Inquiry Center

1 – Conventional or Automated Storage?

Let’s start with conventional warehouses. They are usually large sheds that may or may not have metal shelves inside. It depends on the stocked product. The daily operations carried out do not depend on robots, but on human beings duly trained for the different functions present in Intralogistics. Of course, machines will be needed to move products, such as forklifts, for example. It is also possible to install conveyor belts here, which in Logistics we just call Conveyors. But in everything manual work prevails. If you have access to cheap land and don’t have a large flow of products, this may be the best solution. It is usually cheaper and presents numerous alternatives to speed up the work. It all depends on which merchandise we are talking about (weight; dimensions; shelf life of the products; possible packaging restrictions, such as refrigeration and fragility; inventory turnover; input and output flows of the inventory).

In an automated warehouse, you absolutely need robust control and management software, such as a WMS . Also interesting is the acquisition of an AS/RS (Automated Storage/Retrieval System), which consists of automating the loading, classification, storage and shipping processes through the use of robotic equipment and management software. With this automated collection and storage system, the need for labor is reduced and productivity and efficiency are increased, as it can operate constantly to ensure that the work is done on time and well done. See more!

 

2 – Why invest in automation?

Technological advances have the power to change humanity’s entire way of acting. With new technologies and greater efficiency in tasks, an even greater tendency to reduce human interference in various processes becomes increasingly evident , and this is where innovations arise, which seek greater productivity, simplicity and automation of activities.

Currently, automation appears to be an increasingly common activity, being used in the most diverse processes. These changes are possible thanks to advances in technology, thus, from simple to more complex processes, can be automated. The main objective of this process is to generate greater business efficiency and capture and share information in real time with your team. See more!

 

3 – What are the basic concepts and principles that need to be considered in storage?

For a long time the concept of Warehousing was confused with Storage. Similar confusion occurred between the expressions Logistics and Cargo Transport. Thanks to the academic works in Administration, as well as the dissemination of services and products made on business websites, the technical language of the area has been better understood by the lay public. However, to avoid misinterpretations, let us quickly return to this polemic. Logistics is a vast area that, according to the Council of Logistics Management , can be defined as the “supply chain management that plans, implements and controls the flow and storage of products, services and related information, from the point of origin to the point of consumption, in order to meet the needs of consumers efficiently and effectively” . Note that in this context, cargo handling and all the infrastructure necessary for it to occur is just a part of the process.

The same occurs with Warehousing (one of the components of Logistics) in relation to Storage. According to Reinaldo Moura, Warehousing is the generic and broad term that includes all activities carried out at a point (warehouses, warehouses or distribution centers) intended for temporary storage, internal movement and distribution of materials of the most different types. Storage, on the other hand, is just one of the steps in the Warehousing flow. To be more specific, the one where the products are temporarily stored statically. See more!

 

4 – How to manage Picking and Packing?

There is some confusion when we use the expressions picking (escolhendo, in Portuguese) and packing (embalando). It is important to make it clear that we are talking about different but interconnected subjects. Picking is one of the operations in the Logistics sector where goods are separated to be sent to customers. But before shipping these products need to go through the packing sector, where the package of what was ordered is done. In short, picking = sorting, packing = packing. It was clear? Excellent! So let’s get to work.

The analysis of your company’s concrete case will define the most suitable picking model and the suggestions above can improve the management of this operational process. It is essential that the defined strategy seeks a balance between efficiency and agility. But before leaving the warehouse, the product needs to go through the packing sector, which is also very important. In fact, ideally, two areas (picking and packing) should be close to each other. No customer wants to receive a broken product due to flaws in the packaging. See more!

 

5 – What is the best conveyor system for separating items?

The Sorter is an automated order picking system that takes care of distributing each box, package or package to different stations, ports or docks for the transport of orders.

This technology uses sensors that identify characteristics of the moved items, which, through parameters defined in the system, activate the deviators, transferring the products between the conveyor belts at the programmed points, using for this optical reading machinery, photoelectric cells, scales or even a flow meter. volumes.

Sounds like big companies like Amazon? Yes. Can the deployment cost be high? Again, yes, but not always. This does not mean that such technology cannot also be applied to smaller companies. It all depends on the project that will be developed. One thing is certain: the operational benefits pay for the investment without any difficulty. See more!

6 – What is the WMS (Warehouse Management System)?

The WMS ( Warehouse Management System ) is a management software used in Logistics, particularly in storage units. In practice, it performs the daily control of processes and operations that involve the stock and logistics of a business, from the manufacture or receipt of products to delivery to the consumer. In Portuguese, we are talking about an EMS, Warehouse Management System. It is a robust software, which normally works integrated with another powerful software, the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), used for the control and planning of enterprise resources, controlling the flow of information in a corporation between different departments.

The Warehouse Management System starts its operations by connecting to a database. From then on, all movements that take place in a warehouse are recorded. This control can be carried out in several ways, from the use of bar codes to tags with RFID( Radio Frequency Identification ) technology. To ensure traceability, the WMS assigns a unique code to each item in the warehouse, the SKUs ( Stock Keeping Unit ). See more!

 

7 – How can Drive-in/Drive Through help in the use of spaces and storage area?

It is important to understand that both Drive-in and Drive Through are compact deep storage systems ideal for palletized products. In this way, they can ensure that items are kept on top of each other in a coordinated manner, protecting products and maintaining organization.

Companies that work with large volumes of the same item, input and output of a high number of products and a small variety of SKUs can benefit directly, especially in Warehousing and Dispatch operations in batches. This happens because both have a specific way of operating that avoids the disorderly removal of products, always prioritizing an organized operation. See more!

 

8 – What are the main advantages of Dynamic Storage?

This movement, made only with the action of gravity, demonstrates the efficiency and sustainability of the system, which, in addition to not using any type of external energy to move the pallets in the structure (thus representing great energy and fuel savings in the forklifts), demands little or no maintenance throughout its useful life, thus representing the lowest operating cost among storage and cargo handling systems.

Dynamic technology is considered, finally, the “state of the art” in terms of storage systems, due to the characteristics already described and also because it has the function of moving palletized goods in the same system, efficiently and sustainably. See more!

 

9 – How to define a strategic storage for logistic operations?

A strategic storage is one that considers a facilitated and analytical management of the storage of products. In retail or wholesale, the adoption of concise actions centered on the needs of the public in question can influence the 5 activities of the distribution centers: receipt, movement of goods, inventory, harvesting, dispatch.

Each of these pillars requires specific work formats. They determine the path of the items until they reach the customer, therefore, the logistics used must meet local specifications and optimize the routine.

Some positive actions manage to organize the products and improve their handling and delivery. Complementary strategic projects work in a planned manner, with each activity previously chosen to avoid bottlenecks in maintenance and identify possible stock losses in certain situations. See more!

 

10 – What are the Warehouse Management and Control Software?

Warehouse Management System and Warehouse Control System. Respectively, WMS and WCS. Save those acronyms. These two software are part of the daily life of those who deal with Intralogistics. We are talking about software capable of greatly facilitating the management of people and equipment in warehouses or Distribution Centers.

A WCS is responsible for controlling equipment in automated environments, coordinating the movements of classifiers, conveyors and stacker cranes(for boxes, miniloads or pallets), for example. The primary function of a Warehouse Control System is to adjust the synchrony between the various computer programs, present in storage units with cutting-edge information technology. See more!

 

11 – Distribution Centers: centralize or decentralize?

This is an intense academic and professional discussion in the areas of Administration and Logistics. There is no consensus. What there is is the analysis of specific situations. Each company with its reality. But some aspects can be analyzed when making such a decision.

If we use the SCOR ( Supply Chain Operations Reference ) as a reference model, we will have to analyze five macro processes to choose between the centralization or decentralization of the DCs: Planning, Supply, Production, Delivery and Reverse Logistics. All these areas will be hit. But, certainly, the Delivery sector would be one of the most affected, as it deals with delivery flows.  See more!

 

12 – What are the Advantages of Automation in Logistics Processes?

Automation , in a very general way, is a process that involves investments in machinery and software, with the aim of eliminating repetitive tasks, giving greater precision to operational routines, thus increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of your process.

And what are the options? The possibilities are countless. It always depends on the size of the operation. Among other things, you can have, for example, a self-supporting structure , with the height of a 10-story building, controlled entirely by robots and computers, with conveyors (roller conveyors) and stacker cranes , where products are identified by bar codes or RFID ( Radio Frequency Identification ) tags . All controlled by a  WCS ( Warehouse Control System ) software , connected to a  WMS  ( Warehouse Management System ) program , which in turn is connected to the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning ) of the company. It is still possible to include anthropomorphic robots (with large mechanical arms, similar to those we see in car assemblers) working in the picking  area  . See more!

 

13 – What is the ideal type of warehouse for my company?

Choosing and defining a storage model is a big challenge for modern companies. The definition of a system has a direct impact on the organization’s logistical efficiency; therefore, it influences the overall results of the business and is more than standardizing storage and handling routines .

When we talk about logistics, we are dealing with strategic and complex processes that go beyond immediate decisions regarding the management of inputs and finished products. Therefore, it is important that the stock and flow structure is robust and organized. See more!

 

14 – What are the main Concepts and Suggestions applied in Intralogistics?

In House Logistics or Intralogisticsinvolves everything that refers to the management, optimization and automation of the flow of raw materials and finished products in a company, whether in its stock or in distribution centers, combining operational processes with generation, control and and data storage.

According to Rogério Scheffer , President of Águia Sistemas , a company specialized in this field, “ While Logistics is the art of managing resources, materials and information to organize the supply chain and deliver the right products to the right place, at the right time at a cost viable, Intralogistics is associated with the resources, information and materials necessary for Storage , Handlingand Dispatch activities in a warehouse, distribution center or industry, that is, it is everything that happens between four walls in the logistics universe”. See more!

 

15 – Why invest in Pallet storage?

Pallet racks are structures that promote good use of space and excellent organization of stocks, through easily adaptable structures.

Through the verticalization of product storage, the structure makes handling and access to pallets much easier and more agile, making it possible to adapt to small, medium and large stocks. See more!

 

16 – How does Technical Assistance for Structures work?

To ensure the functioning of structures, Águia Sistemas provides specialized technical assistance to customers, offering a complete, collaborative after-sales service capable of maintaining the excellence of the operations of those who seek it.

Technical assistance is a service aimed at products assembled, sold and handled by Águia Sistemas. The service is done in a comprehensive and capable way to determine the source of the problem in question. See more!

 

17 – How is the Assembly of Structures carried out?

Assembly is the final step in the process of supplying a product manufactured or integrated by Águia Sistemas. At this time, the structures designed, developed, dimensioned and manufactured according to the needs and specifications of each client are precisely assembled at the given location. See more!

 

18 – What is Structure Relocation and how is it done?

Relocation is a service provided by Águia Sistemas that consists of performing a task on an existing structure on the premises. Therefore, the term “remanage” means “altering” the previously installed part of the structure to have other functionalities or adjust them to new layout configurations. See more!

 

19 – How is Automation Commissioning carried out?

Commissioning for Automation projects is the service provided by Águia Sistemas, which includes checking the sensors and electrical signals of the installed systems, ensuring optimal operation, as expected by the customer.

At this stage, programming is also done in the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller),  software  and  hardware that automates, controls and monitors specific processes, machinery or production lines. See more!

 

20 – How is the Assembly of Automation Systems carried out?

The Automation Systems Assembly service concerns the allocation of systems in a location defined in the project.

It covers both electrical and mechanical assembly, including tools such as conveyors and roller tracks, ensuring they are in optimal working condition. This stage is responsible for installing the electrical cables, adjusting the sensors, placing emergency buttons, lighting columns and emergency ropes. See more!

 

21 – How is Technical Assistance carried out by Águia Sistemas?

Águia Sistemas offers a specialized technical assistance service that can be done remotely, by telephone or via e-mail. Our team will perform remote access to the installation or we have the option of sending a technician to the site to carry out the verification in person.

Assistance is provided entirely by the Águia Sistemas team. However, this may vary according to the contracted demand and the urgency of the service, opening up the possibility of outsourcing. See more!

 

22 – How is the study of the need for each project for Storage Systems done?

Engineering is responsible for modeling the solution based on information and identifying the specific needs of the client.

Divided into 3 distinct fields, Engineering encompasses all the development of innovative technologies offering solutions based on the desires of each area. They are: Project Engineering, Development Engineering and Construction Engineering. See more!

 

23 – How is each project delivered by Águia Sistemas produced?

The Industrial Processes developed by Águia Sistemas consist of transforming raw materials to produce the products in its catalogue. With this, it is responsible for defining and analyzing which materials will be needed to optimize production and ensure that it happens ideally.

The Águia Sistemas Production team has around 265 active employees, including Assistants, Operators and Operation Leaders. The professionals have extensive experience in solving problems and developing products according to the standards used to standardize the quality of what is delivered. See more!

 

24 – How does Águia Sistemas analyze the quality of the raw material?

Águia Sistemas performs the Mechanical Properties Test, consisting of a series of methods used to measure and analyze the mechanical properties of materials, systems and structures. In this way, it seeks to understand the behavior of the material used and how the product behaves before, during and after use, in addition to understanding how the conditions of use affect the installations.

This test is carried out through a partnership between the team of specialists in the Engineering sector of Águia Sistemas, trained professionals from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), and the Certifying Body (SGS) responsible for inspection, verification, testing and certification of structures . See more!

25 – How does Águia Sistemas guarantee the quality of the solutions for each client?

Quality Engineering is a service offered by Águia Sistemas that seeks to ensure that the products and systems offered are of the highest quality, meeting requirements and expectations. In this way, it is directly connected to the safety of the articles, as it guarantees its operational excellence and extinguishes the risks offered.

The Quality Engineering team at Águia Sistemas is made up of 13 professionals who work with the objective of guaranteeing the quality of products and processes, acting in support of problem solving, improvements and developments, seeking operational excellence in order to deliver the best product with the best customer experience. See more!

 

26 – Does Águia Sistemas create projects in 3D?

Yes, Águia Sistemas has specific resources and software for the preparation of 3D projects during the concept definition stage, aiming at better quality in the transmission of information about the solution and guaranteeing greater assertiveness through the possibility of compatibility between civil projects, electrical and fire and panic prevention.

Without any difficulty, it is possible for anyone to browse the layout using a free online tool that is easy to learn, not being restricted to a technical team to master and present the project, in a very didactic and transparent way. See more!