The iFD AutoStore add-on proves its worth in practice

Since 2011, iFD has been successfully integrating AutoStore systems into its warehouse management system (iFD-LVSS). As a logical next step, following a large number of successfully completed integrations, the developed functionalities and the interface to AutoStore technology have now been packaged into a dedicated add-on, which can also be implemented independently – that is, without iFD-LVS – as a standalone picking system. As AutoStore systems are exceptionally flexible and can be adapted to any spatial conditions at the customer’s site, this very flexibility is also expected from the controlling system, be it the warehouse management system or the picking system. The iFD AutoStore add-on meets this requirement, as it is compatible with virtually any ERP and warehouse system.

In addition to high resource and volume utilisation, the advantage of the fully automated container system is the particularly efficient storage of small parts. At less than 100 W per robot, energy consumption is significantly lower than in a comparable system controlled by stacker cranes.

Features and highlights of the add-on:

By continuously monitoring the call-off quantities per item, the bin location is constantly optimised. Consequently, the AutoStore solution creates optimal conditions for medium and slow-moving items, but particularly for fast-moving items.
Communication between the iFD system and AutoStore technology takes place via a task interface, a tried-and-tested, stable, fast and uninterrupted communication method. An integrated online interface to scales integrated into AutoStore enables weight recording and quantity control during the picking process. This exchange is particularly suitable for picking small parts such as screws, as it streamlines the counting process. Using Pick-by-Light elements, which are installed at the ports and controlled via an iFD add-on, high-runner items can be picked or a multi-order picking process can be integrated. This eliminates waiting times resulting from the BIN provisioning process.

With the help of item graphics stored in the iFD system, the picking process becomes faster and more efficient. The item graphic is captured during initial storage using a camera integrated into the port, which is controlled by the add-on.
The standard add-on also includes the printing of picking labels. Labels are printed using a label printer integrated into the port. The interfaces for all standard label printers are already built into the core of the add-on.

Among a range of other features, the shelf lighting at the port is particularly noteworthy. The use of pick-by-light elements speeds up and monitors the picking process. Incorrect picking can be ruled out without exception by means of intervention monitoring.
As already described, the AutoStore WMS add-on allows almost all downstream peripheral devices to be connected. The most common connected components are as follows:

• Printers and terminals
• Pick-by-light and pick-by-scan technology
• Camera technology for support and monitoring

The AutoStore add-on dashboard is responsible for calculating and visually displaying forecasts, system utilisation and availability, as well as key performance indicators. Information such as port throughput (containers per port per hour), system efficiency (average waiting time at the ports) and the average order fulfilment time (when the order starts at the picking port following order allocation) is displayed visually on the dashboard and via the app on mobile devices. The current status for each robot can also be accessed by staff at the port or in the control room.

Using the information provided by the higher-level system, the AutoStore add-on also carries out work planning. This ensures that picking and putaway processes are completed on time. iFD’s experience shows that, with the AutoStore add-on and AutoStore technology, high-performance systems capable of several thousand putaways and retrievals per hour can also be implemented.

Our team will be on hand to provide information and advice on the use cases and integration options for the AutoStore add-on at LogiMAT in Stuttgart from 13 to 15 March 2018. Visit us at Stand 10A01 in Hall 10.