3PLogistiikka operates several warehouses in Finland, one of which is located in Kaarina. Makron assumed the overall responsibility for the warehouse system’s modernization.
3PLogistiikka operates several warehouses in Finland, one of which is located in Kaarina. Originally a brewery, the premises have been used for warehousing by various companies, with 3PLogistiikka (3PL) running the operations for the past 10 years. The lower part of the building houses conventional pallet racks, while the taller section operates as an automated pallet storage. 3PL leases the premises from Kiinteistö Oy Kaarinan Piispantontti.
The automated pallet storage comprises five stacker cranes and a conveyor system on two levels. The racking system is 27 meters high and 69 meters long. “Our operations have increased rapidly, and we are outgrowing the old space,” notes Ville Rauhakylä, 3PL’s warehouse manager.
Delivered by Valmet, the old automated warehouse system was more than 30 years old. The existing warehouse management system could only be operated via the property’s old computers. The control systems had reached the end of their technical service lives and spare parts were hard to come by. At some point, one of the five stacker cranes had been dismantled for spare parts for the other devices. As a result, the amount of storage space had been reduced by a fifth, leaving almost 1,600 fewer spaces for pallets available for use.
When the ownership of the property was transferred to the current owner, the big question was whether to dismantle or renovate the system. Maintaining the old stacker cranes was expensive. When Makron, with its experience of similar projects, could offer a comprehensive solution at a competitive price, the decision to modernize the system was easy to make.
Makron assumed the overall responsibility for the warehouse system’s modernization. The warehouse management system was upgraded with software created by Makron. The control systems for stacker cranes and conveyors were replaced with technology supplied by Siemens (control logic systems, frequency converter servomotors, geared motors for the stacker cranes). The existing stacker cranes and conveyors were reused after mechanical maintenance. Makron designed modern control logic systems, which offer long service lives and for which spare parts are easily available. Makron also manufactured the control cabinets and boxes, in addition to carrying out electrical installation and system commissioning.
Typically, a modernization project on this scale takes a year to complete. Because the project’s offer stage coincided with a global shortage of components, the prediction was that this project would take about two years. The work was scheduled to cause as little disruption to the day-to-day warehouse operations as possible. The manual warehouse operated as normal. As the automated warehouse was used for the long-term storage of seasonal goods, the stacker cranes being out of use one at a time did not cause problems.
With Makron having the overall responsibility for the modernization, the facility’s owner did not have to be hands-on with the project. “I did not have to be present on the worksite or act as a middleman in communication with the tenant. I was able to rest easy in the knowledge that everything was being take care of,” recalls the property company’s representative. He was happy with Makron’s flexible operations, the coordination of the project, and information flow. “Everything has gone according to plan, and the work has progressed in keeping with the schedule,” emphasizes the company representative as the project is nearing completion.
Adapted to 3PL’s needs, Makron’s warehouse management program opens up new opportunities in the operations of the automated storage facility. “Makron listened to our wishes when we wanted the warehouse management program to include features that suited our needs,” says warehouse manager Ville Rauhakylä. “I believe that new users can also be easily trained in the use of this clear software as the main users of 3PL’s old system were involved in the development of the new warehouse management system,” Rauhakylä notes.
Thanks to the modernization, 3PL can be certain that safety matters are up to date, and it can make use of new safety features, such as a safety program for controlling stacker crane movements. The stacker cranes now function in compliance with safety regulations if the emergency stop is activated.
In the future, Makron can carry out any changes and updates via a remote connection, which can be used to control the warehouse management system as a whole or any stacker crane or conveyor individually. Makron offers a maintenance agreement to its customers. The goal is to maintain the system up to date for 15 years.
The modernization gave a new lease on life to the old warehouse building. In relation to the benefits it brings, the investment is cost-efficient. The service life of the stacker cranes was extended by renovating their forks, which worked out much cheaper than replacing them with new ones.
As a result of the modernization of the automation system, the automated storage facility’s capacity will increase by 25%, when all of the original 7,962 pallet spaces are in use. An up-to-date automation system improves delivery performance. If the system requires repairs and spare parts are needed, new components are readily available, helping minimize downtime in the future. With an efficient automation system, the property company can be confident that it will have a satisfied tenant on the premises also in the future.
Ville Rauhakylä
Warehouse Manager
3PLogistiikka
