Case Studies AutoStore: Smart Logistics for Small Parts

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	AutoStore: Smart Logistics for Small Parts

AutoStore: Smart Logistics for Small Parts

Technology Category	Automation & Control - Automation & Process Control Systems Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Applicable Industries	Retail
Applicable Functions	Logistics & Transportation Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases	Inventory Management Predictive Maintenance Warehouse Automation
Services	Hardware Design & Engineering Services Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	Antalis Switzerland wanted to permanently expand its logistics services in light of structural changes occurring in the paper market. The company needed a solution that could optimize existing space, be flexible, scalable, low-cost, and energy-efficient. The challenge was to integrate a new small parts storage system into their existing warehouse without disrupting ongoing operations. Additionally, the system needed to be adaptable to structural constraints and offer various expansion options to meet future needs. Read More
About Customer	Antalis is Europe’s leading distributor of modern communications media and consumables, including paper, packaging materials, office supplies, and hygiene products. The company is known for its high-quality products and comprehensive, customer-oriented services. As a member of an international distribution network, Antalis provides reliable resources and eco-friendly products, assuming social responsibility in all its endeavors. The company aims to expand its logistics services to adapt to market changes and maintain its leading position. Read More
Solution	Swisslog partnered with Antalis to implement the AutoStore small parts storage system. AutoStore's modular concept allows for the optimization of existing space by eliminating rack aisles and storing bins directly on top of one another. The system's grid layout is flexible and can adapt to structural constraints, making it easy to integrate into the existing warehouse. The number of robots traveling along the grid can be adjusted based on the required speed, and more vehicles can be added at any time. The robots communicate via a wireless LAN and offer backup capacity to maintain system performance. The system was integrated into a 40,000 m² building with space for 55,000 euro pallet locations and 20,000 shelving locations. AutoStore accommodates 18,000 plastic bins, each with a capacity of 75 liters and a maximum storage weight of 30 kg. Full SAP integration allows internal and external customers to trigger order picking, ensuring timely deliveries. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Automation & Control - Automation & Process Control Systems

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Applicable Industries

Retail

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Warehouse & Inventory Management

Use Cases

Inventory Management

Predictive Maintenance

Warehouse Automation

Services

Hardware Design & Engineering Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

Antalis Switzerland wanted to permanently expand its logistics services in light of structural changes occurring in the paper market. The company needed a solution that could optimize existing space, be flexible, scalable, low-cost, and energy-efficient. The challenge was to integrate a new small parts storage system into their existing warehouse without disrupting ongoing operations. Additionally, the system needed to be adaptable to structural constraints and offer various expansion options to meet future needs.

About Customer

Antalis is Europe’s leading distributor of modern communications media and consumables, including paper, packaging materials, office supplies, and hygiene products. The company is known for its high-quality products and comprehensive, customer-oriented services. As a member of an international distribution network, Antalis provides reliable resources and eco-friendly products, assuming social responsibility in all its endeavors. The company aims to expand its logistics services to adapt to market changes and maintain its leading position.

Solution

Swisslog partnered with Antalis to implement the AutoStore small parts storage system. AutoStore's modular concept allows for the optimization of existing space by eliminating rack aisles and storing bins directly on top of one another. The system's grid layout is flexible and can adapt to structural constraints, making it easy to integrate into the existing warehouse. The number of robots traveling along the grid can be adjusted based on the required speed, and more vehicles can be added at any time. The robots communicate via a wireless LAN and offer backup capacity to maintain system performance. The system was integrated into a 40,000 m² building with space for 55,000 euro pallet locations and 20,000 shelving locations. AutoStore accommodates 18,000 plastic bins, each with a capacity of 75 liters and a maximum storage weight of 30 kg. Full SAP integration allows internal and external customers to trigger order picking, ensuring timely deliveries.

Impact #1	Efficient, state-of-the-art technology that maximizes storage area utilization.
Impact #2	Highly flexible and modular system, easy to install in any existing or newly constructed warehouse.
Impact #3	Customizable to meet any requirement, minimizing picking errors and increasing efficiency by a factor of five.

Impact #1

Efficient, state-of-the-art technology that maximizes storage area utilization.

Impact #2

Highly flexible and modular system, easy to install in any existing or newly constructed warehouse.

Impact #3

Customizable to meet any requirement, minimizing picking errors and increasing efficiency by a factor of five.

Benefit #1	Implementation period of just eight months.
Benefit #2	AutoStore accommodates 18,000 plastic bins with a capacity of 75 liters each.
Benefit #3	Logistics infrastructure housed in a 40,000 m² building with space for 55,000 euro pallet locations and 20,000 shelving locations.

Benefit #1

Implementation period of just eight months.

Benefit #2

AutoStore accommodates 18,000 plastic bins with a capacity of 75 liters each.

Benefit #3

Logistics infrastructure housed in a 40,000 m² building with space for 55,000 euro pallet locations and 20,000 shelving locations.

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Overview

AutoStore: Smart Logistics for Small Parts

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit