MultiscienceGmbH

The modular software systemfor optimising loading volume forheterogeneous goods

Deichstraße 106

D-27318 Hoya / Weser

Germany

Phone: +49(0) 4251 / 2868

Fax: +49(0) 4251 / 7283

info@multiscience.com

www.multiscience.comMultiscience

GmbH

MultiMixMultiMix is used in many companies and in a variety of sectorsthroughout Europe for solving a multitude of loading problems:

JohnsonDiversey, Münchwilen/Thurgau (Schweiz): Containerbeladung • Elfotec AG, Moenchaltorf(Schweiz): Mischpalettenbeladung • Ferrero Deutschland GmbH, Stadtallendorf: Mischpalettenbela-dung • Haco AG, Gümligen (Schweiz): Containerbeladung • Karl Meyer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH,Offenbach/Main: Containerbeladung • Koch, Neff & Oetinger Verlagsauslieferung GmbH, Stuttgart:Versandbehälterauswahl • Kühne & Nagel (AG & Co.) KG, Bremen: LKW/Containerbeladung • MannerAG, Wien (Österreich): Containerbeladung • Mars Austria, Breitenbrunn (Österreich): Containerbela-dung • Megamat GmbH, Neuburg: LKW/Containerbeladung • Miele & Cie. KG, Gütersloh: LKW-,Bahnwaggon- und Containerbeladung und Versandbehälterauswahl • Nordgetreide GmbH & Co. KG,Lübeck: Containerbeladung • Prowell GmbH & Co. KG, Offenbach/Queich: LKW-Beladung • GerthMedien GmbH, Asslar: Versandbehälterauswahl • Tetra GmbH, Melle: Mischpalettenbeladung • CORONET

International GmbH & Co. KG, Wald-Michelbach: Containerbeladung • Vestel A.S., Manisa (Türkei):Containerbeladung • Voith Paper Automation GmbH & Co. KG, St. Pölten (Österreich): LKW- undContainerbeladung • ZF Sachs AG, Schweinfurt, Mischpalettenbeladung • Waldemar Behn GmbH &Co. KG, Eckernförde: Mischpaletten- und Containerbeladung • bofrost* Dienstleistungs GmbH & Co.KG, Straelen: Versandbehälterauswahl • Carlsberg A/S, Kopenhagen (Dänemark): Kommissionierungvon Getränken • Carstens GmbH, Hollern-Twelenflieth: Containerbeladung • Centrotec AG, Brilon:Mischpalettenbeladung • Dr. Schaer GmbH, Burgstall (Italien): Containerbeladung • Eppendorf AG,Hamburg: Versandbehälterauswahl • Teutofracht Spedition GmbH, Georgsmarienhütte: LKW-Beladung •Held Küchen Möbelfabrik GmbH, Porta Westfalica: Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbelbau-sätze • hülsta-werke Hüls GmbH & Co. KG, Stadtlohn: Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbel-bausätze • Karl Otto Braun GmbH & Co. KG, Wolfstein: Containerbeladung • Henry Lambertz GmbH& Co. KG, Aachen: Containerbeladung • speaker trade, Solingen: Containerbeladung • MuehlhensGmbH & Co. KG, Köln: Versandbehälterauswahl • Milch-Union Hocheiffel eG, Pronsfeld: Containerbela-dung • Rauch Möbelwerke GmbH, Freudenberg: Containerbeladung • Red Bull GmbH, Fuschl am See(Österreich): Containerbeladung • Riedel Tiroler Glashütte Ges.m.b.H., Kufstein (Österreich): Container-beladung • Schildmeyer Möbelproduktion GmbH, Bad Oeynhausen: Konstruktion von Umverpackungenfür Möbelbausätze • Schüco International KG, Bielefeld: Versandbehälterauswahl • Star Service Center,Bremen: Containerbeladung • Stieffenhofer GmbH, Bassenheim: Containerbeladung • Themex MöbelGmbH & Co. KG, Themar: Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbelbausätze • Unilin Decor N. V.,Izegem (Belgien): Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbelbausätze

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Multiscience GmbH has been foundedin 1986. It is exclusively concerned with the deve-lopment of software systems for optimising the useof loading volume and for creating controlling datafor automatic palletising systems. The company’svery name itself is intended to indicate that evencomplex situations can be analysed by an interdisci-plinary team and provide solutions, which can be

Modular software for heterogeneous goods logistics

realised in logistic practice and which extend farbeyond the programming of mathematical optimisa-tion procedures.

Multiscience offers the software system, MultiMix, forthe optimisation of loading heterogeneous packingitems and MultiPack for packing items of equal size.

The MultiMix-system modules serve to makeoptimum use of the loading volume when loadingmixed packing items. As far back as the year 1987the original version of the MultiMix shipping contai-ner selection was used for the optimum selection ofshipping cartons for book club deliveries by Ber-telsmann in Gütersloh. After more than 20 years ofcontinuous development work, many variations ofthe MultiMix modules for mixed pallet loading andHGV/container loading are in use throughout Europein addition to the shipping container selection.

MultiMix lays the foundation for efficient logistics bythe maximum use of loading volume capacity andthe selection of optimum cargo carriers.

Only the maximum possible utilisation of the loa-ding volume by pallets, receptacles and containerscan minimise logistics costs. The three MultiMixbasic modules can be combined according to rele-vant practical demands and can be supplementedby specific additional functions. Controlling data forautomatic order picking systems can be createdusing ‘MultiMix for robots’.

MultiMix

Optimum loading of shipping containers, pallets and HGVs with mixed packing items

MultiMix MultiPackLoading pallets with packing items of the same size

A separate brochure describesMultiPack’s scope of

performance

In order to transport heterogeneousgoods, various cargo carriers areused, which must each be loaded incompliance with the most varied ofrestrictions. With its various modu-les, MultiMix takes this situation intoaccount.

Sound loading volume planning in seconds

Multiscience GmbH

Loading volume optimisation using MultiMix

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Modul Ladungsträger Packstücke

q Shipping container selection q Boxes q Booksq Re-usable containers q Folding boxesq Pallet boxes q Spares

q Tinsq Bottles

q Mixed pallet loading q Pallets q Boxesq Rolling containers q Food trays

q Barrelsq Re-usable containers

(beverages, fresh foods)

q HGV/container loading q HGVs q Boxesq Containers q Palletsq ULDs q Cratesq Railway wagons q Barrels

All three modules offer interfaces for data transfer and easy administration of the relevant articles, cargo carriers and customer data necessary for calculation.

A short overview of the modules and the typical cargo carriers and packing items:

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In manufacturing, wholesaling and mail order com-panies, picked customer orders, whose volume issmaller than the loading capacity of normal pallets,are shipped in standard containers (boxes or re-usable containers). As a rule, a relatively small num-ber of various container types is available for a broadspectrum of customer orders.

In the simplest case, the order picker selects theshipping container to be used simply by assessingthe article to be packed or by the order packing list.As a rule, he will tend towards selecting a relativelylarge container to be sure that the extra work invol-ved in repacking due to having selected too small acontainer is avoided.

A simple IT supported container selection for Pick& Pack order picking is also widely used, taking intoaccount the litre volume and the maximum dimen-sions of the articles, whereby a fixed guide value ofe.g. 70% is used as a basis for the maximum fillinglevel of the containers.

MultiMix

This procedure tends towards choosing containers,which are too large for relatively small articles,whereby in packing larger articles relative to thecontainer size, unsuitable containers are often se-lected: For example two boxes measuring 250 x210 x 160 mm do not fit into a box measuring 400 x 350 x 200 mm, although only 60% of thevolume would be taken up. In both cases the princi-ple applies that on the one hand repacking due tohaving selected too small a container cannot be ex-cluded and on the other hand it is relatively unlikelythat the order picker will repack the goods alreadypacked into an obviously too large container into asmaller one.

As a consequence of selecting containers which aretoo large, unnecessary additional costs are incurredfor packaging material, reusable containers or fil-ling material and damage due to empty space in thecontainer as well as additional costs result from ahigher volume requirement in the succeeding levelsof the logistics chain.

The shipping container selection module

Software supported selection of the lowest cost shipping containers

Multiscience GmbH

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Order picking of furniture building kits with on-screen support

MultiMix shipping container selection can be expan-ded and amended to suit special customer require-ments. For this purpose, this can include creatinginterfaces to existing systems or adding specific information to packing lists.

MixKart:customising product range boxes

The MixKart programme is a combination of MultiMix shipping container selection with theMultiPack programme. It enables optimising the di-mensions of the product range boxes (e.g. for ran-ges of sweet goods or furniture building kits), whichmust be matched both to the content as well as tothe transport pallet.

Using MultiMix appropriate containers can be se-lected for every order even before order processing.This means:q Costs are minimisedq Repacking is avoidedq Separate packing lists are prepared for every

container included within an order.q The container specification for Pick & Pack

order picking is error freeq Material usage for container and filling

material is recordedq It is possible to verify completeness by

reweighing individual containers within an orderq The necessary transport capacity can be

obtained earlyq The logistic follow-on costs for every order

can be precisely calculatedq The packing process can be graphically

supportedq Controlling data can be created for order

picking robots

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MultiMix

The mixed pallet loading module

Because the scope and composition of orders fordelivery differ greatly as a rule, it is hardly possibleto give an exact forecast of the number of palletsrequired without software support. It is up to theorder picker to find the best possible pallet load.The MultiMix module, mixed pallet loading, servesto plan the loading of heterogeneous picking orderson pallets, rolling containers and similar cargo car-riers: Customers’ orders are broken down into theminimum number of pallet sized loads so that thepallet load volume can be used to its best advan-tage.

Separate loading lists and plans are prepared foreach individual pallet. Based on this information anefficient pallet loading process (e.g. by Pick & Packorder picking) and the early, well founded schedu-ling of the required transport capacity can be orga-nised.

The number of errors in order picking is reducedand easier monitoring of completeness, both by theloader as well as by the recipient, is ensured bymeans of precise delivery documentation at palletlevel. MultiMix can take into account customer andpacking item specific physical restrictions in theoptimisation of pallet loading:q maximum total pallet weightq pallet type and load height specificationsq fragility and overloadingq demands on the stability of the loadq pallet loading sequence according to the

optimum order picking methodq combining product groups or partial

product ranges q taking into account interim pallets e.g.

for separating product groups

Additional customer specific restrictions can beintegrated into MultiMix mixed pallet loading byMultiscience as required.

Optimum planning of mixed pallets

Multiscience GmbH

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In accordance with the relevant loading strategy,various optimisation algorithms are available. De-pendent upon the structure of the orders to be plan-ned and the user’s preference, MultiMix choosesbetween different packing strategies such as e.g.layering with tied stacking for homogeneous partialcargo, tower forming and three dimensional nestedmodels.

Robots in order picking

In mixed palletising with the aid of robots, exactload planning is essential in order to achieve a stableload. This makes an ex-ante calculation of the orderpicking pallets indispensable.

In recent years, the first products were realised for various systems providers allowing controllingdata for robot controlled loading of heterogeneouspacking items to be created with the aid of MultiMixmixed pallet loading. To this effect, the most variedof packing algorithms and data interfaces wereimplemented in accordance with the hardware andsoftware concepts of the relevant systems provi-ders.

Order picking pallet planned with MultiMix

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The HGV/container loading module

MultiMix

In loading HGVs, containers and similar large volu-me cargo carriers, the problem of maximising theloading volume capacity is encountered in a largenumber of variants. In connection with the searchfor suitable cargo carriers for a cargo consisting ofone or more customer orders, which can includepacking items such as boxes, pallets, barrels, pipes,rollers etc., the following questions are conceivableand can also in part be interdependent:

q Will the load fit into a specific cargo carrier (HGV/container)?

q What part of the load will fit into the specified cargo carrier?

q Can remaining free loading volume be used for additional orders or partial orders?

q How many cargo carriers of what types are required?

q Which cargo carrier types (e.g. 20’ or 40’ containers, different HGVs) should be used for the cargo?

q Is it possible to realise the unloading sequence of the individual orders specified in the route planning?

The selection of suitable cargo carriers for smallorders can only be solved satisfactorily by a drawnout trial and error process but the optimum solutionis unlikely to be achieved. For larger orders, thecomplexity of the problem cannot be assessed as arule. Only a rough estimate can be made of thecargo carrier requirement. The type and number ofrequired HGVs or containers are known only uponcompletion of loading and therefore a maximumload capacity usage is of course impossible.

Exact load capacity scheduling through optimum load planning

Multiscience GmbH

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With the aid of the HGV/container loading module,even complex problem combinations can be illustra-ted and optimum solutions found. For example, thefollowing restrictions (individually or in combination)can be taken into account:

q Compliance with the maximum gross weight of the cargo carrier

q Weight distribution inside the cargo carrier, i.e. the centre of gravity of the cargo

q Possibility of overloading packing itemsq Restrictions on mixing loads in case

of dangerous goodsq Prescribed loading or unloading sequences

for individual packing items or individual orders within the cargo

q Permitted orientation within the loading area, i.e. only upright or only upright at right angles

Costs can also be recorded so that MultiMix is ableto calculate the lowest cost cargo carrier or a cargocarrier combination offering the minimum cost re-spectively.

Interactive cargo volume planning by Drag & Drop

Clear illustration of HGV loading

MultiMix

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An early and precise loading plan calculation redu-ces loading times and increases load security.MultiMix compiles loading lists with additional in-formation such as total weight, volume usage level,location of the centre of gravity etc. for each of thecargo carriers to be employed. The graphic illustra-tion of the loading can be viewed step by step for-wards and backwards from various angles on themonitor. A phased printout of the loading plans ispossible according to user requirements. The inte-grated loading plan editor allows interactive modifi-

cation of the loading plans, i.e. individual packingitems or blocks of packing items can be moved, tur-ned, deleted or inserted using the mouse.

The loading of specialised cargo carrier types, suchas two tier loading platforms with variable interme-diate floors, open top or flat containers, gooseneckcontainers, air freight containers or railway wagonscan also be optimised using MultiMix. Interfacescan be integrated in order to accept data from othersystems.

Cargo carriers for HGV/container loading

Practical loading plans are quicklycalculated and documented

Multiscience GmbH

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An overview of MultiMix’s scope of performance

Indispensable for effi-cient load volume planning.

MultiMix

Exact data basisfor final costingsAvoidance

of repacking processes

Sound scheduling oftransportcapacities

Selection of themost efficientcargo carriercombination

Optimisation ofload capacityusage for hetero-geneous goods

Printouts of customised packing instruction forms

As standard, the printouts from the MultiMix modu-les comprise a graphic illustration of the load and apacking or loading list. Supplementary informationcan also be printed out according to customer re-quirements.

The original data and results of optimisation arearchived by MultiMix. Loading plans can also bearchived in popular graphic formats – e.g. for sen-ding by email.

Rapid loading by means ofindividual loading instruc-tions for each cargo carrier

MultiscienceGmbH

The modular software systemfor optimising loading volume forheterogeneous goods

Deichstraße 106

D-27318 Hoya / Weser

Germany

Phone: +49(0) 4251 / 2868

Fax: +49(0) 4251 / 7283

info@multiscience.com

www.multiscience.comMultiscience

GmbH

MultiMixMultiMix is used in many companies and in a variety of sectorsthroughout Europe for solving a multitude of loading problems:

JohnsonDiversey, Münchwilen/Thurgau (Schweiz): Containerbeladung • Elfotec AG, Moenchaltorf(Schweiz): Mischpalettenbeladung • Ferrero Deutschland GmbH, Stadtallendorf: Mischpalettenbela-dung • Haco AG, Gümligen (Schweiz): Containerbeladung • Karl Meyer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH,Offenbach/Main: Containerbeladung • Koch, Neff & Oetinger Verlagsauslieferung GmbH, Stuttgart:Versandbehälterauswahl • Kühne & Nagel (AG & Co.) KG, Bremen: LKW/Containerbeladung • MannerAG, Wien (Österreich): Containerbeladung • Mars Austria, Breitenbrunn (Österreich): Containerbela-dung • Megamat GmbH, Neuburg: LKW/Containerbeladung • Miele & Cie. KG, Gütersloh: LKW-,Bahnwaggon- und Containerbeladung und Versandbehälterauswahl • Nordgetreide GmbH & Co. KG,Lübeck: Containerbeladung • Prowell GmbH & Co. KG, Offenbach/Queich: LKW-Beladung • GerthMedien GmbH, Asslar: Versandbehälterauswahl • Tetra GmbH, Melle: Mischpalettenbeladung • CORONET

International GmbH & Co. KG, Wald-Michelbach: Containerbeladung • Vestel A.S., Manisa (Türkei):Containerbeladung • Voith Paper Automation GmbH & Co. KG, St. Pölten (Österreich): LKW- undContainerbeladung • ZF Sachs AG, Schweinfurt, Mischpalettenbeladung • Waldemar Behn GmbH &Co. KG, Eckernförde: Mischpaletten- und Containerbeladung • bofrost* Dienstleistungs GmbH & Co.KG, Straelen: Versandbehälterauswahl • Carlsberg A/S, Kopenhagen (Dänemark): Kommissionierungvon Getränken • Carstens GmbH, Hollern-Twelenflieth: Containerbeladung • Centrotec AG, Brilon:Mischpalettenbeladung • Dr. Schaer GmbH, Burgstall (Italien): Containerbeladung • Eppendorf AG,Hamburg: Versandbehälterauswahl • Teutofracht Spedition GmbH, Georgsmarienhütte: LKW-Beladung •Held Küchen Möbelfabrik GmbH, Porta Westfalica: Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbelbau-sätze • hülsta-werke Hüls GmbH & Co. KG, Stadtlohn: Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbel-bausätze • Karl Otto Braun GmbH & Co. KG, Wolfstein: Containerbeladung • Henry Lambertz GmbH& Co. KG, Aachen: Containerbeladung • speaker trade, Solingen: Containerbeladung • MuehlhensGmbH & Co. KG, Köln: Versandbehälterauswahl • Milch-Union Hocheiffel eG, Pronsfeld: Containerbela-dung • Rauch Möbelwerke GmbH, Freudenberg: Containerbeladung • Red Bull GmbH, Fuschl am See(Österreich): Containerbeladung • Riedel Tiroler Glashütte Ges.m.b.H., Kufstein (Österreich): Container-beladung • Schildmeyer Möbelproduktion GmbH, Bad Oeynhausen: Konstruktion von Umverpackungenfür Möbelbausätze • Schüco International KG, Bielefeld: Versandbehälterauswahl • Star Service Center,Bremen: Containerbeladung • Stieffenhofer GmbH, Bassenheim: Containerbeladung • Themex MöbelGmbH & Co. KG, Themar: Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbelbausätze • Unilin Decor N. V.,Izegem (Belgien): Konstruktion von Umverpackungen für Möbelbausätze