LIDL Case Study
How warehouse automation from Europa Systems supports growth strategy of Lidl
Distribution centres of discount chains and supermarket chains have to cope with problems resulting from diversity of goods, shapes and sizes of packaging, and seasonal nature of their activities The only constants here are volatility and growing competition. To face it, the chains have to carry out integrated marketing and sales activities and continuously win clients with attractive prices and high quality of products, including fresh and frozen ones. The supply chain plays an important role in the implementation of the strategy and has to comply with the basis parameters, just-in-time, a 100% reliable product in the right place, as well as proper quality of the product delivered to the shelf – especially when it is a fresh or frozen product.
Automated pallet transport by means of pallet systems is intended for technological processes, storage and distribution, where pallets are used to transport a specific load.
Automatic storage and release of empty pallets, pallet transport and integration into industrial automation and end-of-line-equipment production processes.
Advantages of the system:
ATLS (Automated Truck Loading Systems) are a solution for automatic loading of trailers and trucks.
It is a fixed pallet loading and unloading system for the truck, installed at one point on the loading and unloading platform or on the traverse, which can serve several docks. Transport platforms, mounted on a steel frame, lift and move the load. The main function of the system is to automatically load and unload goods in a single process.
Advantages of the system:
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) stacker cranes are automated high-bay warehouses that make full use of the available storage space, optimising the cost of storing goods on pallets. Pallet stacker cranes speed up access to products while making it fully automated and safe.
Our ASRS helps manufacturing and trading companies increase their competitiveness through automated warehousing, optimisation of operating costs and monitoring of material and product flows.
Advantages of the system:
aPCS is a smart and complementary modular transport system for pallets weighing up to 1,500 kg; it operates at a speed of 24 metres per minute. It integrates a wide range of mechanical components into a single system, including advanced automation systems and IT solutions based on AI methodologies.
The modular design of the system components makes it possible to combine them into a complete pallet transport system. In order to reduce the number of parts, a uniform range of equipment has been designed, using a standardised, limited component base. An array of applied solutions and algorithms in the system allows to reduce energy consumption.
Advantages of the system:
A storage unit that makes maximum use of factory space.
The pallet warehouse is a stable, trouble-free and proven unit that provides fully automated palletisation, pallet dispensing and pallet storage. This automated warehouse is mainly designed for warehouses and production facilities with a high number of rotating pallets in process and storage.
Advantages of the system:
Tailored solutions for the flow of fresh and frozen products. Automated transport systems affect the speed at which containers are transported and make it possible to increase warehouse productivity without increasing staffing levels.
The system ensures that space utilisation is maximised, energy consumption is reduced in the cold or refrigerated area, staffing is reduced, and container cleanliness is controlled.
Advantages of the system:
An automated and robotic system designed to wash and dry heat-insulated containers used in distribution centres.
Automation and robotisation of the washing process for heat-insulated containers at low temperatures of 2-5° Celsius, with high humidity, provided with a contamination detection system.
Advantages of the system:
The robotised system offers the possibility to transport – within one coherent system – different formats and grades of cargo and to monitor warehouse management (FIFO principle).
The system guarantees the highest accuracy in picking products, so that prepared packages do not need further repacking and can go directly to downstream units. Automatic picking consists of gantry portals, conveyors and a suitably programmed system that automatically processes the order received and picks the packages.
Advantages of the system:
Automated light goods transport lines allow the free and safe movement of goods on horizontal, vertical and inclined sections.
Multi-level designs allow for optimum use of space while ensuring continuity of individual processes. The light load transport systems manufactured by Europa Systems provide a high degree of functionality achieved by adapting to specific conditions and needs and by integrating with other systems used in production or logistics processes.
Advantages of the system:
Easy palletisation based on the ES Cobot application is characterised by safety and ease of use. The cobot is the answer to the problems and challenges of automating the palletisation of low-volume products.
This industrial robot needs no enclosure or cage. The use of cobots – robots that work together with humans to palletise different types of packaging – means that it is completely safe to work alongside a robot. The operator can easily move a complete pallet out without having to stop the system.
Advantages of the system:
Fully autonomous, intelligent mobile robot that provides high flexibility and efficiency in automation processes
It does not require the upgrading of the plant work area space or the programming of an exact path of travel. It can plan alternative routes, works in highly dynamic environments, works safely among people.
Advantages of the system:
Europa Systems is a manufacturer of rollers for conveying equipment and systems such as:
Europa Systems offers additional services, which include integrated and proprietary IT software for Industry 5.0 in IT and automation.
The platform is equipped with Visual Mobile Management, an intuitive, user-informed system for reporting data and providing management information. With a web application adapted to mobile devices, it is possible to manage your business from anywhere in the world. ES QVIEW provides real-time data collection and monitoring, supporting process optimisation of all intralogistics systems in production plants and warehouses across different geographical locations. Available platform features also include: analysis and statistics – automatic calculations, hierarchical visualisation, access to online data and alerts via SMS or e-mail notifications.
WCS is a software with which it is possible to manage an automated warehouse and the equipment that goes into it. MFC integrates the transport systems with the WMS software, ensuring that logistics processes are carried out in the warehouse.
WCS is used in organisations that require advanced management of the flow of load units within a conveyor system and other conveying equipment. In complex transport systems, the MFC is responsible for determining and efficiently executing the route of the load unit, taking into account, in real time, the condition of the equipment as well as the occupancy of the conveyors and the planned load.
Advantages of the system:
ES AUTOMATION is a comprehensive service for the design, implementation, modernisation and servicing of automation systems used in production processes and internal logistics systems. We implement complex control systems for, among other things, the transport of: pallets, tyres, containers and heavy loads. Our systems incorporate solutions from established industrial automation manufacturers, as well as designing our own innovative hardware solutions for dedicated applications.
Advantages:
Concept
Design
Production
Implementation
Training and service