Overview
The Dematic Automated Pallet Storage System featuring automated storage and retrieval sub-system (AS/RS) and conveyor sub-systems handles the pallet flow requirements of production and distribution operations. 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.
Typical applications for this system include:
- Storage and retrieval of pallets for production and distribution in food and beverage facilities and in manufacturing facilities
- Buffer and sequencing of pallets for grocery, general merchandise, B2B distribution, and 3PL facilities.
Benefits
- Optimized workflows to accommodate peaks/valleys in demand
- Real time visibility of pallet storage locations and pallet movement
- Pre-engineered, modular design creates predictable, consistent performance
- Inventory security/accuracy, controlled access, high density storage
- Scalable for future changes and growth
System description
The Dematic Automated Pallet Storage System has a pre-engineered, standardized design configuration that ensures predictable order picking 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 storage space availability.
The Dematic WES software can track pallet ID only or track inventory and pallet ID. Pallet put away strategies consider SKU velocity, temperature zone, and load size while balancing inventory across aisles. Typical outbound strategies include first-in first-out (FIFO), last-in first-out (LIFO) and first-expired/first-out (FEFO).
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
Automation Controls (Machine Control)
- Conveyors
- Storage machines
- Mobile automation: AGVs, AMRs
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 storage availability and priority |
| Response time dependent on performance of fork truck operators | Optimized response and performance of task completion |
| Moderate throughput capacity | High throughput capacity |
| Facility/product damage potential, average worker ergonomics and safety. | Minimizes facility/product damage, minimizes ergonomic and safety issues. |