ErGonomIcS@Work® - SSI Schaefer Automation Blog

ErgonomicS@Work ®

ErgonomicS@work ®Ergonomics in Logistics WarehousesErgonomics is the science of the relationship between man and work.Even in times of high-technology warehouse automationit is still human performance that determines quality,throughput and delivery times. No matter whethergoods receipt, picking, returns handling or shipping– the essential materials management tasks areperformed by logistics staff.Unlike other providers, SSI SCHAEFER has recognizedthat this makes the technical requirements even moredemanding. Technology must serve man by supportingand facilitating optimum performance. In this respectthe interface between man and machine assumes acrucial position and so does the ideal design of worksystems and processes. SSI SCHAEFER’S ergonomics@work® provides sophisticated concepts andsolutions for warehouse automation.

WorkstationsOptimized workstations for the various tasks in warehouselogistics are the main element of ergonomics@work ® . The pictures show typical logistics workstationsof the ergonomics@work ® range by SSI SCHAEFER.SSI SCHAEFER workstations are all designed accordingto the same ergonomic construction principle tofoster quality and performance, thus ideal logisticsprocesses:} Physical strain can be reduced by minimizingthe loads to be lifted. The workstations and processesare so designed that weights to be liftedmanually are usually only to be moved downwardsor horizontally.} Performance is increased by reducing unnecessarymovements that do not contribute to the actuallogistics tasks. This means the workstationsare literally built around man.} Quality is enhanced thanks to clear workstationdesign, easy and visual user guidance and integrationof sensors into the workstation.} Shapes and materials are specially selected tonot impede movements, distract from work orcause injuries. For this reason, many elementsare rounded and contact surfaces are made ofwood.This provides workstations that reduce loads to bemoved, for instance in goods receipt, by more than80% or picking stations that also stand the test incontinuous operation with 1,000 picks/h. Light-controlled picking guidance and hand-held terminals facilitate space Increased performance at the returns workstation thanks to integrated conveying systemto move and ensure best picking performance. Light curtains prevent picking errors Goods receipt – optimized workflow, error-free sorting into totes guided by light

Silent conveyingsystemAn excessive noise level in logistics workstations is asignificant cost factor because noise affects concentrationand leads to more errors and less performance.Therefore the new "silent conveying system" by SSISCHAEFER forms an integral part of ergonomics@work ® . The silent conveying system consists of a whispertote with new, patented contact surface on theone hand and a noise reducing equipment for the FT+conveying system on the other hand.It is thus possible to reduce the noise level of either thewhole system or only particularly sensible areas, for instancethose near highly efficient workstations. The designhas been developed in a way to enable retrofittingexisting conveying systems installed by SSI SCHAEFER.The result is a conveying system that is nearly inaudiblein typical warehouse environments as the noise level isabout 10 dBA and thus below the ambient noise.Picking automatesSSI SCHAEFER has been deploying picking automateswith channels for fast-moving products for years and isworldwide market leader in this field. This picking automatcombines low costs with high performance andmodel ergonomics. Without interrupting the picking processthe automat can be replenished during operation.The ergonomics@work ® construction principles havebeen applied here too:} High quality thanks to simple, clearly structureduser guidance. A clearly visible lamp indicates thatreplenishment is required; the filling levels of theindividual channels guide the user – even withoutadditional numeric channel display that is availableas option.} The automat dispensers are fully protected and sodesigned to prevent injuries or impediments of pickerseven in case of operating errors.} Short distances for replenishment increase productivityand contribute considerably to the excellentcost/performance ratio of SSI SCHAEFER automates. Shortens distances: the gate Optimized working heights, short distances for lifting Specially coated base of totes for the silent conveying system Short distances between S-Pemat and replenishment rack

ErgonomicS@work ®Handling systemsThe comprehensive range of SSI SCHAEFER handlingsystems aims at: relieving man from physically demandingor monotonous tasks.} Stackers and destackers process up to 1,400totes/h in continuous operation.} Tote emptying machines provide more than 2,000emptied totes per hour.} Different kinds of insertion machines do nottire out, not even processing 1,300 totes/h orup to 2,000 printed pages/h. It is even possibleto combine automatic address insertion with lidding.IT AND VisualisizationErgonomics@work ® has also made its way into IT solutions.Users who are familiar with Windows or Officecan immediately work with the SSI SCHAEFER IT userinterface. The interface design of the SSI SCHAEFER ITSoftware was developed together with ergonomics expertsand designers to achieve the best possible userguidance. Thus SSI SCHAEFER is also market leaderin this field.ergonomics@work ® in handling systems does notonly mean relieving man from physically demanding ormonotonous tasks, it also entails sophisticated userguidance for operation and maintenance. Fully automatic document insertion minimizes errors Tote stackers/destacker and lidding machines increase performace and relieve staff Straightforward screen layout for ideal user guidance Graphical error messages with SPS visualization

Ergonomics@Work ®Overview of a picking systemShort distances and optimizedworking heights of S-Pemat andrack systems.Picking from top to bottom only.At all WORKSTATIONS.Wood and rounded edges atpicker’s side.Optimized working heights.Minimized distances.Light signals for user guidance.Light curtains to minimize erros.No lifting, no carrying.Fully automatic SCS warehousesystems take storagetotes to the pickingstation/workstation.SPS visualization forideal user guidance.Visual user guidance byPick by Light displays.Automatic documentinsertion to relieve staffand minimize errors.Silent conveying system inthe area of workstationsand picking stations.Goods receipt – optimizedworkflow, error-freesorting into totes guidedby light.

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