News
Dematic modernizes deep-frozen and fresh products storage facility for Bina
24.06.2009
Without any mechanical modifications, but simply by integrating new controls, an end-to-end SAP solution with direct linkage for both the controls and the pick-by-voice system, order picking at Bischofszell Food Ltd. (Bina) has been significantly improved
Dematic has completed the assignment to upgrade the deep-frozen and fresh products warehouse facility of Bischofszell Food Ltd. in Sitterdorf with considerable success. Headquartered in Switzerland’s Bischofszell, Bina is a leading food products processor belonging to the Migros Group. The central facility for deep-frozen and fresh products in Sitterdorf also serves the organization as a storage and trans-shipment depot. So far, Bina operated additional external warehouse capacity which, however, is all now concentrated at Sitterdorf. To handle the resultant increase in throughput capability without adding mechanical elements, it was necessary to accelerate all involved processes.
The challenge for Dematic was to increase productivity without modifying the mechanical components of the existing solution.
The satellite concept with 8- and 9-fold depth storage, and the conveying technology were to be retained. Scope for modernization was provided by the controls, the IT and the new voice-based order picking system from Vocollect.
The Dematic solution comprised a bundle of individual measures: replacing existing controls with S7 PLC modules, substitution of the proprietary warehouse management system with SAP LES and the introduction of a state-of-the-art pick-by-voice solution combining RFID to replace paper-based order processing. For the very first time, the new Dematic subdriver Voice is being used. It not only allows the Voice solution to be linked directly to the SAP platform, but also permits the entire business logic to be configured within SAP. This can then be modified within SAP. Moreover, the automated shuttles have been directly linked to the SAP via the Dematic subdriver, thereby eliminating the need for a separate materials flow controller together with its related costs for service and maintenance.
Modernization of the Bischofszell logistics center was achieved within a period of just 8 months. The assignment was undertaken in parallel with the ongoing operation of the 24 x 5.5 installation and without disturbing this facility. Direct linkage with the SPS platform and the Dematic subdriver Voice has proved highly reliable. The installation rapidly ramped up to its specified performance and was easily able to cater for the additional volumes from the external warehouses which have since been shut down. Following a running-in phase of barely 14 days, the originally planned increase in performance was already being significantly exceeded.