Hoesch Hohenlimburg GmbH (Hagen, Germany):

Mechmann S., Production Engineer, Pickling

3tn Industriesoftware GmbH (Holzwickede, Germany):

Tönjes T., Director, toenjes@3tn.de

In 2011, Hoesch Hohenlimburg GmbH implemented a warehouse management system (WMS) in the coil store downstream of the two pickling lines. The WMS enables target-oriented storage and efficient use of the available storage space. The system optimizes crane movements, avoids unnecessary shifting — and the associated risk of damage — and speeds up loading for shipment. It creates transparency as it makes all information readily available and all activities intuitively comprehensible. Additionally, the system guarantees a high safety level. Bay No. 6 used as a storage area for coils coming from the two pickling lines is described. The situation in the coil store can be visualized from any desired perspective, while the monitor displays a perfect image of the situation in real time. It is displayed as two coils are being picked up at the pickling line exit and as the crane driver sees the coils from a perpendicular perspective. The loading technology provides that, e.g. yellow and turquoise coils in the storage positions will be loaded onto the wagons of the same colours. For loading the trucks, the next-in-line coils are being cleared from coils to be dispatched at a later time; in the meantime, for any coil, the warehouse management system can indicate the current position and the destination.