Behind the scenes: from project to delivery

Looking for an automated solution

One of the world’s leading food production companies, JBS, has partnered with Scott to set up a full palletizing system, looking to switch from manual packaging and palletizing to an automated solution that will result in a more streamlined, productive, and ergonomically friendly system. A newly constructed building will house two palletizers alongside several AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), a major storage and racking set-up, and a warehouse execution system overseeing all activities from packaging to storing, dispensing, palletizing, wrapping, labelling, and dispatch. 

Following an SKU from A-Z 

Considering the nature of the company, this project has an added level of complexity due to the sheer number of SKUs. Instead of a usual multi-line palletizing setup with accumulation tables, products are transported from packaging to a high-density storage area (able to house up to 90.000 cartons and built to accommodate future growth), where they are kept until ready for palletizing. All cartons are accounted for using an inventory tracking system and an automated palletizing process, from storage to dispatch. Once an SKU is selected from the automated picking tray system, its journey is as follows: 

• The SKU is transported to the labelling area, where labels are applied, based on the customer's needs (labelling up to 50 cartons per minute).
• After labelling, the SKU is palletized using one of the two palletizers (up to 50 cartons per minute, or 101 pallets per hour).
• The pallet is wrapped by one of the two automatic stretch wrappers, receiving a pallet label for further tracking.
• Once completed, the pallets are picked up by an AGV and temporarily stored in a pallet rack.
• Based on the customer order, the pallets are removed from the racking and transported to the loading docks for dispatch. 

With higher labor efficiency, increased production, a streamlined process and tracking system, and greater flexibility for its customers, the protein producer will soon start to see the return on investment of its new palletizing system. 

Overcoming challenges

Although this project is set up for success, many major projects often come with their own set of challenges, especially in an uncertain political climate and when facing different time zones. What constraints did this project encounter and how were they solved? Scott’s Materials Handling and Logistics Center of Excellence is located in Europe, which isn’t always practical when a timely response is required. However, to accommodate the North American market, a local office was established to facilitate overseas cooperation. Scott’s close ties with its partners and between its US and European divisions mean all North American projects can continue to run smoothly – especially when working with capable, proven technology. 

Your partner in palletization

It takes many factors for a project of this magnitude to come to fruition: the engineering, fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning of the entire palletization setup is fully handled by Scott and its partners – from the moment the products leave the packaging line to just before they enter a container for transport.

The project scope is determined through several location visits, during which Scott’s experts analyze the customer’s needs, coming up with a custom solution that prioritizes both price and quality. The budget for the construction of a new palletizer – and potential new infrastructure – is calculated, determining the ROI and the ecological footprint. These calculations, in turn, provide insight into the project’s total investment. 

Got a project in mind? 

If you’re looking to set up your own palletization project in North America, don’t hesitate to reach out. With Scott’s proven technology, global presence, comprehensive project build-up, and collaborative approach, you’ll be able to smoothly navigate the complexities of your own large-scale project.