Customer Description

As part of the expansion of the logistics center in Blaichach, the planning firm Creaplan Metzler implemented an innovative storage system to optimize the internal flow of materials. The goal was to automate the labor-intensive handling of the delivered grocery roll containers and to decouple the process of preparing goods for order picking.

The result is an automatically ventilated storage system located above the temperature-controlled truck loading dock area, which transforms the sporadic deliveries by truck drivers into a continuous flow of goods for the order pickers. This conserves valuable warehouse resources, streamlines work processes, and reduces wait times.

Technical Implementation & Highlights

Storage Systems & Conveyor Technology

• Feed/Discharge Conveyor: Flush with the floor, manually loaded
• Vertical Conveyor: Freestanding design, for 4 roll containers per lift
• Cross-distribution cart: 5 storage bays, accommodates 4 roll containers per bay
• Storage capacity: For approximately 650 nested LEH roll containers
• Throughput: Up to 120 roll containers per hour in full-duplex operation
• Load capacity: Up to 75 kg per rolling container

Flexibility & Function

• Alternative Use: Storing E2 crates in roll-out bins with direct access
• Compact design: Installation without a pit, low overall height
• Decoupling: Simultaneous loading and unloading on separate sides

Control & Visualization

• Safety Controller: Siemens SIMATIC S7-1512F with remote maintenance access
• Visualization: Operation via touch panel with a clear graphical user interface
• Access Control: Protection provided by a machine guardrail with a monitoring system

Safety & Efficiency

The system enables safe and ergonomic handling of the roll containers—with a clear separation between the delivery and retrieval sides. At the same time, the intelligent control system ensures on-demand availability in the picking area. Automatic intermediate buffering creates a dynamic material flow with high system availability.

Conclusion

With SCHÖNAU’s automatically ventilated storage system, C+C Oberallgäu has implemented a future-proof solution for the flexible handling of roll containers in the food retail sector—one that conserves resources, is efficient, and is optimally tailored to operational requirements.