VCM_022026_LR

PARTNERINFORMATIE

costs under control. There is simply no way around automation.

Given these circumstances, AWG made the strategic decision to automate its distribu tion network and optimize operations with maximum efficiency. This initiative also mar ked the largest investment project in AWG’s nearly 100 year history. Initial evaluations began around 15 years ago - not yet as a specific construction project, but rather as a long-term strategic consideration within the management team. Over this period, various providers of automated systems were tho roughly analyzed - and from a shortlist of internationally leading manufacturers, the final decision was made in favor of WITRON from Parkstein (Germany). WITRON’s numerous references were the convincing factor The decision was based on a range of key criteria: the technical performance and relia bility of the system in live operations, the impressive number of successfully imple mented reference projects, consistently posi tive feedback and high level of satisfaction expressed by WITRON customers around the globe, and - not least - the cultural compa tibility between the two companies. At the same time, AWG placed great emphasis on personal exchange: From management to

technical and service staff, communication and collaboration across all interfaces were expected to run smoothly – „this is a key cri terion“, explains Robert Venzl, WITRON’s Pro ject Manager responsible for the automation project in Hernando, Mississippi. The 81,000-square-meter facility features a total of 738,000 pallet, tote, and tray storage locations, 92 stacker cranes, and 11 kilome ters of conveyor technology designed for a picking capacity of more than 460,000 units per day. 55,000 different items “With the strategic decision in place, a two phase implementation process followed. The first 12 to 18 months were dedicated to finalizing the detailed plans and erec ting the building. Then, WITRON installed its technology,” says Robert Venzl. “Nearly 55,000 different items are stored and picked using the OPM (Order Picking Machinery), AIO (All-in-One Order Fulfillment), and CPS (Car Picking System) solutions - ranging from food and cosmetics to healthcare pro ducts, cigarettes, etc. As each new coope rative member typically brings additional items into the assortment, the system must offer a high degree of flexibility. WITRON technology is deployed across all tempera ture zones - dry goods, fresh products, and frozen items.

Nineteen fully automated COM machi nes stack store-friendly cases onto pallets in temperature zones ranging from +20 to -26 degrees Celsius, while large-volume items are picked in various temperature areas via route-optimized processes supported by pick-by-voice technology, using the semi-au tomated CPS logistics module. The AIO sys tem enables compact storage and picking of small-volume items - both fast movers and slow movers - within the same logis tics module. Efficient order consolidation across different logistics areas and modules is fully automated and system-controlled, supported by WITRON’s intelligent ware house management system. This allows for a high packing density on the load carriers despite a very broad product range,” says the WITRON project manager. “The key was to synchronize the picking frequency of the various logistics modules and areas in such a way that goods are made available in the shipping area just-in-time and in the correct loading sequence for delivery.” 50 percent less workforce - 50 percent fewer truck trips This is an impressive achievement for both the owners and logistics experts. “This is no longer just a warehouse - it is more like a pro duction facility. Everything is well-structured. It is a high-performance facility,” says Richard Kearns. The plant has been up and running

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