Robotic distribution system saves handling costs for dairy firms, supplier claims

The robotic “Multipick” crate picking system, which is available worldwide, addresses all aspects of the dairy product’s distribution, a spokesperson for RMT Robotics told DairyReporter.com.

The storage, retrieval, inventory management and trailer load sequencing, all comes in one machine, said the spokesperson.

Operating in chill stores to minus 20 oC, Multipick can handle a large variety of dairy products, including milk, cream, yoghurts, and cheese, said RMT Robotics.

Efficiency​

“In comparison to manual or semi-manual processes which are spread out over a larger work area and are very labour intensive, RMT stores and picks in one location.”​

This boosts warehouse productivity, eliminates 100 per cent of the picking errors, reduces product damage and increases efficiency without increasing the footprint, according to the spokesperson.

The firm said the system can help dairy supply chains address distribution challenges such as increasing product variety, short sell-by dates for perishables and stringent customer service needs.

Product location ​

The system also provides precise information on the location of all products as well as the ability to isolate Stoctkeeping unit’s (SKUs) in the event of a problem or recall, said RMT Robotics.

“At the same time the system processes more line items, in less time, in a fraction of the space of a manual or semi-automated operation,”​ said the company.

Automated controls system ​

The system can pick individual or multiple cases out of active storage, regardless of packaging type, case or crate, said the company, beginning the pre-picking process as soon as it receives orders and products.

“When the required products for a certain order are ready, the system can complete it extremely quickly. Using an advanced automated controls system, cases or crates will be delivered in exactly the desired pallet-build sequence for automated mixed palletizing at the dock,” ​said the firm.

As a result of this, fresh products arrive at the retail stores earlier, claims RMT Robotics.