The packing guide 2024 1
CHAPTER 5 MODULAR SYSTEM 400 Examples of e-commer
ce/automation modules used in the industry Modules in automation handling and e-commerce Modular system in automated warehouses: To increase efficiency and reduce costs, more and more warehouses are being automated. I.e. customer orders are largely handled by technical solutions such as robots, cranes and conveyors. When automated warehouses with subsequent transport are linked together to achieve cost-effective logistics to the store, the 600x400 mm of the modular system is usually used as a load carrier/ customer crate throughout the entire logistics chain. This is primarily to enable automation and transport to handle the smaller outer packages, which, due to their size and/or fragile packaging, do not become stable/protected when packed on a pallet or cage. The most common customer crate in automated warehouses (within the EU/EEA, where the EUR pallet is standard) are plastic customer crates with module dimensions 600x400 mm that go in an internal return flow. I.e. the goods are picked for the customer crate, which is moved between workstations inside the automated warehouse, and finally the customer crate is packed, usually automatically, on a pallet/ cage and transported out to the customer. When the goods have been dispatched, the crate is returned to the automated warehouse . This is more economical and creates the possibility of less environmental impact as the plastic crate can be used again and again (assuming an environmentally sound choice of plastic and that the crate can withstand sufficient number of cycles to the customer). If empty crates cannot be returned, the most common procedure is that the customer crate is made of cardboard/corrugated cardboard instead and discarded after delivery. The disadvantage of a disposable box is the cost of the box and its environmental impact compared to a reusable plastic returnable crate. The advantage is a significantly lower purchase price and that no return transport costs are required For stackability in the returns and for optimal storage, the customer crates are conical or have folding sides, so that they can be flattened and stacked with less space required (see example images). E-commerce modules: A modular crate is also used in e-commerce to be able to transport the shopping bags safely and efficiently to the consumer. Large FMCG retailers in Sweden, such as ICA, Axfood, Coop and Mathem, use plastic crates with the dimensions of the modular system 600x400 mm in their internal return flow out to consumers/stores. When the goods or shopping bags have been dropped off, the crate is returned with a driver. Large consumer packages with modular dimensions of 600x400 mm or larger (e.g. some toilet paper or paper towels) cannot fit in the crate with the same modular dimensions and must either be handled separately in picking and transport or not be offered to customers in the larger size. 51 600 600 400