Results of the warehouse planning tool


There are a variety of technical solutions. As an example, we compare an automated small parts warehouse with storage and retrieval machine(s) with a single-storey shelf storage system.

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Data is missing for the calculation.

The investment cost budget takes into account the costs for the racking system, the automated storage and conveyor technology (incl. control system), installation and commissioning. Not included are loading aids, warehouse management computer (with material flow control and visualization), project management expenses and building costs.

For the automated small parts warehouse, goods-to-person picking is assumed. In the case of the shelving system, picking is based on the person-to-goods principle. Picking aids are not included in the investment budget.

 

Want to know more?

This rough assessment will give you an initial indication of whether an automated solution is worthwhile for you. Would you like to know what the solution that best meets your needs looks like?

No problem, please give us some more information about your requirements. Not all fields need to be filled in. We will then get back to you with specific suggestions.

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(no. of order items / h or pallet movements / h)
Temperature range
Main function of the bearing

Your contact person

Ansprechpartner Unitechnik Wiehl Benjamin Fritsch

Benjamin Fritsch

Senior Consultant Logistics

T +49 2261 987-506
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In einem hellen, modernen Besprechungsraum spricht ein sympathisch wirkender Mann in Hemd vor einem großen Bildschirm, auf dem ein technisches 3D-Modell einer Automatisierungsanlage zu sehen ist. Vier Kolleginnen und Kollegen sitzen aufmerksam in bunten Stühlen um einen Tisch, auf dem ein Laptop, ein Tablet, eine Getränkeflasche und eine Kaffeetasse stehen. An einer Wand zeigt ein zweiter Monitor den Schriftzug „Unitechnik – Perfection Automated“.

Check-up - a first step

The check-up is a low-threshold offer from our Logistics Consulting department. It answers the key question of whether or not it would be worth investing in an automated warehouse. In addition, initial concept ideas are presented so that possible solutions are already tangible - and all for just €7,500.

Click here for the check-up

Advantages and disadvantages of automation in the warehouse

The most important advantages and disadvantages of an automated high-bay warehouse compared to manual solutions:

Advantages of automation

Automated high-bay warehouses can be up to 45 meters high. In relation to the floor space, they therefore have a very large storage capacity. With double or triple-deep storage, several load carriers are positioned one behind the other in the racking. This further increases the capacity of the high-bay warehouse.

The higher throughput rate without additional personnel leads to lower unit costs. This effect is even greater in multi-shift operation. Due to the lower space consumption, the operator saves on imputed costs.

The quality of deliveries is determined by their completeness and packaging quality and ensures customer satisfaction and a low returns rate. Picking errors are reduced to a minimum by systematically guiding the picker and checking their work as thoroughly as possible. A carton that fits as accurately as possible, protective filling material, clean gluing and labeling are evidence of professionalism.

Speed is playing an increasingly important role. In an automated environment, it only takes a few minutes for a container to be retrieved and arrive at the picking station. This means that a company with a wide range of articles can offer its customers significantly shorter response times than with a purely manual warehouse. To optimize handling times, the entire workflow from ordering to dispatch must be consistent and coordinated.

Ergonomics depends to a large extent on the design of the picking and packing stations. At workstations where the material is delivered automatically, there is the possibility of ergonomic optimization. The arrangement of article and order containers as well as the required auxiliary materials is carried out in such a way that distances, movement sequences and gripping heights place as little strain as possible on the employee.

Disadvantages of automation

An automated logistics system works with defined load carriers. Containers, trays, pallets and mesh boxes have fixed dimensions and a maximum load. This imposes certain restrictions on the range of articles. If performance requirements change significantly, the logistics system may need to be adapted. However, it is also possible to scale the performance of automated systems, e.g. in a shuttle warehouse.

Technology can fail: Trained maintenance personnel are required to minimize the impact on operations in the event of a malfunction. Very few faults are caused by errors in the system technology or software. Instead, misaligned light barriers and improperly loaded pallets are among the classic causes of malfunctions. System visualization and analysis tools in the warehouse management system help with troubleshooting.

A high-bay warehouse places higher demands on the structural properties of the floor slab. In addition, fire protection measures are usually more complex.

An automated logistics system usually consists of many individual trades that are closely interlinked. The time required for planning, implementation and commissioning should be estimated at a minimum of 12 months.

Study and white paper: Automation in intralogistics

When the question of intralogistics efficiency arises, automation is often seen as a panacea for improvement. But how many companies in Germany have automated so far? What are the reasons for or against automation? And how willing are those responsible to invest?

Unitechnik surveyed more than 100 participants from companies in various industries in February 2021. 71 participants answered the survey in full.
Download the study for free. Unitechnik has created a white paper on the same topic. This can be used as a guide to determine which level of automation is suitable for your own company.

Whitepaper - Automation in intralogistics
Whitepaper - Automation in intralogistics - guide to the individual solution
download

Practical tips from our logistics consultants

  • An automated high-bay pallet warehouse is generally only worthwhile from a height of 10 meters.
  • Automated warehouses are particularly worthwhile if more than one shift per day is operated.
  • From a height of 7.50 m (top edge of load), an automatic fire extinguishing system is mandatory. There are exceptions for small warehouses (e.g. one aisle).
  • The picking performance per picker in an automated logistics system is about twice as high as in a manual warehouse.
  • Exceptions prove the rule - we will be happy to look at your individual case.
Acht charmant gekleidete Geschäftsleute in Hemd und Sakko stehen um einen hohen Stehtisch mit der Aufschrift „Tisch 1“. Sie beugen sich über ein großes Blatt Papier, auf dem sie mit bunten Stiften Skizzen und Notizen anfertigen. Im hellen, modernen Büro sorgen hohe Fenster und grüne Zimmerpflanzen für eine freundliche Atmosphäre.