Warehousing and logistics will be among the variety of key sectors featured at the PPMA Total Show. Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC, the warehouse expo will be a vital event for personnel involved in the storage and movement of goods. It will be an ideal opportunity to learn about key developments and new approaches.

See the warehouse and logistics businesses set to exhibit at the warehouse trade show

From goods-in to goods-out and distribution to end users, warehousing and logistics systems are vital for all businesses handling materials. Modern systems enhance efficiency and reduce costs throughout national and international supply chains. The adoption of new technologies also boosts the speed and accuracy of operations, besides improving safety and energy efficiency. Businesses looking to become more competitive and profitable must keep track of the latest developments.

Warehouse operations begin with the unloading of goods. Forklifts and trucks are commonly used for the manual lifting of pallets and containers. However, control system advancements allow for the removal of operators from the loading bay environment. Semi-automated or fully automated unloading equipment, including self-guided platforms, can operate at higher speeds and without risk of injury to operators.

Checking, sorting and labelling equipment is used for the preparation of goods for onward transport to warehouse storage locations.

After unloading, the movement of warehouse goods can be managed by a WMS or an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). Goods will be moved quickly using physical means of transport such as trucks and conveyors.

Locations can be picked to optimise the use of warehouse space. The intelligent choice of locations will allow for first in, first out’ operation, ensuring the avoidance of problems associated with a ‘first in, last out’ approach.

Materials must flow efficiently to production areas in warehouses with integrated assembly lines. With the intelligent, data-driven movement of goods, assembly lines can operate at maximum efficiency.

Pick lists are a key tool in warehouse operations. Picking traditionally involved a print-off, ideally with accurate locations, assigned to a warehouse operative who would collect the goods from racks and bin locations. In automated systems, digital pick lists are sent to automated trucks which can select goods from any warehouse location, quickly and efficiently.

A WMS can also consolidate units, reducing transport and dispatch costs in the process. Dispatch accuracy is vital since errors can put complete warehouses on hold. Final quality and quantity checks at a staging area prepare goods for shipment, with individual packs combined and positioned for onward transport. 

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are designed to operate at floor levels and heights, all the way to the ceiling of a warehouse. High-rise systems with vertical storage minimise the use of space and can be controlled by touch pads or online. A single operator can control multiple lifting trucks.

Systems can also feature driverless trucks, which operate continuously, and automated pallet stackers, which operate at low and full height levels. Geo-navigation systems guide trucks and mobile equipment using laser sensors and 3D cameras. Altenatively, guidance systems may rely on below-floor cabling, guide rails and light reflectors. The movement of all trucks can be managed with optimum efficiency and minimal danger of collisions in systems where data is processed centrally.

ASRS can be designed for use with pallets, using high-speed forklifts with laser range finders and vibration control systems. Systems can also be designed for buckets, cartons and cases for small items and partly finished products.

An investment in ASRS can deliver greater efficiency, speed, safety, accuracy, durability and space optimisation.