Apport automated storage system integration
Get your automated storage system
working seamlessly with Apport WMS
With Apport's automated storage system integration, Apport WMS connects with selected automated storage systems. This creates a seamless flow where putaway, picking and stock counting are managed in Apport WMS, while the automated storage system brings the right shelf with the right items directly to the employee.
AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The goods come to the employee
When a task is initiated in Apport WMS, the relevant information is sent to the automated storage system. The system brings the right shelf forward, allowing the employee to continue working without unnecessary interruptions. This keeps control in Apport WMS and creates a stronger connection between the automated storage system and the rest of the warehouse operation.
Automatic shelf retrieval
The right shelf is automatically brought forward for picking, putaway and stock counting.
Work entirely in Apport WMS
Tasks are managed from Apport WMS, allowing employees to keep working without unnecessary switching between systems.
Adapted to your warehouse
The integration is based on how automated storage systems, zones and picking processes work together in your warehouse.
Get more from your automated storage system
An automated storage system can reduce travel time, make better use of space and make goods easier to access. When the automated storage system works together with Apport WMS, putaway, picking and stock counting become a natural part of the overall warehouse operation.
Depending on your setup, Apport WMS can support the strategic distribution of goods across automated storage systems, shelves and locations.
Through our work with different automated storage system integrations, we have developed solutions where items that are often picked together can, for example, be stored close to one another. This makes picking easier and helps you get more from your automated storage system.
- Fewer system switches in daily workflows.
- Better control of putaway and inventory distribution.
- A connected flow across putaway, picking and stock counting.
PICKING WITH AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEMS
Two common ways to use automated storage systems for picking
How an automated storage system fits into the picking process depends on the warehouse layout and workflows. We typically see two setups: the system either forms part of the standard pick route or is used for a separate pre-picking process.
Part of the pick route
The operator picks items from the rest of the warehouse and stops at the automated storage system along the way. The relevant shelves are automatically presented in the correct sequence for picking.
The operator can then continue along the same pick route, with the automated storage system forming a natural part of the overall warehouse flow.
Used for pre-picking
In other setups, the automated storage system is used for pre-picking. A dedicated operator picks the items needed for upcoming orders before the main picking process begins.
When the remaining items are picked from the rest of the warehouse, the pre-picked items are collected and added to the order before it continues through the warehouse.
INTEGRATIONS THROUGH APPORT WCS
From one automated storage system to multiple zones
Apport WCS brings together the communication between Apport WMS and the systems that support your warehouse operations. This includes your company’s ERP system, transport and shipping solutions, as well as warehouse automation. As WCS functionality is already included in Apport WMS, you have a strong foundation from the outset for connecting your systems and expanding your setup over time.
SUPPORTED AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEMS
Integration with selected automated storage systems
Apport WMS can be integrated with selected automated storage systems and models. Below, you can see the solutions we already support.
If your automated storage system is not listed, we are happy to explore the options and find a solution that suits your warehouse. If a new integration or specific customisation is required, we will define the scope together with you before moving forward.
Effimat
Effimat - goods-to-person med kasser
Effimat is a goods-to-person solution where items are stored in bins and automatically brought to the operator. The bins can move both vertically and horizontally, allowing several items to be prepared within the same workflow. This creates a compact and efficient picking process, reducing unnecessary movement and keeping the distance to the required items short.
Integrated with Apport WMS, the relevant items can be called forward as part of the overall picking process.
LOGIMAT
Effimat - goods-to-person with bins
LOGIMAT is a vertical lift system where items are stored on trays and automatically brought to the operator. A central lift retrieves the required tray and presents it at the access opening. The solution can be configured in different sizes and with various tray formats and load capacities, making it suitable for a wide range of warehouse requirements.
Integrated with Apport WMS, the relevant trays can be called forward for picking, put-away and replenishment.
Kardex
Kardex - compact vertical storage
Kardex vertical lift systems store items on trays on both sides of a central lift, which automatically retrieves the required tray. The modular design allows the solution to be adapted to different item types, tray formats and load capacities. This provides high storage density while keeping items easily accessible to the operator from a fixed workstation.
Integrated with Apport WMS, the relevant tray can be called forward as part of the current warehouse task.
Tornado
Tornado - vertical storage with drawers
Tornado is a vertical storage system where items are stored in drawers and automatically brought to the operator. The solution works according to the goods-to-person principle and can be combined with barcode scanning and operator guidance. This reduces unnecessary movement and allows the operator to work efficiently from a fixed workstation.
Integrated with Apport WMS, work at the system can form part of the overall picking and warehouse flow.
We make Apport WMS and your automated storage system work together
Apport ensures that Apport WMS and your automated storage system can exchange the information required to manage putaway, picking and stock counting.
We start with your automated storage system and your specific setup. If an integration for your solution does not already exist, we explore the options and work with you to determine what is required.
01
Control from Apport WMS
Picking, putaway and stock counting are initiated and managed as part of the overall workflow.
02
The right information is exchanged
The integration ensures that relevant commands and status information are exchanged between Apport WMS and the automated storage system.
03
A solution for your setup
The solution is configured around your automated storage system and the way your warehouse operation is organised. If you have multiple systems or zones, we work with you to determine the best way to manage tasks, sequencing and capacity.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about
automated storage systems
Which automated storage systems can Apport integrate with?
Apport WMS can integrate with selected automated storage systems and models. You can find the supported solutions further up this page. If your automated storage system is not listed, we will be happy to explore the options and find the right solution.
What does the integration actually do?
The integration ensures that tasks and relevant information are exchanged between Apport WMS and the automated storage system. When a task is initiated, the right shelf is automatically brought forward for putaway, picking or stock counting.
Do my employees need to work in two systems?
Picking, putaway and stock counting are managed from Apport WMS, helping employees avoid unnecessary switching between systems. The exact workflow depends on the automated storage system and the chosen setup.
How is communication between the systems handled?
Apport WMS communicates with the automated storage system using the integration method that best fits the specific solution. We define the technical setup together with you and the supplier to ensure that the right tasks and information can be exchanged between the systems.
What if I have multiple automated storage systems?
Multiple automated storage systems or zones may require a customised solution for areas such as task distribution and sequencing. We therefore review your setup and define the scope in advance. If additional customisation is needed, we agree this with you before getting started.
How can picking with automated storage systems be organised?
There are several ways to organise picking, depending on the number of automated storage systems, zones, operators and the types of orders being handled.
One operator across multiple zones
The same operator can follow the pick job through the relevant zones and complete the order from start to finish. This creates a simple, straightforward flow and works well for pick jobs that vary significantly across different automated storage systems.
Multiple zones within the same picking flow
In warehouses with several automated storage systems, picking can be divided into zones. While one operator works in one zone, others can continue picking in the remaining zones. This allows multiple pick jobs to run at the same time and helps make better use of the available systems.
Multiple operators on the same order
For larger pick jobs, several operators can work on the same order in parallel, each from their own zone. The items are then brought together, allowing the order to be consolidated before moving on to the next stage.
At the same time, Apport WMS can allocate pick jobs based on factors such as zones, priority, number of order lines and units. Depending on the setup, picking can also be combined with multi-pick, handheld terminals or voice picking, packaging calculations, relay picking and load balancing across multiple automated storage systems.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Can your automated storage system integrate with Apport WMS?
Want to know whether your automated storage system is already supported, or what it would take to integrate it? Book a meeting with Tarik to explore the options and find the solution that best fits your warehouse.