In a world of technology, innovation is key. Our customers are challenged by changing market demands. Increasing labour costs, little available space and many small orders with short delivery times; these are only a few of the challenges today's warehouses and distribution centres have to face. It's a constant search for solutions that reduce operational costs, generate higher productivity, optimise space utilisation and enable high service levels. Vanderlande Industries provides these solutions. At LogiMAT 2014 we will present the next step in flexible warehouse automation; a revolution in shuttle technology.
We have been known for our Microshuttle since LogiMAT 2012. Then we introduced the QUICKSTORE Microshuttle to the market, together with Beewen, a Vanderlande Industries company. This was an extension to our range of shuttles, miniloads and load handling devices. The Microshuttle is a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for low- to medium-throughput applications in a broad range of industries. An important advantage of the Microshuttle is scalability: as throughput requirements increase, the system can be expanded with additional shuttles. Since the introduction different Microshuttle projects were installed.
Developing company
But technology is developing and so is Vanderlande Industries. Herman Vincent, Senior Program Manager Warehousing R&D at Vanderlande: "Because of the rapid technological improvements in recent years, more ideas become reality. Electronic devices are smaller, controls are able to act via wireless communication, batteries last longer and longer and are rechargeable faster. With this in mind we developed something new, which we will introduce at LogiMAT 2014."
From fiction to reality in a decade
Warehouse Management Systems and high level controls now make the impossible possible. Things that seemed like science fiction only about a decade ago are now reality. "Like our Load Forming Logic", Vincent explains. "LFL is in house developed software that combines stacking software solutions and robot gripper technology from several partners. This leads to high throughput palletizing, high stacking density and family grouping. That means the pallet is built up according to the store planogram, while taking into account the different shapes and sizes of the various food retail cases. This minimises the transport costs and improve the in store efficiency, as the pallet or roll cage stays in a store aisle and the number of family groups per pallet are reduced." In the past solutions like this were impossible. But nowadays a high end computer can make the right calculations real quick. So the software has improved, as well as the computers. These are the enablers for our innovations."
Through the eyes of the customer
As a perfect example to underline this statement, Vincent mentions 'EYE4U'; a Vanderlande innovation in Service. EYE4YOU will also be shown at LogiMAT. "If customers choose for hotline and helpdesk support with EYE4U, they can directly show our support engineers what is happening using real-time video images! That's a big help in situations that can be difficult to explain." EYE4U is a compact, easy-to-use video camera that is convenient to wear, leaving the hands free to locate and point out details. It also provides two-way voice communication, replacing the telephone as the means of contact. Live images save time in diagnosing and correcting situations, thereby improving uptime and increasing your system availability. These images help to overcome possible language problems and communication misunderstandings, contributing to the most effective possible service response. EYE4U shortens response time.
Sustainability as part of innovation
The Program Manager also mentions Automated Case Picking (ACP) as an example. "ACP is a complete solution from depalletizing via case picking to the order assembly line and finally after palletising again to consolidation and shipping." Also shuttle technology is still considered to be innovative. Furthermore, developments in shuttle technology and concepts are still in progress. "And Vanderlande Industries is also pretty far in developing sustainable solutions", adds Vincent finally. "Such as our crossorters, which as far as possible are recyclable. Or our Microshuttle, that is not only scalable and flexible, but also very energy efficient."
Visit Vanderlande at LogiMAT 2014, Hall 1, Stand 731, from February 25-27 in Stuttgart Germany and take a look at www.vanderlande.com.
Profile Vanderlande Industries
Vanderlande Industries provides automated material handling systems and services. The company is world leader in the market for Baggage Handling at airports, and has a leading position in sorting solutions for Parcel & Postal facilities. Furthermore, the company has a strong position in the automation of warehouses for food retail, fashion, parts & components and tyres.
The company implements material handling systems of all sizes, ranging from local sorting depots, airports and distribution centres to the world's largest facilities. Vanderlande has sales exceeding EUR 700 million and employs 2700 people of whom more than 50% have a college or university degree.
Its systems and services focus on improving customers' logistics processes and increasing their logistics performance today, tomorrow and throughout the entire life cycle. The company strives for close cooperation with the customer, extending from initial analysis of the underlying business processes through to total life-cycle support.
To achieve this, the company has a wide product range and industry knowledge, and possesses capabilities in the relevant disciplines. These range from system design and engineering, through supply chain management and manufacturing, to information and communication technology, system integration, project management and customer services.
Vanderlande Industries is a global player with extensive experience in many industries and references in all major regions of the world. It operates locally through Customer Centres that handle all key business functions and maintain direct contacts with customers.
Add a Comment
No messages on this article yet