‘Automating pallet handling makes processes more efficient’

Pallets play a key role in the logistics chain. These load carriers are definitely subject to logistics trends, such as smaller order sizes and faster processing. KNAPP sees great opportunities for automation in making pallet handling more efficient while improving the ergonomics of logistics work.

Pallets are indispensable in logistics processes, but at the same time they involve a lot of handling. According to Florian Nickmann, Director of Product Management, and Silvia Christensen-Vreuls, Service Account Manager – Business Development at KNAPP, there are opportunities for companies to carry out this handling more effectively. “Not only more efficiently, but also with greater attention to ergonomics. It is currently very difficult for logistics operations to find enough people. In addition, non-automated palletizing and depalletizing is physically very demanding work.” 

Automating pallet handling

Pallets are usually used to transport goods, but their use is changing. Nickmann: “Order sizes are decreasing, and at the same time, companies are increasingly opting for item picking from a pallet. It's a form of flexibility, and the same applies to the growing demand for mixed case palletizing. In addition, companies with logistics operations are looking for scalability, the smartest possible use of available space, and improved performance. Automating pallet handling plays an important role in all of these areas.”

Robotic Universal Picker, also known as Runpick

The increased importance of automated pallet handling has prompted KNAPP to invest heavily in this area. The result is a range of solutions that offers companies more options for smarter pallet processing. Christensen-Vreuls: “One example of such a solution is the Robotic Universal Picker, or Runpick. The fully automatic Runpick can pick multiple items at the same time and then stacks the items in such a way that the end result is always a stable pallet.”

‘Stacking is like playing Tetris’

According to the two, data management plays a key role in achieving efficient pallet handling. “You may want to automate something, but to get good results, you need the right data. Stacking goods is like playing Tetris. It's all about thinking carefully and then letting the software calculate the best solution. The Runpick system is then capable of mixed palletizing and stacking a large number of SKUs. The software determines the correct order.”

Migros

The current KNAPP solutions integrate seamlessly into existing processes, even when manual work or the use of AGVs and AMRs is involved. Nickmann: “KNAPP has truly developed into a one-stop-shop partner with experience in various sectors.” Most customers who work with Runpick are in the food retail sector. In addition, the supplier offers the Fully Automated Standard Tray Picking system (FAST). The Swiss supermarket organization Migros uses this system. “Migros uses FAST for the fully automated processing of fresh products. These arrive in standard trays. The system ensures that the correct quantities are converted for each order,” says the director of product management.

Responding to market developments

Christensen-Vreuls expects KNAPP's pallet solutions, such as Runpick, to fit perfectly with Dutch logistics operations. “Labor availability is really an issue here, and our systems give companies the opportunity to deploy their employees more intelligently. Of course, we are happy to assist and advise on how to make the systems work in such a way that customers can use them for years to come.”