Successful Logistics 4.0 Through Flexibility

Away from the supply chain; on to the value chain: the goal of logistics 4.0 is the flexible, error-free and intelligent warehouse. At CeMAT, from May 31st to June 3rd in Hannover, KNAPP is demonstrating which innovations can boost flexibility and quality in logistics and how this can benefit customers in providing them with the greatest possible investment security.

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The unstoppable advance of online sales channels as well as omni-channel concepts in all sectors is bringing with it new challenges: constantly changing order structures, small batch quantities, time and cost restraints due to just-in-time or next-day delivery, high levels of sequencing and shop-friendly delivery. With this in mind, KNAPP has based its Pick-it-Easy work stations and shuttle systems on the goods-to-person principle for years. Efficiency is increased, errors reduced and employees are freed from less than ergonomic activities.

High performance with fashion and lifestyle

In the fashion and lifestyle sectors in particular, KNAPP focuses on the cooperation with its subsidiary in Germany Dürkopp Fördertechnik. “Many well-known brands such as Hugo Boss, Olymp, Marks & Spencer and Clarks are perfecting their shop-friendly delivery together with KNAPP,” reports Heimo Robosch, Executive Vice President KNAPP AG. “Here, bringing tremendous throughput and strict sequences together is what counts. In addition, we've tailored our shuttle solutions especially to suit cartons. Combined with the Pocket Sorter Solution developed by Dürkopp, throughputs of up to7,500 components per hour are possible for each sorter module.

Making complexity simple

Under the motto of making complexity simple, all of these innovations ensure that our lasting, pioneering solutions and high level of investment security can answer the increasing complexity and ever-rising demands. There will be huge range of new and further developments that will satisfy the highest demands in terms of speed, flexibility and quality, not only in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, but also in e-commerce, food and pharma.

Flexibility with Open Shuttles

The free-moving Open Shuttles cover the complex transport networks within the warehouse and can be combined with new picking procedures, intelligent image recognition technology, fast sorters and the latest robot technology. Under the motto, “the swarm is where the work is”, the Open Shuttles communicate with each other and autonomously distribute orders among themselves. The flexible track-free construction saves space, simplifying integration into existing systems. In combination with the Streamline conveyor system, the Open Shuttle offers the ideal balance between flexibility and performance.

The Würth Group already relies on the flexible KNAPP Open Shuttles at two locations. At Würth Industry Service in Bad Mergentheim, the Open Shuttles transport goods from the goods-in area to an infeed point at the conveyor system, providing relief to personnel. At Adolf Würth in Künzelsau, the Open Shuttles supply the special check stations. At the Austrian food retailer SPAR, Open Shuttles serve a high-bay racking system for pallets by replacing conventional palette conveyors and supply goods-to-person work stations for pallets.

Quality in the Zero Defect Warehouse

With regards to process and service quality, KNAPP relies on the image recognition technology KiSoft Vision to achieve 100 % accuracy. With the complete monitoring of the central belt autopickers using image recognition, orders are picked without errors, seamlessly documented without omissions and all quality features subject to legal requirements are automatically detected. A further step is the implementation of service assistance systems through which production and service employees will be able to communicate with machines and IT systems in the future as naturally as in a social network. Tablets, smart phones or smart glasses are adapted to the human situation, providing support through relevant visualized data.

Innovation is a tradition at KNAPP

Each year, KNAPP AG invests around 30 million euros in research and development and in its long-term success in the process. With its feel for trends and new market requirements combined with its innovative solutions, KNAPP has already put its stamp on the intralogistics sector. An important step towards becoming a complete supplier was the investment in the German KHT Apostore Group. “With autopickers for pharmacies and pharmaceutical wholesalers, KNAPP also offers a completely new solution for the whole healthcare industry, for pharmacies through to hospitals,” stresses KNAPP CEO Gerald Hofer.