Eliminating guesswork
January 1st 2012 Having the right equipment working to maximum effect in a given storage and
distribution system provides efficient, cost-effective load handling and helps
companies increase productivity and cope with growth
The ever increasing demands of modern warehouses
means more than ever that we need to remain close to
our customers to understand their needs, as their
requirements for a material handling supplier extend beyond
just the hardware.
Linde Material Handling has a revolutionary warehouse
planning and simulation tool to help its clients achieve
maximum return on their investment by allowing warehouse
projects to be accurately costed in the early planning stages.
Senior systems support analyst, Steve Porter, explains: "At
Linde, we have developed a unique range of consultancy services
and systems to meet each customer's specific needs and deliver
added value to the customers' supply chain process. Our Stratos
3D warehouse planning and simulation tool is a perfect example
of our expertise in action.
"Whether a customer is planning a new greenfield site or
extending and modernising an existing facility, Stratos eliminates
the guesswork and the risk.Working alongside the customer, our
expert consultants use the tool to evaluate the customer's
application data, including all projected storage and material flow
demands for the facility. They will then use Stratos to identify the
optimal storage system and configuration needed using modelling."
Stratos is able to analyse all levels of a warehousing project and
provide optimum storage layouts as well as a detailed view of the
warehouse operation using dynamic simulations of pallet
throughputs, order picking rates, truck movements and their
consequent energy consumption. It can even be used to review
marshalling areas and dock utilisation to control potential bottle
necks.
The system will calculate the amount of racking needed to suit
a specified layout, as well as both the number and type of truck
required for each function. The findings are then rigorously
tested and verified against real-time, on-screen simulation
sequences of the optimum materials handling solution.
With the details of the loads to be stored, alternative racking
layouts can be generated automatically, displayed on the screen
and easily adjusted for best fit.
The system then provides 3D visuals of the warehouse to
provide the client with a clear schematic overview of the project.
Important dimensional views such as beam heights, overall
height of loads, aisle widths and operating clearances are all
automatically generated, giving both client and designer an
instant, detailed view to work with.
In major projects, after the design concept has been
established, Stratos simulation techniques can then be applied to
analyse and validate the potential throughput and material flow.
By programming the proposed delivery and despatch schedules
and volumes, together with the activity levels of the material
handling equipment, a dynamic on-screen simulation of the
operation can be viewed verifying storage area and equipment
utilisation, energy usage forecasts and delivery-on-time
performance against targets.
Porter continues: "Stratos provides a complete overview so
that modifications, adjustments and alternatives can be easily
assessed to produce the best possible solution for the client's
needs. The great benefit of using the system is that it allows our
customers to confirm project viability at the planning stage
before any commitment to major
investment is made."
Stratos in action
Linde Creighton first started working with Toolstation in 2008 to explore the material handling
needs at its new NDC (National Distribution Centre) site in Redditch. The combination of the
right product and business solution was a key factor for this customer. Using dynamic warehouse
simulation programme, Stratos, Linde was able to help the customer design and deliver the most
effective warehouse layout and right mix of trucks to maximise its productivity, performance
and operating cost savings.
Linde currently supplies Toolstation with a mixed fleet of over 20 trucks comprising the
NDC's workhorse – the low and medium level order picker – as well as high level reach trucks,
electric counterbalance, pedestrian powered pallet trucks and specialist very narrow aisle trucks
to maximise additional warehouse storage capability in areas of the NDC site.
With a product portfolio of over 10,000 catalogue items and a next day delivery customer
commitment, product performance, reliability and service support are critical to the operation.
Linde Material Handling provides a dedicated team of highly trained engineers to service and
maintain the Toolstation fleet to ensure efficient day to day management of the NDC.
Adam Keates, operations director, Toolstation says: "When Toolstation designed this
warehouse from scratch, the Linde team was involved from the outset with the planning and
organisation of our materials handling. One year on, the mix of trucks works perfectly,
managing the extensive throughput and the fleet is performing to a very high standard." More articles from Linde Material Handling (UK) Ltd: | 
