Data flow in the warehouse – control of storage and retrieval processes

Logistical systems can be designed as manual or mechanised solutions, to suit the requirements of the client concerned. What both solutions have in common is the interface with a warehouse management system for controlling order processing. This allows for precise recording of the storage and retrieval processes and real-time management of the warehouse stock. In both concepts, the products are stored according to batch information and best-before date, which ensures consequent FIFO warehouse management. 
In addition to the inventory management system, more complex and larger warehouse concepts integrate a material flow computer. The material flows are controlled using the principle of segment tracking or barcode detection on the labels by scanners situated at the defined paths of the full pallet.

Gropper Dairy, Bissingen, relies on the principle of segment tracking for their high-bay warehouse solution: an unambiguous data record is formed for each pallet at the palletiser, to accompany the pallet on its entire path through the system. Automatic, logical forwarding of the data record is consistently assured by interlinking the material and data flows. The crucial consideration behind choosing logical data tracking instead of a label/scanner solution lies in the cost advantages obtained when the material flow system is designed without any label printing and reading devices.
The material flow computer collects and compresses the data and transfers them directly to the SAP/R3 management system. The SAP system records the orders, prepares the tours, and manages the entire warehouse as well as the storage locations.