More speed for logistics
Storck is one of the ten largest confectionery manufacturers in the world and sells products in more than one hundred countries.
Storck optimizes distribution with labelling technology from REA LABE
Storck is one of the ten largest confectionery manufacturers in the world and sells products in more than one hundred countries. Thanks to modern logistics centers at the production sites in Halle, Westphalia, and Ohrdruf, Thuringia, Storck can offer a 24-hour delivery service in Europe. In order to be able to react fast and flexibly to market requirements, all processes are subject to continuous optimization. In addition to the reorganization of the supply chain, updating the labelling technology was also recently on the agenda.
Challenging implementation
In order to automate the transport and marking of pallets and reduce manual intervention, new pallet labelers were to be integrated at the transition to the loading hall in the high-bay warehouses in Halle and Ohrdruf. The installation had to take place during ongoing operations. The overall project across all locations had to be completed before the peak phase for the Christmas business. There was a tight time frame for the successful implementation of the project, which demanded precise planning and reliable implementation from the experts at REA.
Meticulous planning
In view of this challenge, Storck left nothing to chance: the company commissioned a comprehensive market review, including a comparison of suppliers, and brought a project team from Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences on board to comprehensively verify various solutions. The decision was ultimately made in favor of high-quality pallet labelers from REA LABEL, which impressed with their sturdy housing, sturdy mechanics, user-friendly software, state-of-the-art interfaces and future-proof technology. In addition, REA's service was able to guarantee comprehensive flexibility and availability.
Standard-compliant marking
Despite the tight deadline, eight pallet labelers were implemented on time at the transition from the high-bay warehouse to the loading hall at both locations. At this point, pallets are distributed via four elevator shafts to a transport system with eight webs. They are then marked on three sides on the long, short and backside using the pallet labelers from REA LABEL ES. In this application, the marking is carried out while the pallets are stationary. A servomotor-driven height adjustment is not required. The data for each pallet is transmitted from the conveyor system to the respective labeling unit via a Profibus interface. The pallet labeler automatically detects dimensions and edges. This ensures that the positions for labels specified in the GS1 standards are precisely adhered to. With three-sided labeling, up to 80 pallets can be handled per hour. The GS1-compliant labels contain product and order-specific data for freight forwarders and customers, such as route information, weight, best before dates and article numbers.
Simple handling
The pallet labelers have been smoothly integrated into the logistics process, and REA LABEL also scores points for ease of handling in daily operation: The systems work fully automatically and are monitored decentrally; all messages are visualized. Alternatively, they can also be operated at the line via an integrated terminal with an illuminated LCD plain text display and user-friendly touch panel. In addition, each system has a three-color bar light that indicates the respective operating status.
Everything digital
Industry 4.0 is standard at REA LABEL: the interface programming for data communication enables the pallet labelers to be conveniently integrated into the existing infrastructure and connected to Storck's warehouse management system (LMS). The print data required just in time is transferred directly from the higher-level LMS system to the pallet labelers. The labels are printed inline and then applied in accordance with standards. The conveyor technology/labeler interface was implemented via a DP/DP coupling, and the safety-relevant signals are processed digitally.
Flexible system
Automatic data exchange is just as much a matter of course at REA LABEL as a large selection of thermal transfer print modules. Therefore, especially customer requirements can be implemented. By using high-quality components and the integrated, freely programmable PLC control, the systems can be configured variably. The system housing protects against dust and, if necessary, a heating or air conditioning system ensures the optimum operating temperature. REA LABEL pallet labelers are available in stainless steel on request and can be used in the cooling range down to minus 24°C.
Future-proof solution
Storck is very satisfied with the pallet labelers from REA LABEL: "We have found a powerful, future-proof solution that we can adapt to current and future requirements as needed. This allows us to react faster and more flexibly to the market than before," reports Frank Müller, head of the logistics center in Halle.
