Why safe solutions in logistics are crucial: three real-world examples

In today's logistics sector, a safe work environment is not only a must but also a crucial factor for success. Unsafe work conditions result in thousands of accidents every year that are not only a hazard to the health and wellbeing of employees but can also have substantial commercial consequences. Every accident can lead to machine downtimes and productivity losses, which has a negative impact on the overall supply chain and results in additional costs. Safe solutions are therefore essential in the logistics sector, both to ensure the safety of employees and to secure the efficiency and productivity of the company.

A typical logistics process comprises several steps: the receipt of goods, their storage, picking and dispatch. Each of these steps must be precisely coordinated and requires the use of modern technologies to ensure efficiency and safety. By implementing safe work practices and using advanced technologies, companies can not only avoid accidents but also ensure the smooth and efficient running of their logistics processes. The shortage of skilled workers and the increasing growth in the logistics sector is forcing companies to increase their level of automation.

At the same time, the issue of occupational safety is playing an ever increasingly important role since a negative image makes it more difficult to find employees. To meet these challenges and to increase the level of safety in logistics, many companies are employing modern safety solutions. These can minimize potential hazards while at the same time increasing efficiency.

Three real-world examples illustrate how these kinds of solutions can be successfully implemented.

Safety in logistics: three practical examples

1. Protection of high-bay warehouses and shuttle warehouses with KREDIT

The Czech company KREDIT manufactures mobile high-bay warehouses and relies on the deTem2 Core safety multibeam sensor from SICK. This device monitors the opening aisles. W18-3 series through-beam photoelectric sensors are also used to detect taller manned forklift trucks and worker's feet, which could end up underneath the racks.

The deTem2 Core safety multibeam sensor offers a scanning range of up to 90 m and can also be used in cold storage warehouses down to temperatures of -30 °C. The rugged PU3H series of device columns protect the sensors and ensure their reliable function.

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2. Optimizing the material flow using mobile robots from Gessmann

The German company Gessmann develops mobile robots (autonomous mobile robots, AMR) that optimize the transport of materials in industrial environments. These autonomous AMRs are equipped with IME12 series inductive sensors from SICK that detect workpiece carriers. The robot localizes itself by means of a nanoScan3 EFI-pro safety laser scanner and docks itself precisely at passive stations.

At Wilkinson Sword, a leading manufacturer of razor blades, these AMRs from Gessmann are used, for example, to transport the blades between the grinding, cleaning and coating processes. This automation reduces the workload on employees and allows them to concentrate on value-adding tasks such as quality control.

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3. Innovative autonomous transport of pallets with Filics

The start-up Filics and the sensor technology expert SICK have developed a solution for autonomous pallet transportation. It uses advanced sensors and robotics to optimize the material flow in warehouses. The double skid system is equipped with ultra-flat nanoScan3 safety laser scanners that offer reliable safety and precise localization. With 128 configurable fields and a scanning angle of 275 degrees, they optimally protect the route. The unit comprises two parallel-acting transport skids that enable it to pass under, and move in and out of the pallets from the side. This makes maneuvering and turning unnecessary and significantly increases the efficiency of the process.

Pilot applications at Bosch, DHL and the Nagel Group show that the optimized space usage and increased process efficiency lead to significant cost savings. With their solution, Filics have reduced the space requirements in logistics by more than one third, in particular in traditional block storage layouts where pallets are stacked densely.

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Further important aspects for safety in logistics

SICK supports companies in meeting statutory requirements while at the same time reducing their costs through the use of tried-and-proven technologies and tailored solutions. Periodic maintenance ensures that the safety solutions are functioning optimally at all times and correspond to the latest standards. Comprehensive training ensures that employees are always up to date with their knowledge and can utilize the systems efficiently. Tailored solutions guarantee that the specific requirements and challenges of every company are optimally addressed. This leads to increased operational safety and extends the service life of the safety solutions.

The future of logistics 

The logistics sector is faced with far-reaching changes characterized by a shortage of skilled workers and overloading of the infrastructure. Modern safety solutions are an essential part of this transformation. They help companies to optimize their processes and satisfy the requirements on sustainability and digitalization. The continuous further development of these technologies and safety solutions will make a significant contribution to ensuring a sustainable and efficient logistics. Companies that embrace these developments early will be able to compete successfully in the market and actively shape the logistics of the future.

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