Warehouse Management System for coil storage

The Konecranes Warehouse Management System (WMS) is designed for managing an automatic coil warehouse operated by cranes with mechanical grippers or magnets. The WMS manages transport orders, optimizes operating times, and provides real-time information on operating and system statuses for streamlined warehouse operations.

Steel coil data is recorded by the WMS through a host system and the operator can easily access all relevant system and coil information. Coils arriving at the storage point are automatically stored up to three layers in storage and automatically retrieved when requested.

The WMS consists of a basic module plus extension modules for yard management, production management and AGV management.

The Konecranes WMS Yard Management Module (YMM) controls the material flow of coils from the train or truck to storage. The WMS-YMM also controls coil registration and quality checks.

Before storing a coil, the data record is transmitted to the WMS from the host/MES system or manually entered by an operator via the WMS screen. The coil is labelled with a barcode-readable label and its contour dimensions are measured and verified. The operator inputs all information—including the coil's location on a train, truck, or in a buffer area—using a mobile device connected directly to the WMS.

Coils can be automatically unloaded from and loaded onto trains or trucks. For trains, the crane only needs to drive over the entire train once to assess the position of all loaded coils. For both trains and trucks, the application software calculates the exact position, height, diameter and width of each coil and the measurement result is sent to the WMS. The WMS detects the coils with machine vision and its algorithm determines the pick or deposit position on the train or truck.

The Konecranes WMS Production Management Module (PMM) provides special functions for production order management such as the control and management of priorities of production orders and output conveying lines, management of deliveries and delivery positions, and reordering or replacement of coils.

When the turnstiles are occupied with requested coils and the transfer area is empty or in manual mode, the WMS retrieves requested coils from the automatic storage area and places them in the buffer area. Coils that are not located in the uppermost layer will be automatically dug out by relocating coils above.

Retrieval is typically based on priority first, then creation time (first in, first out) to one of the retrieval points. If the retrieval request is determined by project-specific retrieval criteria, the WMS selects the coils using a designated retrieval strategy.

The Konecranes WMS Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Management Module (AMM) controls the material flow of coils outside the storage area. An AGV management module is a key component in coil warehousing as it manages and directs the movement of AGVs for efficient material handling. The Konecranes AMM can implement several different types of AGVs.

The AMM communicates with the AGVs through wireless communication or cabling within the customer network and provides them with instructions on pick-up and delivery points. It also monitors AGV locations and checks that they follow a safe and optimized path. Additionally, the AMM integrates with the WMS to keep track of inventory levels, update the status of orders, and plan the most efficient AGV routing. This results in a streamlined and efficient material handling process, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.