- Accommodates low to mid throughput storage applications
- Compatible with existing conventional pallet rack
- Less staff required for operation, runs multiple shifts per day
- AGVs eliminate the need for manual forklift trucks
- Real-time visibility of inventory, pallet storage locations, and pallet movement
- Software optimizes workflows, accommodates peaks/valleys
- Modular design provides predictable, consistent performance
- Scalable to accommodate future changes and growth
System description
The Dematic Automated Pallet Handling System has a standard design and layout with defined capacity and throughput. It is a pre-engineered system that supports predictable, robust, and consistent performance.
System management
The Dematic Warehouse Execution System (WES) software manages a continuous flow of task commands downloaded from the Warehouse Management System (WMS). The Dematic WES software increases productivity and operational effectiveness by synchronizing workflows in real time. It operates dynamically by managing a revolving queue of pallet move tasks.
When a pallet move task completes, a new task is activated for processing. The Dematic WES software evaluates each pallet move request upon receipt and constantly recalculates urgency level for real-time prioritization, planning, and execution. It determines the next best task to execute based on priority and AGV availability.
The Dematic WES software continually adjusts to current conditions. New pallet move requests can be added at any time. The system improves productivity and supports faster fulfillment of priority task requests to provide a smooth and consistent material flow.
Warehouse Management System (Host)
- Interface to ERP
- Inventory control
- Order entry
Pallet move requests
Status and completion
Dematic Warehouse Execution System
- Pallet move attributes, priority, changes
- Pallet location management
- Pallet allocation, tracking
- Synchronize and optimize processes
- Balance workload
- Visibility and insight
AGV Traffic and Operations Management
- AGV task management and dispatching
- Traffic control and communications
- Visibility and insight
Comparison
Dematic pallet handling systems are more accurate, require less labor to operate, and use less warehouse space than manual pallet storage systems.
| Manually Operated Fork Trucks | Automated Pallet Storage |
| Manual process requires significant labor | Automated process requires minimal labor |
| Manual process prone to inefficiency | Execution software manages, directs all pallet movement efficiently |
| Open access to inventory reduces accuracy, increases shrink | Controlled access to inventory increases accuracy and control |
| Issues with load tracking, visibility & insight into operations | Real-time load tracking, excellent visibility to inventory and operations |
| Pallet location management errors | Strategic pallet location management, minimizes put-away/retrieval errors |
| Less optimized task management | Evaluates queue of tasks based on AGV location and availability |
| Response time dependent on performance of fork truck operators | Optimized response and performance of task completion |