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Day: 9 November 2023

November 2023

Posted on by David Priestman

The November ’23 issue of Logistics Business magazine: 76 pages of exclusive content spanning the international supply chain and warehousing sector. We have features on the logistics of the Ryder Cup, Gaming Experience, Brexit, Supply Chain Orchestration, Electric HGVs, Digital Innovation, Inventory Accuracy, Autonomous Data Capture, Voice Picking, WMS selection, Automation & Robotics, Omnichannel, Fulfilment, High-Density Storage, Side Loading, Floor Systems, Automated Packaging, Cardboard Storage and Parcel Labelling.

Plus hard-hitting interviews, site visits and case studies with Sainsbury’s, DP World, Movu Robotics, Koerber, Transporeon, Locus Robotics, Europa Worldwide, Ewals, Aptean, Manhattan Associates, HAI Robotics, Puma and Rite Hite.

Our digital issues can be read in any language, or listened to. Simply click on the ‘Freeflow reader’ graphic near the top right corner of each editorial page.

To browse all our recent issues click here.

Greenplan joins Route Planning Elite

Posted on by David Priestman

Another success for Greenplan: the EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) route planning solution has been included in the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling after just two years on the market. This milestone places Greenplan at the forefront of global route planning and execution systems. Its inclusion underscores the fact that Greenplan achieves great success thanks to its focus on users’ needs. Instead of being based on artificial intelligence, Greenplan uses the principles of discrete mathematics. This allows dispatchers to organize and manage their daily routing planning more efficiently based on their own individual experience and know-how.

With Greenplan, companies can already carry out efficient, sustainable route planning today. Customers demonstrably reduce kilometres, vehicles, and circuits, and typically bring about increases in efficiency of 10-30% compared to their previous route planning solution. Inclusion in the Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling produced by the international research company Gartner is a further affirmation of how Greenplan has managed to gain a foothold on the global market. You will find the full report available for download at Download VRS Report.

A single solution for everything: Planning and managing routes

Greenplan allows ambitious dispatchers to plan and manage their routes optimally with the greatest possible efficiency. Clients set out their own individual requirements to ensure this is the case. The Greenplan tool can then be adapted to these requirements. Greenplan offers three solutions for this purpose in its product line. Greenplan Engine is the highly efficient algorithm, providing the basis for calculating the best possible routes. The solution is easy to integrate into all customary transport management systems. Greenplan Planning is based on the engine, offering not only planning but also the individual modelling of routes. This provides optimized route planning for the coming day during daily business activities. It also furnishes monthly or quarterly planning for skeleton circuits, or the strategic, long-term calculation of routes with simultaneous user rule checks, depending on the transportation management system used. It also allows easy adjustments to routes during day-to-day operations. Greenplan Execution can be used to monitor and manage how routes are implemented. This means it is easy to add new orders to a plan and amend the stop sequences or time window restrictions. What’s more, Greenplan Execution can be effortlessly extended to include the EPG ONE app. As part of delivery, digital delivery receipts can be created for proof of delivery using the driver app, which can display the ETA or provide individual time tracking, for example.

Artificial intelligence vs. dispatcher’s intelligence

Greenplan is conclusive proof that dispatchers continue to play a decisive role in route and circuit planning. “Artificial intelligence offers enormous benefits in many areas when the software learns over time what a “good” solution is and thus acquires human intelligence to a certain extent,” explains Clemens Beckmann, Greenplan CEO. “However, applying this logic to the complex field of circuit and route planning proves to be extremely difficult in many cases. This is because circuit planning depends on circumstances which change on a daily basis and can even change completely if a few new orders are added. Moreover, it is also not a good idea to learn from historical data when there is no clear metric for the quality of an individual solution in this case. There are also numerous special situations, such as road restrictions or special requirements for a delivery, which would be difficult for a software to learn quickly. That is why we rely on the logics of advanced mathematics for Greenplan and can thus fulfil the dispatchers’ individual requirements precisely.”

Dispatchers need a tool that they can use to plan and manage their routes efficiently to an optimum degree. For example, the routes planned by Greenplan do not need to be rectified since the tool already considers the dispatcher’s requirements if they have codified them. Greenplan thus systematically follows the dispatcher’s planning intelligence rather than relying on AI randomness, having internalized the underlying rule.

“In our experience, dispatchers like to understand why a route is planned as it is. With systematic algorithmic planning, this situation can largely be deduced and explained easily. This is not possible in the case of an AI-based route planning system. As far as we can see, AI is unable to provide an effective solution for tour and route planning. Good deterministic algorithms are much better suited for this purpose and cause less stress for dispatchers. Greenplan is a good instrument for an ambitious dispatcher,” adds Beckmann.

Greenplan joins Route Planning Elite

Posted on by David Priestman

Another success for Greenplan: the EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) route planning solution has been included in the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling after just two years on the market. This milestone places Greenplan at the forefront of global route planning and execution systems. Its inclusion underscores the fact that Greenplan achieves great success thanks to its focus on users’ needs. Instead of being based on artificial intelligence, Greenplan uses the principles of discrete mathematics. This allows dispatchers to organize and manage their daily routing planning more efficiently based on their own individual experience and know-how.

With Greenplan, companies can already carry out efficient, sustainable route planning today. Customers demonstrably reduce kilometres, vehicles, and circuits, and typically bring about increases in efficiency of 10-30% compared to their previous route planning solution. Inclusion in the Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling produced by the international research company Gartner is a further affirmation of how Greenplan has managed to gain a foothold on the global market. You will find the full report available for download at Download VRS Report.

A single solution for everything: Planning and managing routes

Greenplan allows ambitious dispatchers to plan and manage their routes optimally with the greatest possible efficiency. Clients set out their own individual requirements to ensure this is the case. The Greenplan tool can then be adapted to these requirements. Greenplan offers three solutions for this purpose in its product line. Greenplan Engine is the highly efficient algorithm, providing the basis for calculating the best possible routes. The solution is easy to integrate into all customary transport management systems. Greenplan Planning is based on the engine, offering not only planning but also the individual modelling of routes. This provides optimized route planning for the coming day during daily business activities. It also furnishes monthly or quarterly planning for skeleton circuits, or the strategic, long-term calculation of routes with simultaneous user rule checks, depending on the transportation management system used. It also allows easy adjustments to routes during day-to-day operations. Greenplan Execution can be used to monitor and manage how routes are implemented. This means it is easy to add new orders to a plan and amend the stop sequences or time window restrictions. What’s more, Greenplan Execution can be effortlessly extended to include the EPG ONE app. As part of delivery, digital delivery receipts can be created for proof of delivery using the driver app, which can display the ETA or provide individual time tracking, for example.

Artificial intelligence vs. dispatcher’s intelligence

Greenplan is conclusive proof that dispatchers continue to play a decisive role in route and circuit planning. “Artificial intelligence offers enormous benefits in many areas when the software learns over time what a “good” solution is and thus acquires human intelligence to a certain extent,” explains Clemens Beckmann, Greenplan CEO. “However, applying this logic to the complex field of circuit and route planning proves to be extremely difficult in many cases. This is because circuit planning depends on circumstances which change on a daily basis and can even change completely if a few new orders are added. Moreover, it is also not a good idea to learn from historical data when there is no clear metric for the quality of an individual solution in this case. There are also numerous special situations, such as road restrictions or special requirements for a delivery, which would be difficult for a software to learn quickly. That is why we rely on the logics of advanced mathematics for Greenplan and can thus fulfil the dispatchers’ individual requirements precisely.”

Dispatchers need a tool that they can use to plan and manage their routes efficiently to an optimum degree. For example, the routes planned by Greenplan do not need to be rectified since the tool already considers the dispatcher’s requirements if they have codified them. Greenplan thus systematically follows the dispatcher’s planning intelligence rather than relying on AI randomness, having internalized the underlying rule.

“In our experience, dispatchers like to understand why a route is planned as it is. With systematic algorithmic planning, this situation can largely be deduced and explained easily. This is not possible in the case of an AI-based route planning system. As far as we can see, AI is unable to provide an effective solution for tour and route planning. Good deterministic algorithms are much better suited for this purpose and cause less stress for dispatchers. Greenplan is a good instrument for an ambitious dispatcher,” adds Beckmann.

Centralized DC in Spain using Mobile Robots

Posted on by David Priestman

In an effort to expand its logistics capacity and deploy efficient logistics management and technological innovations throughout the company, Desigual, an international fashion company based in Barcelona, has once again trusted SSI Schaefer.

To centralize operations at its distribution centre in Viladecans, Spain, Desigual is replacing a traditional pallet rack for overstock with a new area equipped with 24 RackBots from SSI Schaefer’s range of SSI Mobile Robots. In the first phase, the initial orders (push) are prepared there; these supply the company’s branch stores with the collections for the next season. The goal is to pick 30,000 units per day in two shifts in this new area.

When orders are assembled, a key requirement of this project is to organize them by collection and include all the sizes of a model combined together in the end. SSI Schaefer proposed a solution that could meet this sequencing requirement and ensure consistent store-ready order preparation – a key element in Desigual’s plan to improve the shopping experience. The solution SSI Schaefer proposed is also flexible enough to pick other types of orders, such as repeat orders of the same items (in-season re-orders) in department stores or Desigual branch stores, as well as picking online orders.

Jorge Soriano, Logistics & Distribution Manager at Desigual, explains: “Comparing RackBots to other types of solutions, they are obviously a flexible solution that is easy to scale, and they allow us to both expand storage capacity with new racks and increase dynamic capacity by purchasing new RackBots. In Desigual we are committed to efficient logistics management and technological innovation to improve product availability at its points of sale and through all our distribution channels.”

An extension of the conveyor belts connects the new area where the RackBots work to the existing SSI Schaefer system. This conveying system transports the cartons to the new area directly from the incoming goods area or the existing high-bay warehouse, which SSI Schaefer designed for Desigual in previous projects and which is made up of 10 SSI Miniloads and 200,000 storage locations for cartons. The customer order cartons that are prepared in the new RackBot area are either delivered to customers via shipping lanes or temporarily stored in the high-bay rack for later shipping.

Centralizing operations at the Viladecans distribution centre is part of the company’s ‘Open Desigual’ philosophy, based on the principle of cross-collaboration. Collaboration with the best partners in each area of the business allows the company to be ever closer to consumers and offer them the best experience in physical stores and digital retailing. For this project, Desigual teamed up with SSI Schaefer, a partner specializing in optimization of logistics processes. Commissioning of the new area is scheduled for November 2023.

Project details:
• Number of RackBots: 24
• Number of storage locations: 7,980 storage locations for 600×400×400 mm cartons
• Rack height: 5.3 meters (last carton level at 4.9 meters)
• 4 picking stations equipped with Put to Light racks with 16 positions per workstation
• Incoming via RackBot Port

Performance:
• 486 cartons/hour for the picking stations with 300 incoming cartons/hour at the same time
• 648 cartons/hour for the picking stations (without simultaneous incoming cartons)

E-Cargo Bikes Partner

Posted on by David Priestman

Zoomo, provider of last-mile electric fleet solutions, today announced its plans to double down on four-wheeled e-cargo bikes, catering to the needs of the burgeoning urban logistics sector. The announcement sees Zoomo welcome VOK, a provider of automotive- grade cargo bikes, and Fernhay, micro-mobility vehicle solutions provider, to its platform.

Zoomo will offer financing for both Vok and Fernhay vehicles, with full maintenance and its advanced fleet management software which helps businesses track and maintain their delivery fleet. Today’s announcement builds on Zoomo’s recent introduction of EAV to its product line-up, reinforcing the company’s dedication to putting more light electric vehicles (LEVs) on the road.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the introduction of anti-car legislation in major cities, the urban logistics sector is actively exploring alternative vehicle form factors to replace traditional delivery vans. Four-wheeled e-cargo bikes are coming out on top, and Zoomo is confident this form factor is meeting the last mile delivery sector’s evolving demands. This is because compared to conventional vans, e-cargo bikes offer faster urban delivery, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, all while being more cost-effective.

Both Vok and Fernhay e-cargo bikes are tailored to the specific requirements of urban delivery, offering a spacious 2,000-litre cargo capacity and a robust 200 kg payload limit. With a 250W output and supported speeds of up to 25 km/h, these vehicles present an ideal replacement for traditional vans.

Michael Johnson, Co-Founder and CRO, Zoomo, said: “We’re all in on e-cargo bikes as true ‘van-replacers’. We know our customers in urban logistics want this solution to achieve their sustainability goals and drive more efficient deliveries. We have traction from customers around the world, including the likes of Evri, who are reaping the benefits of integrating cargo bikes into their fleets, and we’re determined to build on this momentum.”

Zoomo is resolute in its belief in the future of e-cargo bikes within cities, and that regulation will ultimately favour these form factors, not hinder. The productivity and efficiency gains, such as the ability to circumvent traffic, park without fines, and reduce costs, remain compelling reasons for their adoption. Vok and Fernhay offer unique and compelling solutions for companies seeking to optimise their urban logistics operations.

“The financial and operational infrastructure to support a widespread micro-mobility revolution in the world of city logistics is in its early days and it’s evident that Zoomo is at the forefront here”, says Indrek Petjärv, Vok Bikes Co-founder and CEO. “We could not be happier to join forces and give Zoomo’s customers the possibility to make the switch using our vehicles and in turn bring the administrational flexibility to our own customers.”

Peter Schenkman, Fernhay COO, added: “Our partnership with Zoomo is a significant step towards offering efficient, green, and cost-saving urban logistics. We share a commitment to sustainability and believe that e-cargo bikes can revolutionise last-mile delivery.”

Vok and Fernhay will leverage Zoomo’s global reach in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and North America. Furthermore, both existing and future customers of VOK and Fernhay gain access to Zoomo’s extensive service network, telematics-integrated software platform, and financing options.

E-Cargo Bikes Partner

Posted on by David Priestman

Zoomo, provider of last-mile electric fleet solutions, today announced its plans to double down on four-wheeled e-cargo bikes, catering to the needs of the burgeoning urban logistics sector. The announcement sees Zoomo welcome VOK, a provider of automotive- grade cargo bikes, and Fernhay, micro-mobility vehicle solutions provider, to its platform.

Zoomo will offer financing for both Vok and Fernhay vehicles, with full maintenance and its advanced fleet management software which helps businesses track and maintain their delivery fleet. Today’s announcement builds on Zoomo’s recent introduction of EAV to its product line-up, reinforcing the company’s dedication to putting more light electric vehicles (LEVs) on the road.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the introduction of anti-car legislation in major cities, the urban logistics sector is actively exploring alternative vehicle form factors to replace traditional delivery vans. Four-wheeled e-cargo bikes are coming out on top, and Zoomo is confident this form factor is meeting the last mile delivery sector’s evolving demands. This is because compared to conventional vans, e-cargo bikes offer faster urban delivery, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, all while being more cost-effective.

Both Vok and Fernhay e-cargo bikes are tailored to the specific requirements of urban delivery, offering a spacious 2,000-litre cargo capacity and a robust 200 kg payload limit. With a 250W output and supported speeds of up to 25 km/h, these vehicles present an ideal replacement for traditional vans.

Michael Johnson, Co-Founder and CRO, Zoomo, said: “We’re all in on e-cargo bikes as true ‘van-replacers’. We know our customers in urban logistics want this solution to achieve their sustainability goals and drive more efficient deliveries. We have traction from customers around the world, including the likes of Evri, who are reaping the benefits of integrating cargo bikes into their fleets, and we’re determined to build on this momentum.”

Zoomo is resolute in its belief in the future of e-cargo bikes within cities, and that regulation will ultimately favour these form factors, not hinder. The productivity and efficiency gains, such as the ability to circumvent traffic, park without fines, and reduce costs, remain compelling reasons for their adoption. Vok and Fernhay offer unique and compelling solutions for companies seeking to optimise their urban logistics operations.

“The financial and operational infrastructure to support a widespread micro-mobility revolution in the world of city logistics is in its early days and it’s evident that Zoomo is at the forefront here”, says Indrek Petjärv, Vok Bikes Co-founder and CEO. “We could not be happier to join forces and give Zoomo’s customers the possibility to make the switch using our vehicles and in turn bring the administrational flexibility to our own customers.”

Peter Schenkman, Fernhay COO, added: “Our partnership with Zoomo is a significant step towards offering efficient, green, and cost-saving urban logistics. We share a commitment to sustainability and believe that e-cargo bikes can revolutionise last-mile delivery.”

Vok and Fernhay will leverage Zoomo’s global reach in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and North America. Furthermore, both existing and future customers of VOK and Fernhay gain access to Zoomo’s extensive service network, telematics-integrated software platform, and financing options.

IoT Tracking Solution for Load Carriers

Posted on by David Priestman

Container management plays an important role in the logistics of manufacturing companies. However, this aspect usually only comes into play when load carriers go missing, transport times increase, or new purchases have to be made at great expense. “Particularly in the case of expensive special load carriers, which are frequently used in the automotive industry, non-transparent delivery chains are an avoidable nuisance. There is huge savings potential, after all,” states Stefan Schenk, who is responsible for the off-road business sector at Robert Bosch GmbH. That is why Bosch developed ‘Track and Trace’. This smart complete solution ensures full transparency throughout the load carrier cycle – across different plants and national borders and with effective integration of various suppliers, logistics service providers, and empties locations.

Transparency across the entire load carrier cycle

Where are there (special) load carriers in the logistics cycle? Are they being used to optimum effect? How can their use be optimized? These are just some of the questions faced by logistics experts the world over. All too often, inventories of (special) load carriers across multiple sites are still performed manually – an elaborate and highly error-prone process. “Employees spend too much time looking for containers that have been recorded either incorrectly or not at all,” explains Schenk. “To maintain an uninterrupted supply to production, additional load carriers have to be purchased while others remain unused.”

Help is now at hand, however, in the form of the smart logistics solution Track and Trace from Bosch. The smart tracking solution provides complete transparency regarding the usage and whereabouts of individual load carriers across all processes. To enable real-time tracking, the containers are equipped with sensors. Gateways located at the main hubs within the plants and at the supplier sites collect the sensor data and enrich it with position data before transferring it to the application in the cloud. Thanks to the software’s web interface, the received data can be clearly displayed in the form of dashboards. This provides all user groups with permanent access to the position as well as transport, throughput, and standstill times of the loading units.

“We want Track and Trace to be simple and intuitive to use,” states Schenk. “Logistics is not about millimetre-accurate localization. Instead, the focus must be on cost-efficient implementation and scalability of the solution for later rollouts.” As well as classic asset tracking, Track and Trace also enables tracking of materials or goods. This allows movements to be tracked via our IoT devices in real-time, thereby ensuring the necessary availabilities. Data regarding product-related information – such as temperature, humidity, and shocks – can also be displayed with the tracking solution.

IoT Tracking Solution for Load Carriers

Posted on by David Priestman

Container management plays an important role in the logistics of manufacturing companies. However, this aspect usually only comes into play when load carriers go missing, transport times increase, or new purchases have to be made at great expense. “Particularly in the case of expensive special load carriers, which are frequently used in the automotive industry, non-transparent delivery chains are an avoidable nuisance. There is huge savings potential, after all,” states Stefan Schenk, who is responsible for the off-road business sector at Robert Bosch GmbH. That is why Bosch developed ‘Track and Trace’. This smart complete solution ensures full transparency throughout the load carrier cycle – across different plants and national borders and with effective integration of various suppliers, logistics service providers, and empties locations.

Transparency across the entire load carrier cycle

Where are there (special) load carriers in the logistics cycle? Are they being used to optimum effect? How can their use be optimized? These are just some of the questions faced by logistics experts the world over. All too often, inventories of (special) load carriers across multiple sites are still performed manually – an elaborate and highly error-prone process. “Employees spend too much time looking for containers that have been recorded either incorrectly or not at all,” explains Schenk. “To maintain an uninterrupted supply to production, additional load carriers have to be purchased while others remain unused.”

Help is now at hand, however, in the form of the smart logistics solution Track and Trace from Bosch. The smart tracking solution provides complete transparency regarding the usage and whereabouts of individual load carriers across all processes. To enable real-time tracking, the containers are equipped with sensors. Gateways located at the main hubs within the plants and at the supplier sites collect the sensor data and enrich it with position data before transferring it to the application in the cloud. Thanks to the software’s web interface, the received data can be clearly displayed in the form of dashboards. This provides all user groups with permanent access to the position as well as transport, throughput, and standstill times of the loading units.

“We want Track and Trace to be simple and intuitive to use,” states Schenk. “Logistics is not about millimetre-accurate localization. Instead, the focus must be on cost-efficient implementation and scalability of the solution for later rollouts.” As well as classic asset tracking, Track and Trace also enables tracking of materials or goods. This allows movements to be tracked via our IoT devices in real-time, thereby ensuring the necessary availabilities. Data regarding product-related information – such as temperature, humidity, and shocks – can also be displayed with the tracking solution.

Automation Project for German Food Retailer

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic has recently completed commissioning of an automation project featuring innovative warehouse technology for Bünting SCM/Logistik GmbH & Co. KG at its new logistics centre in Nortmoor, in the German state of Lower Saxony.

“We realised we needed to provide a growing selection of items in discount superstores and we were looking for an efficient solution to improve our processes. We went with the Dematic Multishuttle® system because of its compact design, high storage density and advanced technology,” explains Markus Bloem, project and process coordinator at Bünting SCM/Logistik GmbH. The company supplies around 200 of its own locations as well as around 200 independent food retailers. The new warehouse in Nortmoor also manages orders from e-commerce customers via online supermarket portals.

The centrepiece of the automation solution is the Dematic Multishuttle® utilising three aisles on 35 levels with up to 75,000 bin storage spaces and featuring telescopic load-handling devices with an innovative 8-finger design. The solution offers maximum flexibility for stored goods and can efficiently handle multiple transport units without requiring fixed storage locations.

For slow-moving items, or “C” articles, the Dematic Multishuttle® independently manages the buffering, storage and sequencing of the totes and trays. Its compact design makes optimum use of the available space to provide high storage density.

According to Bloem, the Dematic solution offers three key benefits. “Intelligent packing pattern software calculates the most efficient arrangement and positioning of packages on an order-by-order basis, ensuring a cost-effective utilisation of transport resources. As a result, fewer packages are generated, leading to lower CO2 emissions during transport.”

“Next, the addition of a contents list with all the essential goods information also ensures a particularly efficient packing process,” Bloem says. “Last but not least, the camera and weighing functions monitor the entire process, minimising the risk of order mix-up or missing items in the merchandise arrangement,” concludes the project coordinator for Bünting.

The 105 shuttles automatically store, buffer, sequence and transport items to one of the eight picking stations before a Dematic modular conveyor system (MCS) moves them on to the goods issue area. The MCS also links the individual logistics areas within the multi-story building to support Bünting with more efficient processes and higher picking performance.

The entire Dematic automation project is designed to accommodate expanding the facility on a modular basis. “We are currently very satisfied with the degree of capacity utilisation and the optimisation of our processes,” says Bloem. With the changeover to the automatic transport system, Bünting has not only increased its material flow, but it has also raised its throughput rate, while reducing the amount of handling required.

Automation Project for German Food Retailer

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic has recently completed commissioning of an automation project featuring innovative warehouse technology for Bünting SCM/Logistik GmbH & Co. KG at its new logistics centre in Nortmoor, in the German state of Lower Saxony.

“We realised we needed to provide a growing selection of items in discount superstores and we were looking for an efficient solution to improve our processes. We went with the Dematic Multishuttle® system because of its compact design, high storage density and advanced technology,” explains Markus Bloem, project and process coordinator at Bünting SCM/Logistik GmbH. The company supplies around 200 of its own locations as well as around 200 independent food retailers. The new warehouse in Nortmoor also manages orders from e-commerce customers via online supermarket portals.

The centrepiece of the automation solution is the Dematic Multishuttle® utilising three aisles on 35 levels with up to 75,000 bin storage spaces and featuring telescopic load-handling devices with an innovative 8-finger design. The solution offers maximum flexibility for stored goods and can efficiently handle multiple transport units without requiring fixed storage locations.

For slow-moving items, or “C” articles, the Dematic Multishuttle® independently manages the buffering, storage and sequencing of the totes and trays. Its compact design makes optimum use of the available space to provide high storage density.

According to Bloem, the Dematic solution offers three key benefits. “Intelligent packing pattern software calculates the most efficient arrangement and positioning of packages on an order-by-order basis, ensuring a cost-effective utilisation of transport resources. As a result, fewer packages are generated, leading to lower CO2 emissions during transport.”

“Next, the addition of a contents list with all the essential goods information also ensures a particularly efficient packing process,” Bloem says. “Last but not least, the camera and weighing functions monitor the entire process, minimising the risk of order mix-up or missing items in the merchandise arrangement,” concludes the project coordinator for Bünting.

The 105 shuttles automatically store, buffer, sequence and transport items to one of the eight picking stations before a Dematic modular conveyor system (MCS) moves them on to the goods issue area. The MCS also links the individual logistics areas within the multi-story building to support Bünting with more efficient processes and higher picking performance.

The entire Dematic automation project is designed to accommodate expanding the facility on a modular basis. “We are currently very satisfied with the degree of capacity utilisation and the optimisation of our processes,” says Bloem. With the changeover to the automatic transport system, Bünting has not only increased its material flow, but it has also raised its throughput rate, while reducing the amount of handling required.

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