BITO can help to improve your manufacturing processes
BITO is an all rounder in the field of warehousing and intralogistics solutions for manufacturing industries in almost any sector.
Shelving and racking for manufacturing
Workflows in manufacturing processes can be optimised with BITO shelving and racking such as stationary and mobile racks complete with bins, boltless shelving, Kanban flow racks, cantilever racking and pallet live storage racking.
Parts and semi-finished products needed in production settings can be stored clearly organised for quick picking in supply racks, pick racks, shelf trolleys and racking for long loads. Supply racks exist in a variety of designs and are an integral part of manufacturing environments. The range includes shelving with inclined shelf levels, racking and trolleys for timber, metal or plastic sheets and plates as well as live storage replenishment racks. Hardly any other shelving or racking system offers more options of customisation. BITO manufactures supply racks to customer specification and makes sure that each tailor-made storage rack meets individual requirements.
BITO also provides shelving complete with bins for Kanban systems used in lean manufacturing processes. Suitable BITO bin series for Kanban storage systems include BITO C-item containers that combine the advantages of handling bins and open-fronted storage bins, as well as European standard size containers. C-item containers maximise space utilisation in Kanban racks. They enable both top picking and front picking, with access to the parts from the front (by sliding down the viewing window) and from the top (by pulling out the box from the shelf). The optional product feeder panel prevents items from spilling out when the bin is tilted or the slide-down window is not up. Thanks to the viewing window, operators can see how many parts are still left in the bin. This means that the Kanban system can even be adopted with a single bin. When the last item has been removed, the replenishment quantity can be accessed by pulling up the feeder panel. The ordering process for new C-items is triggered by removing the card or RFID tag from the rear end of the bin. With the two-bin Kanban system, the first bin is pulled out of the rack after the last piece has been removed. The product identification card is taken out to start the ordering process. The second bin is then pulled into the front position. The new bin with the replenishment parts is fed in from the rear (FIFO principle). The ultra-flat shelves of BITO supply shelving are only 20 mm high, which means that ten shelves can be fitted in each bay instead of eight, thereby optimising storage space utilisation by 25 percent. Another type of container that is suited for Kanban storage is the modular sized BITO EMB. EMB containers are available in different height and width options and are a perfect match with BITO boltless shelving with inclined shelves and with BITO flow racks. EMB containers fit perfectly on a Euro pallet. They are extremely sturdy, different sizes stack safely on top of each other and they have a large storage volume. Snag-free inner surfaces allow for easy cleaning and the integrated, ergonomically shaped handles make it easy to push, pull and carry EMB containers. Live storage racking is also a very good option for implementing the Kanban principle and ensuring continuous product replenishment at the workplace. Products, either small unit loads, bulk goods or individual items, are stored in plastic bins or containers. These are fed into the flow lanes at the racking rear side and move gravity-driven on plastic rollers to the front where the products can be picked as required.
Bins and containers for manufacturing
Storage and handling bins, small parts storage boxes, Euro stacking totes, multi-trip distribution containers, large-volume containers and pallet boxes are all types of plastic boxes frequently used in industrial manufacturing.
We offer the right solution for every challenge in the field of small parts handling in production settings. The BITO range of bins and containers for small parts includes RK and PK shelf bins, with the PK range being a budget option. SK open-fronted storage & picking bins are available in nine size options and four colours (blue, yellow, green, red). Our C-item CTB bins are available in two materials: from recyclable polypropylene (PP) in dove-blue or from eco-friendly Sunflower Compound (SFC) in grey. Euro stacking bins have an excellent stacking stability and help to make full use of the available storage space. Three ranges of stacking totes are offered - XL, EMB or BN, all in various sizes.
The BITO multi-purpose MB container range is our most versatile option. It is not only a nestable and stackable alternative to single use packaging, but can also be used in almost all fields thanks to its wide range of versions. MB containers are widely used for storage, order picking, in-house transport and shipping. and can be fitted with 2 part attached lids or stacking rails.
When empty, MB containers can be nested, thereby saving up to 75% of their volume.
In manufacturing and warehousing, wire-mesh pallet boxes and sheet steel containers are often replaced by BITO large volume and heavy-duty plastic SL half pallet sized containers which are made from light-weight PP and are easy to stack. BITO MB multi-purpose containers are also available in 800 x 600 mm format with various height options. They can be ordered with runners for forklift truck handling. MB large-volume containers with runners can also be nested. Euro stacking containers are designed to match the dimensions of Euro pallets and can be stacked safely. The extra large version of our Euro stacking container series also comes with runners and can hold loads of up to 200 kg. Large-volume containers such as pallet boxes, either with solid sides or collapsible, are adapted to the size of Euro pallets and industry pallets The containers have a very large volume and can hold a maximum weight of up to 650 kg. There are also versions with feet or runners. They can be ordered in various heights, with a drop-down door and with a lid. When folded, collapsible boxes take up very little storage space.
The KLT tote range from BITO has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of efficient and effective material transportation. Thanks to their industry standard dimensions, these containers help to optimise storage and logistics processes as they can be stacked, transported and stored effortlessly. Their design enables efficient handling in racking systems, on conveyor belts and in automated small parts warehouses (AS/RS systems).
Buffer storage and interim storage solutions
Buffer storage is generally needed between two process steps that run at different speeds. The purpose is to ensure that production, picking or delivery processes run smoothly and to avoid enormous costs in the event of downtime. There are many reasons why company processes can come to a standstill. For example, the supply of materials or the delivery of components and semi-finished products for production may be delayed due to the market situation or by failure to deliver on the supplier side. Technical problems with systems, staff suddenly being absent, etc. can lead to processes being interrupted. Sometimes, stored goods cannot be processed immediately for time-related or organisational reasons. Crucial factors that determine the design of buffer storage facilities are the installation size, the production reliability to be achieved and the intended investment.
In most cases, buffer storage systems in production or intralogistics settings are designed in such a way that they are neither empty nor cluttered during regular operation. The design depends largely on the type of products and on space limitations. Buffer stock size is a factor that must be taken into account to keep costs on a low level in the long term. A smaller buffer stock reduces costs, but also runs out more quickly. Process downtime in turn leads to extremely high costs. Decisive factors for the layout are therefore in particular the size of a buffer stock, the production reliability to be achieved and the investment. In a buffer stock, goods can be block stacked on the floor or stored in racking, such as in drive-in racking or in pallet live storage racking, shuttle-serviced pallet racking or in automated vertical carousel systems. Short-term or interim storage installations can be restocked both manually and automatically. Pallet live storage systems work according to the FIFO principle (First In - First Out) and ensure that products that are stored first are retrieved first. On account of its simple design boltless shelving is particularly suited for buffering goods. It can be loaded from all sides and can be easily customised. Carousel systems and paternoster systems enable compact storage in the tightest of spaces. They work according to the goods-to-person principle and are available in different versions. They offer short access times and high throughput rates. However, their ability to adapt to a changing product range is limited and they are generally used to store continuously incoming goods.
Automated transport of bins and containers with LEO locative AGVs
The LEO AGV is an optically controlled transport system for boxes and cartons that does not require a host computer or a WLAN connection. With the help of colour-coded track tapes and optical markers (QR codes) on the floor, LEO navigates to its intended target point. With LEO, goods can be distributed flexibly and fully automatically to different workstations, e.g. in production areas. Bins, containers, trays or cartons are transported safely and empty load carriers are returned to the starting point. For repetitive tasks, the LEO automated guided vehicle system is a flexibly customisable solution to organise the transport and distribution of items as required.
Boost the efficiency of your manufacturing operations with intralogistics solutions from BITO
The BITO range includes efficient solutions for your production environment, such as supply racks, live storage racking, shelf trolleys, small parts containers, heavy-duty carriers and large-volume containers. We also build buffer and intermediate storage facilities, automated small parts warehouses and organise internal transport tasks with our flexibly deployable LEO AGVs.
Production logistics is becoming increasingly complex
Production logistics and associated internal processes are undergoing significant change. Technological influences such as industry standard 4.0 and economic factors such as increasing globalisation are having a significant impact on production and logistics processes. Customer demand for batch size 1, i.e. customised mass production, is gaining importance. This development requires highly complex transportation and production logistics that needs to be digitised, automated and connected. New production methods such as rapid prototyping and additive laser manufacturing enable products to be customised rapidly. Industry 4.0 means that all systems are connected and communicate with each other. Customised manufacturing has a significant impact on both manufacturing and distribution logistics. A large number of different parts must be provided just-in-time (JIT) at different stations of a production process. The supply of parts, semi-finished products and raw materials to the machines must therefore be flexible and automated. Easily scalable warehouse shuttle systems in combination with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) such as LEO locative from BITO are particularly suitable for this purpose. Flexible agile manufacturing cells are also used for batch size 1 production, which can be quickly converted to manufacture a different product. This trend represents a challenge for intralogistics, as companies need to react flexibly to changes in production. The ability of systems to communicate with each other over the Internet of Things (IoT) is therefore essential.
Kanban systems with barcode or RFID product identification
Nowadays, storage media such as barcodes or RFID chips are used instead of traditional Kanban cards. In this process, data or production orders are transmitted via WIFI to the warehouse management system, the ERP system or the respective component supplier. With the barcode system, an operator manually scans the barcode of empty containers and transmits this information to the component supplier, who in turn delivers the required parts. With an RFID system, this process is automated. In this case, item data and container data are transmitted directly from the customer production site to the central warehouse by radio frequency identification (RFID). This means re-orders are placed without prior scanning and manual recording. The RFID tag or transponder, which is attached to each item or Kanban container, has an antenna and can be identified by a unique number that ensures data security. Apart from the reader that captures transponder data, an RFID system also includes a transmitter unit for data transmission and automated reordering of components for production.
What are the benefits of an intralogistics solution from BITO?
Wide range of solutions for manufacturing logistics
BITO offers a wide range of intralogistics solutions for the manufacturing industry. We deliver Kanban racks, shelving and racking for order picking, boltless shelving, flow racks, cantilever racking and cassettes for long loads, shelf trolleys, order picking boxes and cases, small parts containers and Euro stacking containers, multi-trip containers and many other products. We also plan and implement end-to-end warehouse solutions for product buffering and intermediate storage, shuttle-serviced racking installations, mini-load systems and AGV transport solutions.
Quality products from our own plants
At BITO, we manufacture premium shelving and racking systems as well as plastic bins, trays and containers in our own state-of-the-art production facilities. Our steel products are manufactured at our company headquarters in Meisenheim, BITO bins and containers are produced in Lauterecken. Both production sites work in compliance with the latest technological standards and use modern, energy-efficient machines. This not only guarantees the outstanding quality of our products, but also ensures that production is resource-efficient and meets the highest standards of technology and environmental compatibility.
BITO is a specialist with long-standing expertise in material handling and storage equipment for production environments
Thanks to decades of experience in the development and implementation of solutions for the manufacturing industry, BITO can draw on a wealth of expertise. As a specialist in storage technology, we go beyond simply manufacturing our own shelving and racking, plastic bins and containers and operating an extensive online shop for components and accessories. Our expertise also includes planning and realising large-scale projects and implementing customised intralogistics solutions for production environments.
Solutions combining shelving and racking with bins and containers
Manufacturing in particular revolves around the organised and demand-oriented provision with parts and semi-finished products. For this purpose, the BITO portfolio includes supply shelving complete with storage and handling containers RK and PK, storage bins with pick opening SK and PK, bins for C-items CTB and Euro stacking containers XL, BN and EMB. Live storage racking and shelving with inclined shelves are suited for Kanban storage. Buffer storage and interim storage areas can be furnished with boltless shelving and flow racking systems. Stacker crane or shuttle serviced automated small parts storage systems (ASRS) are ideal if huge quantities of small parts must be supplied. And when it comes to moving parts and components efficiently in your plant, the LEO locative AGV is an excellent solution for transporting totes, trays and cartons between workstations.
BITO LEO locative AGVs for production environments
LEO AGVs are ideal for distributing parts and semi-finished products flexibly and autonomously to different workstations in production areas. Totes, trays or cartons are transported safely and empty totes are automatically returned for goods replenishment. The LEO AGV is an optically controlled transport system for boxes and cartons that does not require a master computer or a WLAN connection. With the help of colour-coded track tapes and optical markers (QR codes) on the floor, LEO navigates to its intended target point. This flexible, customisable AGV solution allows order picking to be tailored to your requirements and adapted as needed.
BITO Storage solutions grow with your business
BITO provides storage solutions for production environments that can be easily scaled and flexibly adapted given the available space. BITO Bin shelving can be easily assembled without nuts and bolts and can be extended with add-on bays. Pick walls can be erected quickly and easily at any desired location and are also suitable for separating work areas.
Together we will work out the best solution
At BITO, we value effective communication and comprehensive advice. Whether you are planning or building a fully equipped logistics centre or require an integrated systems solution for your production department, we are the right and reliable partner for you. We advise you in detail right from the start and work out the optimum solution together with you. We are thoroughly convinced that the best solutions are found through intensive dialogue with our customers.
BITO Warranty
We provide a comprehensive BITO warranty for all products and services. As a renowned manufacturer of material handling and storage equipment, we are fully committed to delivering premium products and services. The BITO brand name is synonymous with outstanding quality and reliability.
Broad range of accessories
We offer a wide range of components and accessories for FIFO solutions in our BITO Online Shop.