Krombacher orients itslogistical operations towards the future

Aided by the MPW System B (Manual Pallet Warehousing System Bulk) from Krones, Krombacher has converted its warehouse (previously paper-managed) into a scanner-based paperless operation with a pallet labelling feature that can be used throughout all processes.
At the order processing stage, the returned empties and the new order from the customer are recorded. After entry into the ERP system, a link to the Krones LVS warehouse management system allows for order creation in a Windows user interface with convenient masks. The assignment of the loading berth is visualised by colour code. After calculation of the shortest distance, this visualisation system assigns the lanes to the lorries. Display panels inform the lorry drivers about the assignment. The forklift operators use the touch-screens on the forklifts, thus enabling the forklift truck control system to monitor the loading/unloading operations.
For each type of forklift, the order items involved are organised by the forklift truck control system so as to ensure optimum transport routing.
 Information is transmitted via the truck's own terminal and a WLAN radio network. Once the forklift operator reaches the proposed block, scanners mounted on the forks identify the pallets, whereupon the system checks the articles on the pallets against the order data and approves the pick-up. Once the transport operations have been completed, the forklift transfers the order data to the ERP system, and the consignment papers are printed out at the terminal stations in the hall.
The Krones logistical systems are designed specifically for each customers' individual logistical concept. Depending on the requirements, the following systems are used:

• MPW systems – manual systems
• APW systems – fully automatic storage systems   
• EOP systems – picking concepts, and    
• DSR systems – the matching conveyor technology.

These systems are completed with control system concepts and software integration with a warehouse management system and a material flow computer, if required. For order processing and determination of logistics codes, these software solutions are connected to the existing ERP system.