How a mixed case palletizing system can optimize your warehouse flow
The rapid growth of e-commerce has raised customer expectations and placed a heavier weight of expectation at the top of the supply chain: distribution centers. Assembling mixed pallets of diverse products quickly and accurately for shipping or storage has become a top priority for many companies and human labor is often no longer sufficient. One of the latest solutions emerging in the world of automation is mixed case palletizing systems. Let’s look at how this kind of automation can unlock better efficiency for your mixed case palletizing needs.
What is mixed cased palletizing?
It’s the process of stacking various SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) of different sizes, weights, and dimensions onto a single pallet for optimal storage or shipping. Unlike traditional palletizing, where uniform products are stacked together, mixed case palletizing involves stacking a broad range of products.
A mixed case palletizing system is an automated set-up that builds mixed product pallets. Operators can easily input product data through a user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI), while integrated sensors monitor load integrity and stability in real time.
Many systems incorporate automated warehouse robots to execute the complex picking and placing tasks. Some systems also employ AI to connect to a company’s ERP, coordinating in a beneficial way with inventory and packing priorities.
Who can benefit from mixed case palletizing?
Industries dealing with a wide range of products in multiple sizes and packaging formats are most suited for mixed case palletizing.
Take, for instance, a pharmaceutical company that regularly ships not just entire pallets of a single medication, but rather pallets containing an assortment of medicinal vials, large bottles, or boxes of multiple sizes. Or, to make it even more complex, additional items that make their inventory even broader, such as hair care, hygiene items, seasonal items, and even food products.
The kinds of companies who are best suited for the benefits mixed case palletizing are:
- Pharmaceutical and personal care
- Food and beverage
- Retail and e-commerce
What are the primary benefits of a mixed case palletizing system?
More precise pallets
For a human laborer, navigating a diverse array of SKUs and package styles can feel like a game of Tetris, constantly challenging you to find the optimal layout amid ongoing demands.
An automated mixed case palletizing system empowers you to:
- Employ advanced technologies like machine learning, computer vision, and robotics to choose and organize products
- Achieve faster and more accurate order fulfillment
- Automate ergonomically difficult tasks like picking and placing
- Avoid any unwanted fees or penalties in the case of inaccurate pallets
More compact loads
An automated mixed load solution can greatly enhance load density and stability through:
- Intelligent algorithms, which generate efficient stacking patterns based on product dimensions, weight distribution, and handling requirements
- Integrated sensors, which monitor load and use AI to make real-time adjustments, ensuring safety throughout the process
Stronger inventory management
The most effective mixed case palletizing systems are made to be compatible with your existing set-up and provide:
- Enhanced visibility to monitor product movements and performance metrics
- Simplified replenishment processes, with the ability to trigger reorder alerts based on inventory levels
- Comprehensive reporting, enabling you to analyze trends, forecast needs, and make data-driven decisions
In sum
The right mixed case palletizer automatically gathers products accurately, integrates seamlessly with your existing set-up, and will create compact and stable mixed pallets, optimized for efficient shipping and storage.
Think of it as the ultimate Tetris champion, easily accommodating various SKUs of differing weights and sizes for your palletizing needs.
Ready to get started with an automating mixed case palletizing solution?
If you’re tired of managing your mixed case palletizing needs alone, take a closer look at the CHRONOS RPM Series mixed case palletizing solution. High performing and made with high quality parts, Premier Tech’s equipment comes with a strong reputation that will give you ultimate peace of mind.
