Witron developing fresh food picking system

Witron's Martin Stich said the new system for the fruit and vegetable environment combined both the store-friendly picking of full totes / cartons as well as the piece picking from totes into cartons - all done automatically with the same technology.

“It is ergonomic, space-saving, and compact - with only a few conveyors. The processes are permanently optimised based on a continuous communication between products, machines, operators, and the system, according to the philosophy of Smart Logistics 4.0,” he explains.

The development was one of many expanded upon at Witron’s recent Logistics Day.

More than 80 guests from retail, E-Commerce, spare parts distribution, manufacturing, as well as external service providers visited Witron in Germany to take a look at the future of intralogistics. Systems, processes, maintenance, and holistic connectivity were all in focus.

eCommerce logistics

Since the online business is subject to major fluctuations and changes almost daily, it requires solutions that can quickly react to the volatility of the markets. With the “All-in-One Order Fulfillment” concept (AIO), Witron takes a decisive step: a solution that is suitable for all system sizes and industries, almost all business models, product structures and delivery channels, with short order cycle times, integrated returns handling, ergonomic, flexible, scalable, and as such highly cost-efficient. Witron uses the benefits of practically proven functionalities for all products (small-volume, large-volume, fast movers, slow movers) and distribution channels (store delivery, E-Commerce, Omni-Channel).Processes, which are handled in two separated warehouse areas with conventional logistics technology and have to be consolidated in a complex manner, can now be handled in one integrated system with “All-in-One”, according to the event’s message. Thus, AIO is the ideal solution for ambitious start-ups and established retail giants, says Witron.

Fully automated repack processes

An addition to the AIO system is the Automated Tote Repack system, which was also presented in live operation during the logistics day. ATR allows the fully automated removal of different products from a single-item receiving pallet and placing them into the storage totes in a volume-optimised manner and without the use of personnel. If required, the products are tilted, turned, and aligned in a mechanised manner. A gentle product handling prevents individual packages from falling. Moreover, the scalable solutions can be adapted to the individual product sizes giving it high flexibility.  

Swarm intelligence within order picking 

With the Efficient Mobile Picking system (EMP), Witron presented a holistic solution “consisting of intelligent logistics processes, fully integrated replenishment control, as well as “person-to-goods” order picking using WIBOTs. These autonomous picking mobiles are linked in the sense of swarm-intelligence and take over the lead in the picking process”, explained the system developer, Matthias Dunzer, in the course of a live demonstration. “The new system was developed for the logistics centres of food and online retailers, as well as parts distribution”, defined Dunzer the target group for the solution.  

Service provider

The next evolutionary step for Witron is to develop as a service provider for logistics. Witron already will design and build an automated distribution centre, as well as providing an on-site service team. 

‘Witron Warehouse Operation Service’ takes this further with Witron being responsible for the entire warehouse operation as a service provider with its own staff.

Christian Dietl, CEO Witron Service says: “This is an attractive option when customers break new ground by changing their formerly manual warehouse operations into automated logistics processes. Thanks to our many years of experience, we know what matters and are able to offer our customers security and benefits right from the start.”

Witron not only takes over the service provider responsibility in terms of staff - it also uses Smart Logistics 4.0 methods to cover issues like self-control and self-optimisation, trend analyses, predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring (remote or OnSite) and much more. 

Software

“With our digital twin called “WiTwin”, we have created a tool that offers various benefits in all project phases - beginning with the design, the realisation, through to ramp-up, and system operation”, explained Witron’s Helmut Prieschenk. “With the 4.0 Suite called “WiFlow”, Witron handles the integration of holistic processes into the distribution centre and beyond that”. From the order addressed to the suppliers, through to selling to the end consumer taking into account possible returns. From receiving, over order picking, order consolidation, dispatch, route scheduling and transportation, peak days, machine utilisation, and shift plans. Factors such as optimal system operation, service and maintenance cycles are considered, as well. “For the operator this means direct communication with the system and being able to take the best possible decisions in a pro-active manner.”