Dematic has completed the installation and commissioning of AutoStore systems at two Weiss Technik sites. The system at the German headquarters of the market leader for climate simulation systems in Lindenstruth, Hesse, was commissioned in the first quarter of this year. The energy-efficient systems are controlled and operated with SAP WM Go warehouse management software, which Dematic has integrated with existing ERP systems.
Weiss Technik is part of the Schunk Group. That is a supplier of products made of high-tech materials, such as carbon, technical ceramics and sintered metal. But also machines and systems for climate simulation and air conditioning, to ultrasonic welding and optical applications.
At the Lindenstruth site, nine robots handle the transport, storage and retrieval of some 13,400 totes. These totes can be split into a number of compartments to store additional items. The robots drive over the surface of the AutoStore solution and access all totes with requested goods when needed. They then transport those totes to the order picking stations. The compact AutoStore systems for picking goods have a high storage density and automate both production supply and spare parts dispatch at Weiss Techniek.
Project engineer Niko Hoffmann says the solution's scalability and ability to expand without major limitations, even during operation, was a crucial factor for Weiss Technik in deciding to work with Dematic. They can also easily add additional baking locations and quickly integrate more robots.
"Our choice of Dematic was based on a long-term perspective. With its global network of technical professionals and years of experience in warehouse solutions, it was important to choose a reliable partner with the highest quality standards and expertise," explains Hoffmann.
At another site in Balingen in Baden-Württemberg, Dematic has also installed an AutoStore system with around 6,300 totes and nine robots. A roller conveyor connects the order picking stations to various production areas to avoid unnecessary walking and side activities of employees. Also, there is no need to replenish goods, which saves additional time. "As a result, the systems should lead to significantly higher order picking performance with a lower error rate," says Hoffman. Multiple stabilisation towers ensure smooth operation in one of Germany's highest seismic zones. Those towers are attached to the grid of the AutoStore system. Dematic assumed the role of main contractor for this project.
Energy efficiency also played a role, according to Winnie Ahrens, sales director DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) at Dematic. "Due to its extremely compact storage and low energy consumption, an AutoStore is environmentally friendly and thus fits perfectly with Weiss Technik's sustainability approach."
When the robots brake and bins are put down, the new system automatically recovers energy. As an AutoStore requires no lighting and little space, so also less building space to maintain, Weiss Technik benefits from additional energy savings.
"Despite the hard-hit global supply chains on which every company depends, we managed to complete both deliveries for Weiss Technik on time and on budget, which is exceptional given the current challenges," says Ahrens.
Cooperation with Dematic is likely to be strengthened, according to Hoffman. A framework agreement has already been signed with the Schunk Group, the holding company of Weiss Technik, for additional solutions with AutoStore systems. "We look forward to future cooperation with the Schunk Group and Weiss Technik," says Ahrens.
