Hera modernises storage and retrieval machines with w3logistics
Published on: 10 September 2024
Hera GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Enger, is a renowned manufacturer of lighting systems. The company, which was founded in 1934, specialises in the development, production and sale of LED lighting for the furniture industry as well as shop fitting and exhibition stand construction. As a third-generation family business, Hera has developed into one of the leading players in the lighting industry and operates internationally.
In cooperation with w3logistics, several successful projects have already been realised in the past. Among other things, w3logistics supported the optimisation of material flow control through the use of the logistics suite w3/max.
The current project involved the modernisation of the two Hera storage and retrieval machines from 2001, with partner companies replacing all the electrical components of the machines without making any mechanical changes. As the control system of the RGBs is equipped with new, up-to-date PLCs, these were integrated into the existing warehouse management system with a new protocol on the software side.
The preparation for the changeover days deserves special mention. Thanks to a simulation of the system prepared by w3logistics, all tests and inspections could be successfully carried out in advance in the virtual environment - the »digital twin« - which significantly simplified and shortened the commissioning of the project.
After the conversion, the goal of having an up-to-date system service and spare parts availability was achieved.
»Many thanks to w3logistics for the excellent preparation and support during commissioning. The entire project worked very well, both professionally and personally,« says Axel Pollmann, Head of Production and Logistics at Hera GmbH & Co. KG about the completed project.
