Creative conveyor solutions

Materials handling challenges can be solved in a number of different and cost effective ways by creatively combining a number of products to streamline your operation.

SSI Schaefer provides in-house expertise in the design and installation of major and often bespoke materials handling and storage projects, as well as the maintenance of operations across the commercial and industrial sectors. It can supply all that is needed for the smooth running of the entire system.

If required we can ensure that your conveyor systems are integrated to order picking and fully automatic warehouse systems. Anywhere people are working directly with our conveyor systems, we place the focus on important ergonomic factors to increase productivity levels and reduce noise in the workplace.

Case study 

A recent example is the bespoke system we designed for a hobby and educational product manufacturer in Denmark. Creativ Company wanted to expand but knew it had to become more automated to free up resources, maximise storage capacity, increase efficiency at order picking and reduce labour by minimising unnecessary handling. Using one supplier was also an important consideration.

SSI Schaefer examined and researched Creativ's operation and recommended the installation of the SSI Autocruiser combined with our multiple LogiMat vertical storage lifts. The Autocruiser bridges the gap between forklift truck transport and conventional conveyor technology.  The system is very versatile as it allows connection to different production lines, to the warehouse, supply tools to staff and machinery, connect buildings and handle special items and returns. It is designed for low to medium throughput, reaching a maximum efficiency of 600 units per hour to make handling and picking storage tasks highly efficient. 

The Autocruiser is suitable for industrial manufacturing and assembly operations, is designed to carry loads of between 1kg and 30kg and has what is best described as ‘intelligent power supply’. The entire system is connected to the standard power network and each carrier or ‘wagon’ on the Autocruiser uses batteries, which can be recharged at several stations along the tracks. The batteries will also be recharged during any loading or unloading stop, making unscheduled charging cycles an absolute exception. 

At Creativ Company we installed a 300m long track along which 27 Autocruiser ‘waggons’ transport 300-450 units per hour. The idea was to create a semi-automated solution whereby the waggons, controlled by the warehouse management system, transport the SKUs to the different picking zones.

This system was complemented with eight LogiMat storage lifts. These are a goods-to-man picking and space-saving alternative for storing and order picking small parts in a compact and ergonomic way. 

Each LogiMat has a small footprint saving up to 90% in storage space compared to many conventional static solutions. Their size is similar to an oversized drawer cabinet with two stacks of trays (one in the front and one in the rear) and between those stacks a lift operates which extracts individual trays as required. The eight LogiMats installed for Creativ were 6m in height and in total provided a storage area equivalent to 1000m2.

Creativ Company now has a cost effective combination of lightweight tracks and storage lifts to provide a sound basis for its future expansion. Jacob Andersen, supply chain manager, commented: "We chose SSI Schaefer as our supplier to ensure future growth. The solution was an excellent combination of lightweight tracks and storage lifts. The company has brought a high degree of accuracy and a professional approach to the table during the very short project phase.”