Kanban rack
A kanban rack can be digitalised with IoT: an optical sensor measures the fill level of every shelf compartment. Below a threshold, the system triggers replenishment automatically, right through to a transport order for the AGV.
Kanban rack at a glance
Most frequent in the projects on this page
Verified projects featuring Kanban rack
Kanban rack with IoT: replenishment triggered by sensor
In the solution example, the ORGATEX OX kanban sensor records the fill level without contact. The OX parking space sensor also detects pallets, containers or cartons on storage areas, and the digital OX Label shows order information directly on the load carrier. The devices communicate via the Thread mesh network or via NB-IoT and LTE-M, with over-the-air updates. The control centre is ORGATEX Cloud, hosted on AWS servers in Frankfurt. There, departments configure processes, alarms and dashboards without programming skills, and standardised APIs exchange data with ERP and MES systems.
The provider ORGATEX, based in Langenfeld, specialises in lean production systems. Typical problems in plants that are not fully automated are missing supplies of raw materials, C-parts or components and transport orders that still have to be triggered manually. With the Smart Intralogistics System, the AGV receives its command automatically as soon as a minimum fill level is reached. In episode 202 of the IoT Use Case Podcast, ORGATEX describes its goal of a 'smart home for intralogistics', where users install, configure and extend the systems themselves.
Podcast episodes featuring Kanban rack
Kanban rack: frequently asked questions
How does a sensor measure the fill level in a kanban rack?
Optically and without contact. The ORGATEX OX kanban sensor records the fill level in every compartment of a conventional kanban rack and transmits it to ORGATEX Cloud in real time. Material stocks are thus monitored automatically, and replenishment can be triggered in good time. Because detection is software-controlled, it can be adapted to individual requirements.
How does automatic kanban replenishment work?
Via a threshold in the cloud. The ORGATEX sensors report fill levels continuously, and as soon as a minimum fill level or a certain number of boxes is reached, the system triggers a transport order. The automated guided vehicle automatically receives the command to deliver or collect material. Errors and delays caused by manually triggered orders are eliminated.
How is a digital kanban system connected to ERP and MES?
Through standardised APIs that exchange data in both directions. ORGATEX Cloud manages all sensors and labels and provides interfaces to ERP, MES and logistics systems. Processes can be configured without programming skills, and users design their own dashboards. Data is transmitted in encrypted form and hosted in compliance with GDPR on AWS servers in Frankfurt.
How does a kanban rack communicate with an AGV?
Indirectly, via the cloud platform. The sensor on the rack transmits its fill level via Thread or cellular network to ORGATEX Cloud, which passes the transport order to the AGV system once the threshold is reached. ORGATEX supplies a router for the cellular connection. The devices run with or without local infrastructure, and updates arrive over the air without IT involvement.
More assets in “Conveying and Handling Technology”
Automated guided vehicle (AGV)
An AGV system brings material automatically from the warehouse to the line when a central fleet controller coordinates the automated guided vehicles (AGV). With IoT, sensors trigger transport orders and vehicles from different manufacturers run in one system.
Crane
Predictive crane maintenance with IoT focuses on the cable carrier, which guides power and data cables to the trolley. Sensors report overload or breakage before the crane comes to a standstill and give maintenance and replacement recommendations.
Industrial robot
Predictive robot maintenance with IoT brings the condition and performance data of industrial robots together on one platform. Operators detect faults and wear before a robot comes to a standstill, and manufacturers identify maintenance cases remotely.
Conveyor belt
Conveyor belt maintenance with IoT relies on sensors that capture vibration, temperature and the condition of the belt and belt cleaners. Operators detect damage such as a torn belt early, plan maintenance as needed and avoid costly line stoppages.
Forklift truck
Forklift tracking with IoT shows where every forklift truck is, which pallet it carries and where that pallet belongs. RFID, UWB and cameras replace manual scanning and document putaway, retrieval and loading automatically.
High-bay warehouse
In a high-bay warehouse, IoT links storage locations, forklifts and warehouse management through real-time data. Staff see on large screens which orders are due next, and pallets are put away and retrieved without manual scanning.
IIoT Use Case user group
What no project tells you
What did the project cost? Which sensor didn't survive in the field? How did you get maintenance on board? 300+ industrial users discuss questions like these with each other every month, openly and without vendors in the room.
Frequent topics in these projects, bring your questions:
- Asset Management
- Asset Tracking/ Track and Trace
- Digital Documentation
Online every month
Alternating tech and business focus
Users only
No sales pitches, exchange under NDA
300+ members
OT, IT and IIoT leads from industry
