was using Pepperl+Fuchs sensors, and SSI Schaefer was
willing to partner and display their software technologies
as well. Together, the two technologies were a great fit,”
says Jim Bolin, executive vice president–Americas for
Pepperl+Fuchs’ Process Automation Division. “The infor-
mation that we need is monitored throughout our facilities.
The data allows management to keep a close watch on
what’s important during operations.”
To get that information, the Houston DC is controlled
by WAMAS, SSI Schaefer’s warehouse management suite
of software solutions, which handles all of the company’s
intralogistics. The DC also uses WAMAS Lighthouse soft-
ware, another layer of the system that allows the company
to monitor, control, and optimize productivity, explains
Jan Jagersky, SSI Schaefer’s director of IT solutions. The
entire system uses sensors that collect information and relay
it back to company decision-makers in real time, providing
a level of supply chain visibility the North American opera-
tions never had before, he says.
Implementing the Pepperl+Fuchs sensors into the system
required an extra layer of engineering because they were
used in place of other products SSI Schaefer typically uses.
IT experts from both organizations had to work together to
ensure the compatibility of the hardware. Jagersky says the
two teams continue to work together, meeting monthly to
review progress and plan updates to the overall system.
NEWFOUND VISIBILITY
The product and technology combination in Houston not
only creates the showcase of each company’s strengths
the partners set out to establish, but it has also set
Pepperl+Fuchs’ North American operations on the road to
continuous process improvement.
“[The] automation helps us to identify process weakness-es [and] correct master data,” Stratthaus explains, emphasizing the ability to constantly improve the receiving, picking, packaging, and shipping processes. “And it is a big step
toward more automation and digitization [in the future].”
“With more than 1,000 sensors tracking movement
through the facility, there is visibility across the supply
chain that can help them make adjustments, changes [and
so forth] that will bring benefits,” Jagersky explains, citing
the ability to more accurately adjust staffing levels based
on order volumes and to more effectively plan preventive
maintenance as examples. “Traditional systems lack this
kind of visibility. As [Pepperl+Fuchs’] business evolves and
they learn the opportunities they have … we can expand on
what they may need.” ;
THE PERFECT PICK
FOR IMPROVED
EFFICIENCY
Find Out More at ToyotaForklift.com
Competitive warehousing advantage starts by driving
efficiency. The industry-leading Toyota Order Picker delivers
the goods with reach heights over 32 feet powered by
AC drive and lift motors. And now get optional Lift Logic
technology – Toyota’s state-of-the-art hardware that
continuously monitors lift height and allows for optimized
travel speed at various elevations.
