Automated picking of mixed pallets – with MultiMix for Layer Palletiser software

MultiMix for Layer Palletiser optimises and controls automated layer palletising with packages of different sizes.

  • Stable mixed pallets
    Automatically calculated layer plans for packages of different sizes
  • Efficient order processing
    Minimal number of load carriers for each picking order

  • Efficient control
    Efficient arrangement of packages – stable processes

Custom made control software for automated picking

Layer palletisers can also be used economically for the automated picking of mixed pallets. The requirement for this is that all packages in a picking order are rectangular, and their dimensions are somewhat varied, allowing for layered palletisation of stable mixed pallets. With MultMix for Layer Palletiser, you can increase the productivity and profitability of your layer palletiser.

Overview

Your advantages with MultiMix for Layer Palletiser at a glance

Flexibly configurable for your layer palletiser

Efficient & trouble free order processing

Full mixed pallets – minimal logistics costs

Support in acquiring new projects

The functions at a glance

What MultiMix for Layer Palletiser can do – a selection

  • Import of the picking orders with item information (including dimensions, weights)
  • Reading of the utilised load carrier data

  • Calculation of the minimal number of load carriers necessary for each order
  • Optimised allocation of packages to load carriers

  • Optimised allocation of packages to individual layers
  • Calculation of optimal layer plans
  • Determination of optimal stowage plans

  • Calculation of optimal stacking patterns
  • Generation and export of control data

The full range of functions

The range of MultiMix for Layer Palletiser functions explained

Optimisation module 1/2

In order to maximise the picking efficiency of your layer palletiser, two optimisation modules are used.

For each of a customers picking order,  the first module calculates the following based on the available order information:

  • the minimum number of load carriers necessary
  • the optimal allocation of packages to individual load carriers
  • for each load carrier with consideration to stability requirements and specifications
    • the allocation of packages to individual layers
    • the optimal layer plans
    • the allocation of layers on the load carrier

In the process, all user defined restrictions and specifications are considered.

The result is a stowage plan of one or several mixed pallets, with a layered arrangement of rectangular packages. The adjacent animation illustrates a stowage plan with packages of different sizes.

3D-Stauplan einer Mischpalette für MultiMix Lagenpalettierer

Optimisation module 2/2

The second module, specially configured for your layer palletiser, allows a trouble free and powerful implementation of automated picking:

  • Calculation of optimal stacking patterns for each layer plan
  • Consideration of the technical equipment in the product infeed
  • Generation and export of the control data

The adjacent illustration shows for the fifth layer of the mixed pallet, the allocation of packages to the the infeed processes and the layer formation.

Visualisierung der Lagenbildung und Einlaufreihenfolge für MultiMix Lagenpalettierer

Visualisation of mixed palletising

Even during the project planning phase, MultiMix for Layer Palletiser can provide visualisations of the shifting process. With this, the system manufacturer or integrator can realistically demonstrate to clients the palletising process of a planned layer palletiser, based on real order information. Also, the visualisation allows for transparency in automated picking processes.

Customer reviews about MultiMix for Layer Palletiser

What our long term customers say

We came to Multiscience 15 years ago with very specific needs for modifications to their algorithms to support a new palletizer design for mixed case palletizing. They worked closely with our engineering team and the results were highly successful. Over the years, as the design evolved and the applications broadened, they responded and adapted to some very challenging scenarios and business rules. We are very proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and look forward to continuing our association.

Charles Ethier, CIO
DRL Systems, Pointe Claire
Canada

Industries

A selection of industries in which MultiMix for Layer Palletiser is used

Supermarktregale mit typischen FMCG-Produkten wie Pasta, Saucen und Getränken

Consumer goods industry

Take full advantage of all software solutions – MultiPack, MultiMix, and Multi2Control – for the optimal design of product and outer packaging, the best possible use of stowage space on product and mixed pallets, and fully automated palletising.

Manufacturers of layer palletiser & integrators

Integrate Multi2Control solutions as a tool to efficiently control fully automated palletising systems.

Frequently asked questions about MultiMix for Layer Palletiser

MultiMix for Layer Palletiser processes item data such as dimensions and weight, as well as information on load carriers. Based on this, the system calculates optimal stowage plans and feed sequences.

MultiMix for Layer Palletiser is suitable for the automated palletising of picking orders with different items. The dimensions of the packages should be somewhat varied, to achieve a stable layered loading of the pallet.

Yes. MultiMix for Layer Palletiser is modular and can be configured to the users needs. This includes consideration of your existing conveyor and feed technology, and special requirements like label position or weight distribution.

No. The software runs on commercially available Windows systems. A more powerful computer is recommended for processor intensive tasks, for example a modern CPU with sufficient RAM.

The difference lies in the application scenario:

  • MultiPack is used for identical Products (e.g. identical boxes, buckets, sacks)

  • MultiMix on the other hand, specialises in different sized products with different properties, e.g. mixed displays or customised mixed pallets

MultiMix Mixed Pallet Loading software is used to optimise manual picking of mixed pallets.  Information on the correct placement of packages can, for example, be displayed on a computer screen. In automated picking, the layer palletiser requires corresponding control data to correctly place the packages. MultiMix for Layer Palletiser calculates both optimal stowage plans and the corresponding control data for each picking order and transmits them to the layer palletiser.

Profit from the expertise of the Multiscience team

Since 1990, we have been translating the innovations of machine manufacturers worldwide, into effective palletising performance with the development of our control software. With the experience we have gained through this long standing cooperation, combined with our comprehensive solution expertise, we have demonstrated time and again that even with complex tasks in extraordinary situations, Multiscience always finds reliable solutions for automated palletising and depalletising.

Andreas Hammerl
Managing Director

Start your optimisation now

Access hidden potential in your logistics with MultiMix for Layer Palletiser – for lower costs and more efficiency.