SSI Schaefer automated systems…Keep on moving
October 14th 2008

SSI Schaefer is the UK and world’s leading supplier of logistics and material flow systems.

SSI Schaefer’s automation division ranks among the leading experts for the planning, design and implementation of individually tailored, sophisticated and efficient intralogistics systems allowing for optimum profitability for every customer. In addition, SSI Schaefer’s system components offer extensive flexibility allowing for future expansions using state-of-the-art technology, ranging from single systems to complete installations.

‘Automation is leading the way in distribution today’ – this is the message from SSI Schaefer but many of its customers are continually asking the same question – ‘why do we need integrated automated solutions?’ “If you want faster reaction / cycle times, ontime delivery, same-day delivery, high picking accuracy, order fulfilment, manpower savings, store friendly picking, RFID, tracking, tracing, information transparency and visibility with a significant reduction in damaged stock then automation is the only way forward,” says David Hibbett, Business Development Manager at SSI Schaefer.

Time and time again SSI Schaefer is faced with the same responses ‘it’s not economical’, ‘we’ve no resources or time’, or quite simply ‘we don’t need it’. SSI Schaefer is urging companies to think ‘outside the box’ and to look at the range of proven concepts that are available and search for opportunities to handle today’s supply chain challenges. Of course project requirements are paramount when considering switching from manual to automated with many pointers to consider, including; economic justification, reviewing overall business processes and validating cost implications, including manpower and cost per unit.

But ultimately when benchmarked, automation solutions are more cost beneficial than traditional solutions. Perhaps the most visual change to follow the implementation of an automated picking machine is the reduction in manpower. It is worth noting than an ergonomic environment can save a distributor as much as £8,000 per lost employee at the distribution centre level.

Schaefer’s ergonomic picking stations include higher picking rates per picker per hour, low error rate during picking and support to the picker by means of technological devices, such as radio frequency, hand-held scanners and light sensors just to name a few. Stations also feature short reaching times allowing optimal working height and limited reaching distance. Short distances are handled quickly thanks to goods-to-man, i.e. no distances to be covered and support for lifting heavy articles is given using mechanical lifting devices.

SSI Schaefer Automates Office Depot Manchester

SSI Schaefer completed the installation of a new distribution warehouse in Manchester for Office Depot using a sophisticated mix of automatic and semi-automatic picking, cutting edge picking strategies and warehouse systems with optimum space utilisation, the warehouse is now designed for a daily picking capacity of 35,000 cartons.

SSI Schaefer has enhanced the quality of delivery, time and cost benefits for the worldwide leading provider of office supplies and services. With over 12,000 different products, including office supplies, machinery, computer software and PCs stored in the new distribution centre, SSI Schaefer installed a system that ensured high availability and quick production. Central features of the system include a compact arrangement of picking areas, a 3.3 kilometre long state-of-the-art conveying system, an automatic picking system, a dynamic flow rack and an Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).

David Hibbett: says: “Thanks to the individual combination of customised components from SSI Schaefer, the Office Depot distribution centre is now one of the most productive warehouses in Europe. The whole design takes into account the possible need for future expansion and the system has already fulfilled the requirements and expectations regarding enhanced delivery, quality and reliability.”

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