iFD-WMS controls tugger trains with the SLS module – environmental protection that pays off

iFD GmbH supports you in evaluating your intralogistics processes and guides you through the transition to a sustainable, energy-efficient and resource-conserving materials supply system.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are receiving increasing attention in logistics processes. Particularly in the area of material supply, concepts that significantly reduce traffic volumes will be given even greater consideration in the future. Material supply is often carried out via a large number of individual transport journeys, which inevitably lead to a high proportion of empty runs of at least 50 per cent, and in some cases even up to 70 per cent.

One possible approach to significantly reducing transport movements is to support material supply through the use of road trains, i.e. a tractor unit and up to five trailers.

Operating on fixed routes enables simultaneous material supply and removal. The resulting, significantly lower number of transport movements not only significantly reduces energy costs but also increases efficiency and competitiveness through reduced use of forklifts and personnel. To exploit the enormous potential for savings and to organise material supply and disposal in a ‘lean’ manner, precise planning is required.

Thanks to our many years of experience, we know exactly what is important when integrating new supply concepts into existing material flow systems. In addition to clarifying the technical requirements, transport routes and schedules must be designed on the basis of the plant layout so that all points of demand are supplied on time.

However, the real expertise lies in identifying the sometimes conflicting logistical optimisation goals (e.g. maximising the utilisation of the route train versus minimising pick-up and delivery times) and correctly configuring the priority control. To this end, we conduct simulation-based experiments for our clients. By evaluating the results, we can identify the strategy mix that offers the greatest process reliability and effectiveness for your operations. Additionally, the data provided enables a forecast for a reliable ROI analysis.

Our SLS enables transport processing based on dynamic priorities, which are calculated in real time for each transport. Optimised transport control and automatic transport allocation to the nearest available industrial truck demonstrably reduces the proportion of search and empty runs by up to 70%. The tugger trains are integrated into the existing transport optimisation system, thereby ensuring a more conscious use of energy and forklifts. This way, you can rely on environmental protection that pays off.

We would be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice on the potential and applications of a tugger train and the benefits of our forklift guidance system.