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Tag: warehouse automation

Crocs uses Vanderlande technology in new Netherlands DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande has signed a contract with global footwear brand Crocs to deliver FASTPICK, a state-of-the-art goods-to-person (GtP) system incorporating ADAPTO technology. It will be installed at the new home of Crocs’ European distribution centre (DC) in Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Crocs was looking for a sophisticated omni-channel solution to support its rapid growth throughout the EMEA region. In recent years, the global footwear brand, known for its iconic Classic Clog, has achieved incredible growth, including record-breaking performance in 2020. As a result, Crocs had a requirement for an automated solution that offered the highest level of flexibility to support its future plans.

Vanderlande’s ADAPTO, an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), will be central to the operation in Dordrecht and enables efficient and fast delivery to both stores (B2B) and consumers (B2C). ADAPTO offers Crocs the capacity to simultaneously store up to 16,000 SKUs across 54,000 locations. Order items will be fed to one of nine ergonomic workstations, from which they can be picked and transported to the packing and shipping area.

Vanderlande’s POSISORTER, a sliding shoe sorter, is part of the final stage of the approved design. It has a capacity of 5,000 items per hour and it sorts all orders to their correct shipping destinations. Vanderlande was selected for the project due to the flexibility of its system – which can be increased in terms of capacity and storage – as well as the availability of its local service engineers.

“Vanderlande’s FASTPICK is the ideal solution because it gives us the desired flexibility and will help us manage current and anticipated growth,” says Dennis Boor, Senior Director Distribution & Logistics EMEA, Crocs. “An example of what impressed us was the capacity to easily scale up the system to achieve a higher throughput, if required. Moving our operations required careful planning, so we are delighted that the technology within the Dordrecht DC is in such safe hands.”

Vanderlande’s Vice President Warehouse Solutions Terry Verkuijlen adds: “Partnering with such a well-known brand has given us a great deal of satisfaction. We are pleased that Crocs has not only seen the technical advantages of using ADAPTO, but also the added value. The solution was designed to support Crocs in adapting and scaling the configuration depending on their needs, and we’re confident it will match Crocs’ business objectives for many years to come.”

Cool solution for cold store facility

Posted on by David Priestman

McKeown Fine Foods needed to maximise storage density and ensure fast, reliable throughput at its new cold store facility in Northern Ireland. Toyota’s advanced Radioshuttle solution stepped up to the mark.

McKeown Fine Foods is a fast expanding family run food-processing business supplying breaded chicken and other meat products to wholesale, retail and food service organisations across the UK and Ireland.

Established on the family farm in the late 1980s, the company has grown rapidly over the years, taking on a number of cold stores on both sides of the Irish border. With the recent upgrading of its cold store facilities in Rasharkin, Ballymena in Northern Ireland, the business was faced with a decision on how best to rack-out the new building to maximise storage density and ensure smooth, reliable throughput to the production lines.

The new three-chamber cold store, with two rooms operating at temperatures of -20°C and a third at 1°C, has a capacity to hold some 4,400 pallets – quite a step up from the existing manually operated 300-pallet facility on site.

After considering conventional mobile racking, supported by reach trucks, McKeown Fine Foods took the decision to boost performance by investing in Toyota’s state-of-the-art, high-density automated storage solution, BT Radioshuttle.

The Radioshuttle system is designed to automatically store and retrieve pallet loads of product at rates of up to 60 per hour, combining fast and efficient transport of goods with space utilisation of up to 85% of available storage space. The system uses radio-controlled shuttles that are automatically guided along channels within the racking and powered by lithium ion batteries for reliable long-shift operations.

Maximising storage density using Radioshuttle offered significant advantages in cutting the cost-per-pallet stored and in reducing the potential for forklift truck collisions with racking.

Damian McKeown, Managing Director and owner of McKeown Fine Foods, explains: “Our product was stored in several cold stores across Ireland, and we had a small cold store in Rasharkin with drive-in racking which held 300 pallets. I imagined that once the three-chamber store was completed we would have to employ three or four more people, but that wasn’t the case at all. With the Radioshuttle system, one chamber can take in seven lorry loads of pallets a day, easily, with the same number of people that worked in our old cold store. The system is extremely fast and reliable.

“One shuttle can do so much work, it’s quite amazing. Within the time the forklift goes to pick up another pallet from the lorry, the shuttle is back waiting, every time. The forklift drivers just can’t keep up with the shuttle, it’s really efficient.”

McKeown Fine Foods has two shuttles at present, with a third on order, giving the business the flexibility and scalability to increase throughput in step with demand. The process of storing and retrieving pallet loads is simple. The forklift operator lifts a shuttle into the required channel, places a pallet load onto the shuttle and then presses a remote control, sending the shuttle with its load off into the racking. Retrieving a load is just as easy.

Giving an indication as to the scale of the operation at Rasharkin, Damian McKeown says: “We are taking in about nine lorry loads a day into the freezer, which is around 230 pallets per day, and over a week up on 50,000kg of chicken leaves the cold store to feed our production lines. With the Toyota Radioshuttle system it’s all extremely simple.

“The shuttles themselves are very straightforward – they do exactly what you want them to do. They give so little trouble. The lithium ion batteries on the shuttles allow for 10 hours of operation on one charge, and being lithium ion they can be topped-up whenever the opportunity arises.”

For Damian McKeown, the price was not the main issue. “The big thing for me was that it was Toyota,” he says. “My concern with other companies was with service reliability – if a shuttle breaks down Toyota has an extensive service support network. Also, Toyota is on its sixth generation of Radioshuttle, whereas others are only on their third or fourth generation. The company we almost went with, before we found Toyota, was only on their second, and that concerned me. So for me, Toyota was a very safe option… and they’re in GB, which is a very big point for me.”

The professional support from Toyota’s Chris Adamson also played an important part in securing the order. Damian McKeown says: “Chris was outstanding. He stepped in and provided a quote in record time, just a few days, and ensured that the whole process went smoothly.”

Mobile technological expo tours Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

The HAHN Group MOBILE.EXPO is picking up speed and presenting its technologies and products with its innovative exhibition and trade fair concept at 13 locations in Europe

The HAHN Group started its MOBILE.EXPO in Europe on 20th September. At 13 locations in five countries, including a stop at the FAKUMA trade fair, the new exhibition and trade fair concept brings the technologies, products and contacts of the company network to regional customers and partners.

The HAHN Group shows digital and service-oriented concepts on 60 sq m of exhibition space in the specially converted exhibition truck. With the help of a wide range of information, a place for exchange, networking and brainstorming is created. At the accompanying exhibition, the current state-of-the-art in the field of automation and robot technologies can be experienced up close on a further 80 sq m. The agenda is designed for each truck stop location-specifically and thus sets sustainable impulses for transformation and knowledge transfer within the respective region.

On 20th September, the HAHN Group MOBILE.EXPO exhibition truck made its first stop at the site of the HAHN Robotics Network in Bettlach, Switzerland.

Managing director Björn Culmone and his deputy Andrea Hert are happy about the successful start of the event series at their location. After all, it is a great opportunity to draw additional attention to their site and to invite regional customers and partners to meet again. The organisation of events of this scale is a result of the successful cooperation within the HAHN Group. This company network demonstrates its strengths particularly in projects or larger orders through the exchange of technologies and competencies as well as development, construction and service from a single source.

The highlights of the MOBILE.EXPO in Bettlach include the numerous exhibits from the various subsidiaries of the HAHN Group, which are touring as a permanent exhibition with the trade fair truck. The individual locations also exhibit their own products and technologies. In Bettlach, for example, one was able to admire a training cell from DAHL Automation and the Flexibowl, for which HAHN Robotics is the exclusive distributor in Switzerland.

A special thanks goes to the sponsors OnRobot and Kistler, who also accompanied the event in Bettlach. Overall the HAHN Group MOBILE.EXPO offered an opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary event in Switzerland with customers and partners as well as the employees’ families and friends.

Interested participants can register for MOBILE.EXPO on the HAHN Group website.

In addition to the information materials that can be experienced on site at MOBILE.EXPO, the HAHN Group offers featured content on the subject of digital advanced automation on its website. Through a video case study for the Healthcare industry, you will learn how today’s production will be further optimised through the application of intelligent and digital automation technologies. With its network, the HAHN Group is able to offer complex large-scale projects from a single source and to distribute capacities in times of high incoming orders.

CLICK HERE to watch a presentation of the digital product portfolio.

Sealed Air fills medium output void

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Sealed Air has launched a new paper void fill system to help E-commerce companies meet the challenges of quickly scaling up and satisfying fast growing demand for orders.

The new Sealed Air brand FasFil Jr has been specifically designed to combine all the key performance features that enable companies to move efficiently and effectively from low to medium volume packaging outputs.

FasFil Jr has a small footprint and has been developed as a ‘plug and play’ system for quick set up and easy operation. It features fully integrated user-friendly controls, with the ability to create custom void fill material using 100% recycled fanfold paper, which is also responsibly sourced. Toolless jam clearing and anti-jam sensors help to enhance system reliability and uptime.

Eric Van Der Kallen, EMEA Platform Manager Protective Packaging Solutions Inflatables and Paper at Sealed Air, said: “Rising E-commerce demand can quickly outpace packaging capabilities and create bottlenecks that delay the delivery of customer orders and negatively impact overall productivity. This can be particularly challenging for smaller businesses, which don’t always have the time and resource, space in their premises or capital to upgrade packaging systems.

“FasFil Jr overcomes these issues. It’s a cost-effective paper void fill system that’s small in size, but big on performance. It’s easy to position and fit in busy and tight workspaces, whilst its overall design and functionality have been engineered for ease of use and excellent uptime.”

The new system can be set up as floor standing or easily mounted on a table-top stand and is ideal for medium volume E-commerce and fulfilment businesses. FasFil Jr converts 380mm fanfold paper in 50gsm or 57gsm weights and has multiple operating modes including cut and hold, manual, and custom sized outputs.

Eric concludes: “The FasFil range of systems are well known amongst low and high-volume E-commerce businesses for their speed, reliability and ease of use. The addition of FasFil Jr means these performance benefits can now be extended to medium volume outputs as well.”

Witron UK celebrates 25th anniversary

Posted on by David Priestman

While Witron Logistik + Informatik GmbH celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, its UK subsidiary is also celebrating its 25th company anniversary. Founded in July 1996, the site in Stoke-on-Trent has developed from a one-person sales office into a strong team with now almost 70 employees who secure deals with new customers and serve existing customers in the UK. The subsidiary is continuously growing and is seeking many new specialists.

“It all started with a project for Universal Office Supplies”, says Jack Kuypers, Witron Senior Vice President North West Europe. “Additional cross-industry customers such as Pirelli Tyres, the Princes Group, Computacenter, Woolworth, Northern Foods, and Cepac followed soon.

“We also implemented several automated or manual logistics systems for customers such as food retailer Sainsbury’s, Bosch Siemens Hausgeräte, Tetrapak, and corrugated cardboard manufacturer DS Smith.”

For more than four years, Duncan Pointon has been responsible for the sale of automated logistics and picking systems as well as the customer support in the UK. “While the general contractor for logistics Witron was initially responsible for the design and implementation of the projects exclusively, the service portfolio has been successively expanded over the years.

“Thus, for customers such as the automotive parts distributor FEBI, the health and beauty retailer Boots, and the food retailer TJ Morris, in addition to the holistic material flow design, all IT and control components, as well as the conveyor system, the ramp-up, and individual remote and OnSite service models optimally tailored to the customers’ needs, were delivered by Witron”, explains the experienced engineer.

“Our cost-efficient, flexible, and ergonomic omni-channel solutions now have a unique selling point in the logistics world. Moreover, our customers – and we are particularly proud of this – rely on the values and culture that make Witron so unique: Rolling up one’s sleeves, keeping promises, being reliable and predictable, staying down to earth”, says Pointon, highlighting the strengths of the internationally operating family company.

Case and piece picking solutions

Witron considers itself as one of the pioneers in the UK, especially in food retail logistics and in the drugstore sector. For example, the two Sainsbury’s sites in Hoddesdon and Stoke-on-Trent continue to operate in a highly available, efficient, economical, and ergonomic manner even after more than 20 years of operation.

The Boots Store Service Centre (SSC) in Nottingham – in operation since 2007 – is one of the most dynamic logistics facilities in Europe and supplies more than 2,300 stores. On a peak day, almost 3 million pick units are picked there. The Covid-19 pandemic in particular demonstrated the enormous flexibility of the integrated Witron systems, which were modified from a pure store delivery process to a highly efficient omni-channel system within a very short time, and the warehouse now also supports Boots’ home shopping business.

In 2024, Witron will commission a new logistics centre for TJ Morris, the retailer headquartered in Liverpool. Its new client is one of the fastest-growing and best-rated UK retailers throughout Europe. While the family business currently operates around 550 shops under the “Home Bargains” brand, it is expected to be close to 1,000 in just a few years as a new store is added almost every week.

TJ Morris distributes a wide range of food, household goods, and general merchandise products. The mechanised system is designed for a daily picking capacity of 646,000 cases.

“Retailers in the UK are eager to learn about our intelligent omni-channel solutions such as the Order Picking Machinery (OPM) palletising robotics solution or the All-in-One Order Fulfilment System (AIO),“ Duncan Pointon announces.

“In the future, retailers in the UK will have to cope with a wide variety of challenges such as the availability of logistics staff, increasing cost pressure and higher logistics demands in a heterogeneous omni-channel environment. Witron’s solutions perfectly fulfil these tasks. They have been successfully implemented and utilized by market-leading retailers worldwide.”

Maximum delivery performance

High business demand, as well as the permanently growing service business, are reasons why the current office space in Stoke-on-Trent is no longer sufficient and requires a relocation within the city. That is why this year, the company will move into a state-of-the-art office on the premises of the renowned Keely University.

The move is being organised by Craig Goulding who has been working for Witron as a service and maintenance expert for almost 20 years. “Our customers can concentrate on their core business and we ensure continuously high availability of all software and mechanical components with our service teams based on a wide range of services. Thus, the logistics centres can supply many thousands of customers with goods via stores, repair departments, or online stores largely error-free every day.”

Colleagues wanted

Due to the high number of projects that Witron currently has in the sales pipeline in the UK, the company naturally requires a lot of new skilled workers. Well-trained craftspeople – electricians, mechatronics engineers, or metalworkers, as well as programmers and engineers from various specialised areas.

“And where is the best place to find them? – Right on the University campus”, says Craig Goulding. In addition to an interest in working with innovative technology and ongoing training, the ability to work in a team is a key factor. “We need team players, not lone wolves,” soccer fan Goulding sums up. “We are looking for colleagues who make the customers’ challenges their personal challenge – and are eager to solve it.”

In addition to a wide-ranging work environment in a crisis-proof and leading-edge industry, Witron is equally convincing with state-of-the-art workstations, an attractive salary, and a wide range of social benefits.

Looking ahead

A lot has happened at Witron in recent years – not only in the UK but worldwide. The Witron group is continuously growing. While Witron currently employs some 4,500 people and shows an annual revenue of €710m. Soon it will employ over 7,000 employees and sales will exceed the €1bn mark.

A new 120,000 sq m production facility for conveyor system components and control cabinets is currently put into operation at the company’s headquarters in Parkstein, a €200m investment which will more than double the company’s floor space.

“That’s why we are not only proud to look back,” Duncan Pointon and Craig Goulding agree, “but are also proud to look to the next 25 successful years. And as an attractive employer facing high demand for Witron solutions, we are sure that we can look forward to many future successes with numerous new customers and many new colleagues.”

Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has announced it has acquired Waypoint Robotics, an industry leader in industrial strength, autonomous, omnidirectional mobile robots.

“Locus is the proven leader in the development of highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimisation,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “As order fulfilment and labour shortages continue to grow around the world, the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics will accelerate our ability to meet these global needs in just months rather than years, helping us drive the digital transformation of the warehouse.”

The acquisition broadens the Locus product line of proven and powerful AMR solutions that address use cases from ecommerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking to scenarios requiring larger, heavier payloads and fulfilment modalities.

“Waypoint shares Locus’s commitment to technology excellence in pursuit of customer success,” said Jason Walker, CEO of Waypoint Robotics. “We’re excited to contribute to the expansion of the Locus product family in order to deliver a broader range of solutions, as well as access to new market segments.”

Waypoint’s innovative Vector and MAV3K are industrial-strength, flexible mobile robot platforms that feature omnidirectional mobility, and can be fitted with a wide variety of modules and attachments, making them versatile and scalable for a host of applications. They are interoperable with other robots and can easily communicate with machines and IoT devices throughout a facility.

DHL, the world’s largest logistics company with over 1,400 warehouses and offices in more than 55 countries and territories, had recently signed a 2,000-bot deal with Locus as part of its efforts to digitalise its supply chain processes.

“DHL Supply Chain and Locus Robotics have established a productive partnership based on a highly successful integration of the Locus autonomous mobile robot solution into our customers’ operations, and we value the emphasis they have placed on listening to our needs,” said Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain North America.

“This acquisition, which adds a larger, heavier-weight autonomous robot capability to their portfolio, is a good reflection of how they continue to address the customer requirements at the heart of their strategy. I believe it will open up promising new opportunities in our partnership, support DHL’s ongoing efforts to deploy technologies that improve our customers’ supply chains and contribute to the continued advancement of a competitive robotics market.”

“Warehouses and fulfilment centres benefit by harnessing the strengths of humans and robots working in collaboration. These cobotic environments are further optimised when a range of differently ‘skilled’ AMRs are employed. With the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics, Locus Robotics is able to bring more capability to the fulfilment floor,” said Jordan K. Speer, Research Manager, Global Supply Chains, IDC Retail Insights.

“Furthermore, introducing combinations of differently ‘skilled’ AMRs that are interoperable with each other enables new functional capabilities where robots hand off product to each other. Without intelligent automation that can handle a wide variety of tasks on the fulfilment floor — including returns, putaway, and sortation – organisations will not be able to thrive in today’s market.”

Cowen and Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Waypoint Robotics.

Stop storing and shipping fresh air

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A simple-to-use track-and-trace system that collects measurements and images of incoming stock or packaged goods and turns them into valuable Master Data is being launched in the UK by sensor manufacturer SICK with a free trial offer.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer is already deployed at hundreds of retail logistics hubs worldwide capturing 100,000s of products every hour. Now UK operators are being given their first opportunity to see for themselves how easily the system records and integrates data into warehouse management and ERP systems.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer is a Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning (DWS) system with the option of associated image capture, supplied as an all-in-one static or mobile operator station. It promises significant returns on investment through more consistent track and trace of products, reduced packaging sizes, and space-saving efficiencies both during storage, and when loading goods for onward transportation.

Threats to Cost-Efficiency

“The greatest threat to both cost-efficiency and environmental performance in logistics, comes from storing or shipping fresh air because packages are oversized, or because they are stacked in bays or packed into transport inefficiently,” says Mark Harris, SICK’s UK product manager for Systems & Auto Ident. “Equally, the danger of the wrong, or incomplete, products reaching a customer can mount up to significant cost through returns or customer penalties.

“Not only does the SICK Master Data Analyzer provide the data building blocks to eliminate these inefficiencies, it has also been shown to increase operator capacity by more than 20%. A study conducted with one major international retailer demonstrated a significantly reduced cycle time in inputting data of a wide range of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) entering the customer’s facilities.”

Unpack, set-up and connect the SICK Master Data Analyser to begin capturing the weight, length, width, height, image and the bar code of goods or packages in a single step. The trolley-mounted mobile version is powered by a rechargeable battery and transmits data via WLAN so it can be moved to the best location for efficient input of data.

Simple to Operate

Simply place the item to be measured on the toughened glass weighing plate and use the hand-held scanner to read the barcode. Slide the Measuring Light Grid (MLG) frame across the object in either direction to reliably capture the dimensions. A consistently stable measurement is produced whatever the shape of the object, and even if it has a highly reflective surface, such as a foil.

The system then merges the barcode, dimensions and weight into a single data string which is output immediately in a format that can be imported into any management software, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer can also be supplied with an IP Camera so that an image of the product can be associated directly with the object’s barcode, part number, or European Article Number. A correlating physical image of each SKU or package is saved in the system, enabling the shipper to check back to verify that the correct item was delivered, and identify any in-transit tampering or damage.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer has a volume measurement accuracy of 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5mm and weight determination with an accuracy of ±5g and can work to a maximum objects size of 800 x 600 x 600mm.

Free Trial

“Recording basic data accurately, consistently and quickly is the starting point of any efficient warehouse or logistics operation. Armed with these valuable Master Data building blocks, operators are better equipped to drive logistics processes more efficiently and save costs,” Mark Harris continues.

“That’s why we are offering a one-week trial to any operator on a first come first served basis. We want customers to see for themselves how easy it is to start collecting Master Data. Whether you use one unit, or many across a site, we are confident you will begin to make cost and storage savings immediately.”

How computer vision technology is enabling micro-fulfilment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Retailers are now adopting micro-fulfilment strategies for instant consumer gratification and improved product accessibility, as a competitive advantage.

The supply chain industry grew during COVID-19 crisis and so did the need for faster operational processes and automation of human tasks. As part of it, the logistics sector is struggling to meet the growing consumer demands, high labour costs, regulatory measures, and siloed data, whilst complying with a dynamic environment. Complexities woven in the industry are not just occasional but tend to create a ripple effect across the infrastructure. Ultimately, the warehouse workforce strives to meet customers’ requirements by managing incoming orders through multiple layers, regardless of inventory processes.

To improve the last mile of logistics operations, companies started looking into micro-fulfilment. This hybrid model brings the inventory closer to consumers, encompassing traditional technology and automation with in-store picking. Micro-fulfilment ensures quicker product delivery to the end-users, involves efficient tech-based order picking, is easier to establish, and reduces operational costs.

Micro-fulfilment infrastructure relies on automation and, although hardware capabilities are highly relevant, the software is what determines the true value added to the whole process. Such a robust vision software enables the automated picking and stacking of random objects and ensures easy segmentation, classification, and quality control, while suggesting the best way to pick any item varying in shape, size, colour, and position. This allows robots to handle closely stacked or overlapping items, as well as transparent or highly reflective objects. Just as the camera and gripper are the eyes and arms of a robot, the vision software is the brain that translates the image and directs the robot to move accordingly.

Since we are talking about complex technologies in a very dynamic industry, it is essential for system integrators to look for a transparent long-term partnership with companies that empower them to understand the technologies used, rather than a one-time solution provider. This will allow them to remain flexible in a very fast-paced market, avoiding the hardware lock-ins of black-box solutions and ensuring they can always integrate the latest technologies in their systems. The path towards success for system integrators starts with recognising their true challenges, considering alternative solutions to tackle them, and employing the right tools to do so, all while making sure they remain self-reliant.

With trust as a driving factor of long-term success, Fizyr ensures each client receives a robust solution with proven software architecture to facilitate the successful development, management, and maintenance of installations. To stimulate system integrators’ independency, they are encouraged to consider a holistic approach by reflecting on topics, such as:

  • Does the vendor provide a high-quality software that escalates their logistics performance?
  • Will they receive additional services, such as support and maintenance?
  • How experienced, stable, and specialised is the software provider in the global market?
  • How do they manage software deployment processes?

Conclusion

Despite the pandemic, the micro-fulfilment operations are maximising the efficiency of the supply chain industry. The amplified need to incorporate automation technologies is urging companies to modify their logistics strategies for better supply chain management. Warehouse automation is crucial in responding to this growing market economy and having a robust software is pivotal.

System integrators must seek sustainable solutions that best align with their interests, can integrate seamlessly and meet end-users’ expectations. Additionally, partnering up with a software provider with extensive experience in computer vision and software development can improve their overall performance. Fizyr remains dedicated to creating an authentic value for its partners, so they can create cutting-edge logistics solutions for their clients.

Find out more about Fizyr here.

Frequency inverter for high-efficiency conveyor technology applications

Posted on by Keith McKinley

NORDAC FLEX frequency inverters from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS are true allrounders: They not only offer a wide power range, but also work very economically. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E series has been specially designed for use with baggage transport systems at airports or conveyor systems in parcel distribution centres.

The large power range, up to 22kW, is characteristic for the frequency inverter. In addition, the NORDAC FLEX SK 205E is compact and enables high precision in synchronous and positioning applications via the integrated POSICON control. Another advantage is the precise and rapid current vector control: It ensures constant speeds in case of fluctuating loads. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E also offers maximum flexibility and due to its high energy efficiency enables energy savings, especially during partial load operation. This even applies to applications that technically do not require an inverter.

Users are provided with complete flexibility when it comes to installation: Inverters can be both installed close to the drive in the field and integrated into the motor. Power and data cable connections are available as plug-in versions. The decentralised system enables short motor and encoder cables as well as short supply cables to sensors. The inverters can be used to control standard asynchronous motors, high-efficiency synchronous motors and brake motors. Encoder feedback can be realised, for example position-controlled transport systems.

NORDAC FLEX SK 205E series frequency inverters feature 4 digital inputs and 1 digital output (e.g. for error messages). The inverter can be monitored via an optional Bluetooth interface using the NORDCON APP software. This way, possible errors can be quickly diagnosed and remedied. Drive parameterisation is possible as standard via the integrated diagnostic interface with the free NORDCON software tool.

The inverter features a total of six digital and two analogue interfaces, two encoder interfaces and one integrated PLC for programming of functions close to the drive. A wide range of extensions through option modules are possible as accessories, for example a communication interface that supports commercially available Ethernet dialects as well as extensions for functional safety such as PROFIsafe and STO.

PSI renews IT infrastructure at Cologne/Bonn Airport

Posted on by David Priestman

With a major contract for software and control computers as well as for the monitoring and display systems in baggage handling, the Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH has concluded a fundamental update of the primary components of its baggage handling system.

With the modernisation of the software for the baggage handling system, the airport operators are using the current airport systems of the PSI Logistics Suite. This required the replacement of the control computer with modern hardware and the migration to a new database. For the automatic control of the complete baggage handling system behind the 86 check-in counters in the two airport terminals, PSIairport/BHS, in the current release 2020, replaced the old system from 2006.

The monitoring and coordination of the processes is performed with the assistance of cameras in the baggage handling system. Here, a new CCTV system from PSI Logistics is being used. The camera system allows for continuous documentation and tracking of baggage.

For the first time the PSIairport/BRS baggage reconciliation system is being installed at the Cologne/Bonn Airport. The BRS takes over the control and documentation of process sequences for baggage handling in ground traffic between the airport building and the total of 111 aircraft positions on the nine aprons as per international security guidelines. The scope of services of the software also includes the flight information display system (FIDS) from PSI Logistics. The new display systems at the baggage carousels were connected to the new airport systems as part of the project.

The PSI Group develops its own software products for optimising the flow of energy and materials for utilities (energy grids, energy trading, public transport) and industry (metals production, automotive, mechanical engineering, logistics). PSI was founded in 1969 and employs more than 2,100 people worldwide.

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