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DESCRIPTION
Solutions Community members are Industry’s thought leaders on automation, software, hardware, equipment and services that support a fully integrated supply chain. This includes suppliers, integrators, consultants, media, academia and users. They collaborate on solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. The philosophy of the Solutions Community is to support MHI’s mission of providing a unique venue where suppliers of material handling equipment and technology can collaboratively work with the user community to improve the marketplace for all. All participants adhere to a safe harbor no-buy, no-sell environment to openly discuss topics of mutual interest, including best practices, lessons learned and other information. Goals of the Solutions Community include: Identifying, developing and disseminating forward-looking value propositions for Material Handling and Supply Chain practitioners; Identifying market trends and challenges in Material Handling and Supply Chain operations in order to develop timely and relevant solutions; Providing a forum for discussion of business and technology trends; and, Establishing strong connections between Members of the Group with the community of Supply Chain and Material Handling product and service providers, as well as organizations and individuals interested in Solutions Community activities; A basic tenet of the Solutions Community is to create a non-commercial environment that fosters networking, relationship building and the open exchange of information. Mission To engage and collaborate with suppliers, practitioners, and stakeholders in timely discussions towards supply chain solutions. Vision Inspiring evolutionary excellence in the supply chain through diverse stakeholder collaboration. Members meet regularly to exchange ideas and develop Information Systems solutions for Supply Chains. Solutions Community Programs include: Engagement on an ongoing basis with: The User community. Adjacent communities such as: Consultants, Market Research Firms, Vertical Market Organizations, supply chain associations, academia, and regulatory agencies. Developing educational and seminar materials for presentation to interested communities. Providing public relations outreach on behalf of MHI relative to solutions. Authoring solutions blueprints and white papers Proactively responding to media to positively share information with the marketplace and position ISSG. Establish thought leadership on how information system solutions support the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics.. Conducting surveys on technology trends and developments To enable organizations to achieve material handling and supply chain excellence by facilitating the delivery of meaningful, innovative and practical information.
The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. Traditionally, industrial robots in material handling applications have been limited to palletizing/depalletizing, conveyor picking, or other highly-repetitive tasks. Technology advancements are creating opportunities for robots and automated machinery in a wider variety of applications, including warehousing and distribution center activities. TRG conducts education and outreach with the goal of fostering technology adoption in this rapidly changing industry sector. Mission Our team of technology leaders inspires user confidence and fosters the adoption of robotic solutions to drive efficiency in supply chain applications. TRG member companies meet regularly to identify methods of promoting adoption of robotic and automated solutions in material handling applications. We identify barriers to adoption and understand the voice of the customer while creating opportunities to encourage the transition of automated technologies to promote supply chain efficiency. TRG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national and international standards; The communication of the benefits of robotic and automated solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.
Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (ASRS) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Mission: Deliver member value by collectively and collaboratively growing and supporting the Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems market. Vision: To be recognized as the independent authority on Automated Storage/Retrieval System solutions and technologies. The Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems Industry Group is a member-driven organization. Members meet regularly to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently through: Contribution to the development and promotion of standards and safety codes Delivery of market intelligence through the collection of statistics and other activities. Preparation and distribution of promotional and educational materials on key features, advantages and benefits of AS/RS for customers. Developing safe-harbor relationships through networking and collaboration. An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) is a combination of equipment and controls that handle, store and retrieve materials as needed with precision, accuracy and speed under a defined degree of automation. Systems vary from relatively simple, manually controlled order-picking machines operating in small storage structures to extremely large, computer-controlled storage/retrieval systems totally integrated into a manufacturing and distribution process. Generically speaking, AS/RS refers to a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically depositing and retrieving loads to and from defined storage locations. Within an AS/RS environment one would find one or more of the following technologies: Horizontal Carousels, Vertical Carousels, Vertical Lift Modules, and/or Robotic Storage Retrieval Systems (RSR), the latter utilizing special storage retrieval machines to do the work needed to insert, extract and deliver loads to designated input/output locations within the aisles being served. The right application of AS/RS provides a long list of user benefits! It has been demonstrated time and time again that Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are proven technologies capable of effectively and reliably handling and buffering raw materials, work-in-process inventories and finished goods of all kinds, making it possible to totally integrate material handling storage, however temporary, into the total process being served. The AS/RS Industry Group is a member-driven organization. Members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage/ Retrieval Systems, and to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently through: The development and promotion of standard nomenclature; Assisting and coordinating the efforts of related trade associations and product sections of MHI as applicable to Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems and component elements; The preparation and distribution of promotional and educational materials; The establishment of liaison and cooperation with private and governmental entities establishing standards and/or safety codes that may be pertinent to this Product Section and Working Groups The collection and dissemination of reliable industry statistics.
At Swisslog, we are delivering this future today. Our portfolio of traditional and advanced technologies, supported by our intelligent SynQ software, is designed to meet today’s requirements for faster and more efficient distribution while delivering the intelligence, flexibility and robotics that will shape the future.
CONTACT PERSON
PRODUCT CATEGORIES
BRANDS & PRODUCTS
PowerStore Pallet Shuttle
Vectura Pallet Stacker Crane
Tornado Mini-Load Crane
ItemPiQ - Robotic Piece Picking
AutoStore - Small Parts Storage and PIcking
ACPaQ - Mixed Case Palletizing
SynQ Software - Intelligent WMS Platform
ProMove Pallet Conveyor
QuickMove Case Conveyor
CarryPick Mobile AGV-based Storage and Order Picking System
CycloneCarrier - Case/Tote Shuttle
TRADE SHOWS
For more than 20 years, the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA have successfully built an e-commerce business through a network of manual fulfillment centers and brick-and-mortar stores. The GIANT Company chose Swisslog’s expertise to enable automated e-grocery fulfillment that improved productivity and helped the brand expand into a new market. The AutoStore empowered by Swisslog AS/RS system was chosen based on its ability to deliver design and operating flexibility, support small footprint MFCs, and its built-in redundancy.
Indiana University Health is the world’s largest retailer with 2,000,000 employees and over $405 billion in sales. The centerpiece of the highly automated facility is Swisslog’s AutoStore, an automated robotics goods-to-person system designed for small-order and small-case-pick SKUs. The implementation features high-density storage of 7,632 bins and four goods-to-person workstations.
Hat World, a leading US provider of sportswear operates the retail brand Lids with 1,100 stores and multiple distribution channels. To meet their customer promise of delivering merchandise of “any team, any time, any where” the company turned to the Swisslog Click & Pick solution powered by AutoStore. A goods-to-person solution, AutoStore uses autonomous robots on an aluminum grid to access products stored in plastic containers.
United States Cold Storage (USCS) founded the refrigeration and cold storage industry. Swisslog engineered and implemented an innovative, automation solution that seamlessly connects ice cream production with distribution while maximizing efficiency of operation.
Blum has consolidated its Australian distribution into one warehouse with a Swisslog automation solution designed for operational efficiency, reliability and optimum storage utilization. After identifying Blum’s need for a high-density automated warehouse that could easily be expanded in the future, an ideal solution was proposed, incorporating Swisslog’s Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) Vectura crane technology, pallet cranes, ProMove conveyors, pick stations, and intelligent SynQ Warehouse Management System (WMS) software.
The retail company Rewe Dortmund realized one of the largest projects in its company history – the construction of a new logistics center for fresh produce, such as dairy products, fruit and vegetables. Automated and semi-automated pallet technology from Swisslog works in combination with modern software to streamline material flows. The heart of the new Rewe logistics, which operates at 6°C and 12°C, is an automated, four-aisle pallet high-bay warehouse for dairy products – featuring 4,320 storage locations and four Vectura stacker cranes. Two semi- automated flow storage blocks with a total of 2,650 pallet spaces, also equipped with four Vectura stacker cranes, provide space for fruit and
Arvato Supply Chain Solutions in Heijen takes care of the logistics behind all e-commerce orders for Rituals Cosmetics. Arvato and Rituals found the ideal solution at Swisslog. As the main logistics contractor, Swisslog was responsible for the implementation and integration of an AutoStore system complete with moveable carts and controlled by SynQ software.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures in Garner, NC has installed the Swisslog PowerStore pallet shuttle warehouse automation. This technology has increased storage capacity by over 60% in the existing building of the nation‘s largest privately-held manufacturer, seller, and distributor of Pepsi-Cola beverages.
Medline Industries Inc. is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare supplies in the United States, with more than $7 billion in annual sales. It chose the Swisslog robot-based AutoStore system to automate its Libertyville, Illinois distribution center. The 600,000-square-foot distribution center in Libertyville utilizes 47 AutoStore mobile robots moving 27,570 storage totes in and out of 37,750 storage locations.
Childrensalon is one of the world’s leading online multibrand retailers of luxury designer children’s merchandise. The long-established British heritage brand has experienced continuous growth over the years, and as a result, selected Swisslog to support them with an AutoStore solution at their facility in Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK. The initial installation was designed to allow future expansion options from the outset and enabled Childrensalon to utilize virtually every square inch of available space.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Linfox, BevChain leads the industry with the installation of PowerStore in their existing 24/6 facility, that includes over 30,000 pallet locations over five levels. Swisslog’s advanced SynQ software is fully integrated with BevChain’s warehouse management system and creates a seamless operation. It ensures full traceability and trackability including batch numbers and visibility on storage and throughput, using automation for receipt dispatch.
KLINGSPOR, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality abrasive products, was quickly outgrowing its manufacturing and distribution center in North Carolina. Working with Swisslog, KLINGSPOR deployed 16 CarryPick AGVs supporting 962 storage racks, two pick stations and one replenishment station. Swisslog’s SynQ CarryPick Director was integrated with KLINGSPOR’s warehouse management system for automation control.
Radwell supports its customers with a broad range of new and used industrial products including industrial automation, MRO, pneumatic, motion, electronic, hydraulic, HVAC and electrical control equipment for plant floors and facilities. Radwell chose Swisslog’s flexible AutoStore system. AutoStore is a small parts storage system that stores bins in a stacked configuration and automatically retrieves parts based on instructions from Swisslog’s SynQ software.
Coca-Cola continues to develop its distribution center in New Zealand with Swisslog storage and order-picking systems. The high-bay pallet storage system, CycloneCarrier shuttle system, and ACPaQ palletization solution all interact seamlessly.
An international fashion retailer faced a capacity squeeze in its main store replenishment distribution center. To support the company’s throughput and storage needs, Swisslog configured a four-aisle, 16-level CycloneCarrier system with inbound and outbound elevators on each aisle. The system stores approximately 50,000 totes and is connected to the goods-to-person picking center located on the warehouse mezzanine by a 7,000-foot conveyor system. The entire system is controlled by Swisslog’s SynQ software, which is integrated with the customer’s ERP system.
Trinchero Family Estates is a worldwide leader in the wine industry. In 2013, Trinchero Family Estates made the decision to centralize its bottling and distribution with its production in a new facility that would leverage automation. The primary challenge the company faced was achieving the throughput and speed desired. The solution designed through a collaborative effort between Swisslog and Trinchero featured a four-module Swisslog PowerStore system and more than 3,500 feet of Swisslog ProMove conveyors connecting bottling and receiving with the PowerStore system.
Radwell International sells new and surplus industrial automation, MRO, pneumatic, motion, electronic, hydraulic, HVAC and electrical control equipment. The company identified the need for automation based on the continued expansion of the number of products being supported and consistent growth in the business. The company worked closely with Swisslog to deploy the technology in the new warehouse and migrate product from the existing warehouse to the AutoStore system. Radwell was able to move more than 1,000,000 ready-to-sell products into 24,000 bins of the AutoStore system within just four months of start-up.
Stemilt Growers is a family-owned and operated business that grows and distributes a variety of fresh fruits. Stemilt had rigorous requirements for an automation system. Pallets of fresh fruits can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, and not every automation system can handle that weight. In addition, different varieties of fruit needed to be stored at different temperatures to maintain freshness. The modular PowerStore system for Stemilt is sized to hold more than 13,000 pallets across five levels with 25 row carriers and 25 aisle carriers. The PowerStore Supply Carrier ensures efficient and reliable inbound and outbound pallet delivery at high speeds.
A leading internet electronics retailer’s needed to expand its order fulfillment and inventory storage capability to meet continued sales growth. Initial plans were to build a duplicate building on site to double capacity for both.
A leading clothes retailer previously managed logistics through a third party logistics provider but for strategic reasons, decided to manage the supply to their stores in-house. To simplify and improve efficiency of the flow of goods into the 360 stores the company decided to invest in their own distribution center.
A large soft drink manufacturer outgrew its on-site warehousing facilities. Stock was stored in multiple off-site locations which created numerous problems such as high levels of stock write-offs, site congestion and other health and safety risks.
A leading European paper wholesaler and logistics service provider needed to expand its capabilities to meet efficiency, cost leadership and service differentiation goals. The company’s current mini-load small parts storage system had reached its performance limits.
