TGW Ermanco provides integrated logistic solutions and material handling equipment. The firm’s offerings include mini and unit load AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval systems), and carton, tote and unit conveyor/sortation systems, including the Turbo Narrow Belt Sortation System, a big advance that won TGW a Control Design Innovator Award at 2009.
TGW-Ermanco got its start in 1964 as Ermanco, which developed line shaft driven, live roller conveyor technology, and the NBS Narrow Belt Sorter. TGW aims several vertical industries, including food and beverages, apparel and retail, and general distribution. Although these industries make very different things, they are all somewhat similar in how they distribute products according to Potter. Technologies are focused on moving loads, whether a case, carton, tote or a full sized pallet or unit. The company’s high performance mini-load stacker cranes have a variety of load handlers for a wide range.
The PLC based AS/RS machines are connected to wireless communications from off board, fail safe PLCs to onboard distributed control components such as Ethernet I/O single and/or multi axis servo controllers with encoder feedback for motion control precision, distance measuring lasers and other components. Also standard with every AS/RS with a hot pluggable interactive operator control, HMI module.
This device is mobile HMI with quick connect means and can be connected to respective PLC AS/RS machine controllers at multiple remote points either onboard or at the end of each AS/RS aisle. For integrated safety or safety over bus, TGW uses profisafe technology, which allows for single network architecture for both standard automation and safety related automation. This translates into reduced cost for installation and TCO (total cost of ownership). The machine builder’s after sales supports is helped by technology advancements such as embedded code to monitor critical components of a machine that output to KPI (key performance indicators).