Warehouse automation made easy
BITO Solutions are an easy way to automate your warehouse processes
Automated warehousing
The BITO portfolio includes a range of automated storage systems. These include miniload systems, unit-load AS/RS systems, automated pallet racking serviced with stacker cranes or shuttle carriers, automated mobile racking and pallet flow racking. Let us take a look at the advantages of automated systems: Automated order processing significantly reduces the error rate and minimises order throughput times. The turnover rate and picking performance are significantly higher compared to manual systems. Both semi-automated and fully automated solutions are possible. Miniload systems are highly efficient, computer-controlled storage systems that are operated with storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) or shuttle trays. They ensure direct, continuous and fast access to all small items and achieve enormous pick rates.
Automated pallet live PROflow racking
BITO PROflow pallet racking is essential for applications where continuous replenishment is of crucial importance and when fast moving items need to be handled. Another advantage of PROflow pallet live storage racking is that all reference lines can be accessed at the racking front. Separate loading and retrieval aisles guarantee organised storage processes. In live storage systems, each lane is dedicated to a single reference. Moreover, up to 60 percent more storage space can be gained in comparison to conventional pallet racking as only one aisle each is needed for loading and unloading. The pallet live storage system can be automated by fitting powered rollers (PROflow active version) or by servicing the lanes with storage and retrieval machines (SRMs). Powered rollers are used to give an extra push to difficult-to-move pallets, prevent pallets from stopping in a lane and also to slow them down if necessary.
PROmobile pallet racking
BITO PROmobile pallet racking is particularly suited for space-saving storage of a diverse range of goods (up to batch size 1) or for frequently changing product ranges. It is also ideal as a seasonal buffer store. The racking runs are mounted on electrically operated bases that can be moved apart at any time, giving you direct access to all pallets. It is sufficient to open just one aisle for storage or retrieval, which enables a high overall storage density. Optionally, several narrow picking aisles can be opened for manual order picking instead of one wide aisle for forklift trucks. PROmobile pallet racking is controlled either directly via an operating panel on the installation or using convenient radio remote control. Mobile pallet racking from BITO is available in two versions: PROmobile and PROmobile synchro with synchronised motion control.
BITO LEO AGVs
The BITO LEO AGV family is an innovative transport system for bins, boxes, trays or packaged unit loads. It works without a master computer or a WLAN connection. The battery-operated LEO AGV is plug & play-capable and follows a colour-coded adhesive tape track on the hall floor. Direction commands are transmitted via markers (QR codes) on the hall floor, enabling automated delivery of materials and products to assembly and pick stations. LEO transports goods in bins and containers or on trays as well as packaged units ready for dispatch and returns empty bins or trays to the receiving area. The picking stations can be accessed as required and adapted as needed. LEO AGVs are an agile and adaptable logistics solution and help companies take a step towards automation.
Totes and crates for automated warehouses
The BITO portfolio offers a range of storage container series for use in AS/RS facilities and on powered conveyors. These include KLT small parts containers, Euro stacking containers for automated warehouses, EQ folding boxes, MB multi-trip containers, trays and, in particular, the BITOBOX XLmotion range of containers that have have been designed for automated handling. They feature a flat-surfaced double base with a non-textured outer tread as well as outer ribbing on the sides designed to fit standard load handling equipment. This special design enables the extremely quiet operation on conveyor lines and in automated warehouses. Water drainage holes, slot-in holes for dividers, an impressively large internal volume and a large tread width are further features. Cup handles and open handles offer additional handling flexibility. Location lugs for drop-on lids and many other well thought-out details round off the advantages of the container.
Fully automated processes are not a one-size-fits-all solution
Take a step into the world of automation and increase your competitiveness with BITO solutions
Singular solutions are often suboptimal
Certain prerequisites are crucial for automating warehouse processes. Ideally, the aim is to operate continuously around the clock (24/7), with clearly defined and validated target processes and minimal to no seasonal fluctuations. For this purpose, long-term planning security is required with regard to storage requirements (load carriers, batch sizes, throughput). The more these requirements deviate from the ‘ideal automated warehouse’, the more manual processes should be taken into account. Indicators of the potential for automation can be identified on the basis of the following characteristics: Many repetitive tasks are performed in a certain area, work is done in multiple shifts with intensive use of personnel, quality and safety requirements are particularly high and there are small fluctuations in the workload.
Partial automation can be economically beneficial for many companies. Comprehensive, monolithic solutions with a high degree of mechanisation often prove to be suboptimal for economic reasons and lead to potential losses in flexibility. With partial automation, investments can be concentrated on areas that promise the greatest economic benefit from automation. This enables a cost-efficient implementation and short payback periods. Areas with a lower economic potential, strong fluctuations in the workload or unpredictable external influences are omitted. For partial automation, it is advisable to create a long-term, holistic concept, even if only some areas are to be automated initially.
Market factors and industry standard 4.0 call for automation
The introduction of industry standard 4.0, global competitive pressure and the accelerating deployment of e-commerce transactions increasingly require automation or at least partial automation of processes. Many companies are faced with the challenge of deciding which processes they can or should automate. Does it even make sense to keep certain manual processes in the warehouse? Particular attention must be paid to interfaces when integrating automated and manual solutions. Areas that are particularly suitable for automation include moving goods between storage areas, picking and allocating orders and efficient route planning. These processes are usually controlled by a warehouse management system. Automation solutions within a company must be flexible and scalable in order to cope with current market requirements and company growth.
What are the benefits of a warehouse automation solution from BITO?
BITO provides custom solutions for any application
Flexible warehouse automation and real-time inventory monitoring
With BITO, you can gradually automate your warehouse processes or implement a fully automated warehouse system such as a miniload system or an automated pallet racking facility. Our LEO AGV, for example, is a flexible and cost-effective solution for moving bins, containers, trays or cartons between several work/picking stations without the need for a master computer or a WLAN connection. TeDaLoS is a cloud-based, mobile and autonomous system that enables easy, digital inventory control. It works with a large number of wireless weight sensors that are fitted at the relevant storage positions or on bins and containers. Ask us – we have the right automation solution for every requirement in our product portfolio.
BITO is a specialist with long-standing expertise in the field of automated storage systems
Thanks to decades of experience in the development and implementation of automated solutions, BITO can draw on a wealth of expertise. As a specialist in warehouse technology, we go far beyond manufacturing our own shelving and racking, plastic bins and containers and running our own online shop for components and accessories. Our expertise also includes planning and realising large-scale projects and implementing customised automated solutions.
On-site planning and consultation from BITO experts
BITO experts will analyse your warehouse processes on site, make suggestions for improvement and develop solutions for efficient automation. For many companies, step-by-step partial automation is the most suitable approach. Monolithic solutions are often suboptimal and expensive, whereas partial automation is a lot more budget-friendly. A LEO AGV is already available for less than EUR 10,000.
BITO LEO AGVs are the easy way to automate material flows
LEO is an optically guided transport system for bins, boxes, trays or individual unit loads that works without a master computer or a WLAN connection. Colour-coded track tapes and optical markers (QR codes) on the floor give clear driving commands. LEO distributes goods flexibly and fully autonomously to workstations, picking or assembly stations. Bins, containers, trays or cartons are transported safely and empty totes are returned to collection points. LEO AGVs can be customised, allowing you to automate your processes flexibly and in line with your needs.
Optimum solutions through active listening and transparent communication
At BITO, we value effective communication and comprehensive advice. Whether you need to plan and build a new, fully automated logistics centre or require a partially automated solution – transparent communication with our customers is a matter of honour and loyalty for us. We are thoroughly convinced that the best solutions come about through constructive dialogue with your needs and requirements at the centre of our attention. Transparent communication is the key to customised solutions that meet your individual requirements.
We manufacture premium products in our own factories
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 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
The BITO product range includes many solutions to streamline and automate your workflow with our inventory control system TeDaLos, our LEO AGV family, automated live storage racking and mobile racking. Of course, all solutions come with a large selection of components and accessories. Take a look into our BITO Online Shop!