Brink Climate Systems BV, Wethouder Wassebaliestraat 8, 7951 SN Staphorst, Netherlands

The Hänel smart picking system connects commercially-available web devices to actively support Brink Climate employees in efficiently assembling service sets.

Brink Climate Systems BV is part of the Ariston Group and a leading manufacturer of ventilation systems in the Netherlands. When it came to optimizing its logistics processes, Brink Climate looked to the advanced storage solutions from Hänel.

Hänel Rotomat® storage system equipped with HänelSoft®-N as the key to storage optimization

The HänelSoft®-N inventory management software plays a key role in optimizing order picking processes by compiling data from the customer’s ERP, controlling the Hänel storage carousel, and managing the smart devices for the Drop-to-Light system. For Brink, the Hänel intralogistics solution was designed to simplify the process of assembling service sets for maintenance tasks.

 It does this by organizing spare parts and circuit boards compactly in the Hänel storage system. At a height of more than seven meters, the Hänel Rotomat® storage system offers significant space savings, improves ergonomics, and shortens search times.

Batch picking with real-time ERP connection

The Hänel Rotomat® allows the number of picks per hour to be significantly increased compared to the conventional rack shelving, which was used as a previous solution. Orders can be sent in real time to HänelSoft®-N using middleware thanks to seamless integration with the Mapics ERP system. Once the orders are received from Mapics, the Hänel software converts them into aggregated orders for batch picking, thus significantly reducing the processing time. The orders are each picked in sets of six, with all order items being processed with a single complete rotation. The labels are automatically printed as soon as an order has been sent from Mapics to HänelSoft®-N.

Smart picking with Drop-to-Light system

The Hänel Rotomat® storage system at Brink features an impressively precise smart-picking system thanks to the Drop-to-Light system. This system supports warehouse staff by visually identifying the correct storage locations, significantly increasing the speed and precision of the picking process.

Once the batch order, with its six individual orders, has been started, the Hänel Rotomat® automatically moves to the first storage location and shows both the items and the quantity to be picked on the display of the lift controller. Six storage areas with one container each per order are located opposite the Rotomat® retrieval points.

Visual support with networked web devices

Standard web devices networked with HänelSoft®-N are located directly at each container and clearly identify the quantity and storage location for the employees. The employee confirms each storage location using the button on the display and the location is immediately posted in HänelSoft®-N. As soon as all items at a location have been stored, the Hänel Rotomat® automatically moves the carrier with the next storage location to the retrieval point. Once the aggregated order has been fully processed, the order containers are forwarded to the packaging department.

The combination of web devices, HänelSoft®-N, and the Rotomat® storage system means that the picking process is quick and easy. Fitting the system with commercially available web devices also makes this solution very flexible, efficient, and affordable.

Fast and smooth implementation of the innovative Hänel intralogistics solution

One of the advantages offered by Hänel is the system integration speed into the customer’s processes. The comprehensive interface support provided by HänelSoft®-N along with the possibility to first simulate the connection with the Hänel demo lift controller meant that the implementation timeline at Brink was significantly reduced. This enabled a smooth transition to the new storage technology.

Brink is planning to use HänelSoft®-N to manage its entire inventory, even if all items are not being picked from the Hänel lift.

The decision in favor of Hänel was an obvious one for Brink Climate. Proven systems, fast integration of HänelSoft®-N, and positive experiences with existing Hänel lift solutions meant that the technology could be smoothly upgraded. In addition, the system remains flexible and cost-effective due to the use of commercially available web devices.