"Go" for automation in intralogistics
STILL offers comprehensive consulting services in the field of automation - including analysis, planning and implementation exactly according to the customer's requirements. The iGo automation solution covers the entire spectrum of material flow processes, from flexible plug-and-play solutions to highly customised system solutions.
In intralogistics, companies from different industries face the same challenges: Global competition is forcing them to constantly improve their efficiency, while the shortage of skilled labour is making it more difficult to find qualified personnel. At the same time, the booming online trade is setting new standards, as customers often expect immediate delivery. Under these conditions, automation solutions have become an indispensable tool for many companies to optimise the flow of goods and remain competitive. "At STILL, we are well aware that intralogistics processes are as individual as each company," says Christian Ehlers, Product Manager Automation & Intralogistics Solutions. "That's why we develop a customised solution for each customer."
Individual and dynamic challenges
Even companies in the same industry can have very different material flows. The size and architecture of the warehouse alone have a significant impact on processes, and there are many other factors such as the sorting of goods or the equipment used. In addition, these challenges are highly dynamic: The market is volatile and intralogistics providers must constantly adapt to new circumstances and fluctuating order volumes. "For many of our customers, therefore, committing to a specific solution is not an option. They need flexibility when it comes to automating their processes," explains Christian Ehlers.
The complexity of automation projects is as varied as the processes of different companies. STILL covers the entire spectrum: from the automation of individual process steps to a comprehensive, fully automated solution. "We know our customers well and understand that their processes cannot be universally automated with a one-size-fits-all solution," says Ehlers. This is why STILL takes a different approach with its iGo automation solutions and offers different levels of automation that can be tailored to the customer's individual requirements. STILL supports companies every step of the way with its automation expertise.
STILL iGo: Flexible, scalable, customisable
"STILL iGo is a holistic, scalable system that allows companies to cover the entire spectrum of automation. This includes both hardware and software," explains Ehlers. Instead of customers having to plan their processes around automation, STILL's iGo solutions adapt to the customer's challenges. Another advantage: STILL iGo offers a consistent system for all automation levels, which is open in all directions and can be expanded step by step. This means that when introducing automated processes, companies do not have to decide which level of automation they want in the future. This individual and custom-fit automation offers every company uncomplicated and low-maintenance handling and enables an easy introduction.
Service and maintenance of the iGo trucks can be carried out by the well-known and trusted STILL service technicians directly at the customer's premises. STILL has an extensive service network and a standardised service interface for all equipment. Thanks to digital service planning, maintenance intervals can be planned in advance and in close consultation with the customer. This enables STILL to prevent short-term breakdowns and expensive repairs. A digital twin of the truck supports maintenance and configuration. And if a spare part is needed, STILL customers benefit from guaranteed 24-hour delivery - to minimise truck downtime.
iGo easy: A quick start to automation
Smaller companies in particular are often reluctant to embark on automation, says Ehlers: "They often lack experience with automation solutions. For these customers, iGo easy is the smart way to enter the world of automation without having to commit to staying at the entry level". The smart plug-and-play solution is the perfect option for anyone who wants to automate individual logistics transport processes. The solution does not need to be integrated into the existing software system and features intuitive commissioning software. This makes it possible to start with a small automated fleet. The user interface of iGo easy solutions is also intuitive and does not require in-depth technical knowledge. There is also nothing to manage within the company. The system is set up by the local STILL commissioning engineer. He is also available at any time if adjustments need to be made later.
STILL iGo easy is mainly used to automate relatively simple applications. For example, a customer in the plastic injection moulding industry uses the STILL EXV iGo to supply and remove products from production systems: Two units supply four production systems. They transport pallets with finished products to the conveyor system in the direction of the warehouse and from there take empty pallets from the empty pallet dispenser to the production machines. The transport orders are easily triggered via push buttons or light barriers on the conveyor system, without the need for a connection to the customer's own warehouse management system (WMS). Alternatively, they can be controlled via a user interface.
iGo systems: For complex and comprehensive processes
But what happens when customer requirements increase and a higher degree of automation becomes necessary, or when companies want to automate complex and comprehensive processes from the outset? "Then we at STILL rely on our iGo systems software solution," says Ehlers. The system makes it possible to control trucks in perfectly synchronised interaction and to integrate them into overarching logistics processes - scalable from individual devices to entire fleets. Different types of vehicles can also be automated together. "The software orchestrates the entire fleet and ensures high efficiency, availability and goods turnover, as well as occupational safety in the warehouse," explains Ehlers.
This example shows how iGo systems can automate complex material flows: In the warehouse of a contract logistics company with around 20,000 pallet positions, the system automates the flow of incoming and outgoing goods. iGo systems coordinates three MX-X iGo narrow aisle forklift trucks and five EXV iGo high lift pallet trucks. At incoming goods, the EXV iGo picks up the pallets, checks their weight and shape and places them on transfer stations, from where the MX-X iGo stores them on the shelves. For outbound goods, the process is reversed. Transport orders are triggered via an interface to the customer's WMS. The special feature of the iGo systems is that they do not act as a taxi system, but follow their own logic. For this purpose, the most important storage and retrieval parameters are defined, according to which the system controls the transports. "Our automation experts support our customers from the design stage right through to installation in the warehouse," says Ehlers. And they are there when the processes change: "iGo systems is highly flexible and can be adapted to meet even the most specific requirements."
Customised automation solutions
Whether simple processes or complex requirements - STILL offers the optimum level of automation for every company, as Christian Ehlers points out: "As a leading expert in the field of automation, we support our customers in finding the solution that is precisely tailored to their specific needs and challenges". As a result, every company can significantly increase the efficiency and flexibility of its processes with customised solutions from STILL.
Are you interested? Book an appointment now!
Contact request
Subscribe to the Newsletter !
Always up to date with STILL: Subscribe to the STILL newsletter and we will inform you regularly about interesting industry topics.
