Open sesame: The storage lift opens with the right item at the push of a button.

As a rule, modern logistics is particularly efficient if it is easy to handle, executed with a high degree of quality and the intralogistics operations follow a clearly defined process. To meet these requirements, a structured warehouse organization, smooth provision of goods and often also automated workstations for fast order processing play an essential role.

At this point, you are asking yourself: Sounds good in theory, but which storage solution is best suited to make optimum use of the storage space and meet the aforementioned challenges in the best possible way? We have an answer.

For many years, we have been working with warehouse technology partners to implement a wide variety of automation systems. From classic shelf systems to storage and retrieval systems to shuttle systems for small parts. The different automated warehouse concepts on the market have their advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered in detail when selecting a system. Today we turn our attention to warehouse lifts. These are designed, sold, installed and maintained by system integrators. Example companies are: Hänel Office and Storage Systems, SSI Schäfer, and Modula GmbH. All of them have already been integrated into our warehouse management software SuPCIS-L8.

The special feature of a warehouse lift: Compared to a traditional warehouse, it builds up in height on a comparably small area and thus makes very good use of the space for storing goods. The size of the system and the trays is adapted and expanded individually to the conditions and requirements of each customer. The storage units are grouped on trays of the same size, which are stored both in front of and behind the elevator. The articles are stored on the trays on only one level. Each tray has its own identification number in the system.

So far so good - but who takes care of the management and control of the orders and the items to be picked? Our Warehouse Management System manages and controls the warehouse lifts and the entire handling process of the individual orders. Both space and inventory management.

Once an order has been entered, the ERP system transmits it to the warehouse management system. The order now becomes a picking order. Warehouse Management transmits the request to the control system and specifies which tray is needed next at the pick point. This tray is then moved to the pick point so that the employee can then pick the item to be picked. The information on the individual picking orders, such as order number, article and quantity, is displayed to the employees on the screen of the warehouse management software or on a mobile data entry device (MDE device). So that the employees at this point know at once from which place on the tray goods are to be taken or stored, the place on the tray is visualized graphically. In addition, the location can be illuminated by a light display shining from above or by a laser pointer on the location. Once a picking order has been completed, the employee confirms the removal and the tray is returned to its storage location.

Thanks to the "goods to person" principle, items are quickly available, picking times and routes are significantly minimized, and even the annoying search for goods in the warehouse is a thing of the past. Integrated into the multi-order picking aisle, warehouse lifts with their specific design can be easily incorporated into picking runs in manual warehouses.

The interaction between our warehouse management system and the warehouse lift enables the user to work ergonomically and improve inventory security through theft protection. Efficient picking and faster goods delivery with a low error rate ensures shortened throughput times. The flexibility of powerful software such as SuPCIS-L8, combined with the scalability of the tray systems, forms an essential basis for future-proof logistics. Ideally, this means you will never again have to say, "I don't know where this item is."

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You want to restructure your warehouse organization and purchase a warehouse lift? Please feel free to contact us.