What is a material flow computer?
Material flow computers are used in warehouse logistics to control data flows in automated rack systems. This type of software is also called a data concentrator.
A material flow computer is capable of controlling a wide variety of automated components and devices. You also play a major role in the detection, analysis and correction of faults. Extensive diagnostic functions help here.
What does a material flow computer control?
A material flow computer can take over the control of many components up to very complex production plants. In an automated small parts warehouse, for example, it handles these controls of and communication between:
- Conveying techniques (such as pallets or goods containers)
- Stacker cranes (such as automated retrieval devices)
- Sorting machines (for sorting goods)
- Transfer cars (which transport goods/pallets in the warehouse)
To support the warehouse manager, the material flow computer can also communicate with a higher-level merchandise management system. It can, for example, pass on changes in stock levels to this system or trigger an order when a reorder level is reached.
