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f+h Intralogistics 3/2016

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f+h Intralogistics 3/2016

How are the solutions

How are the solutions designed to ensure required service levels are met? One solution is the efficient networking of processes. Intelligent networking even stretches beyond company boundaries. If two or more retailers cooperate as strategic partners, they can use each other’s synergies without the customer noticing. An example would be, if I as a retailer created a network with another retailer who traded in the same products. We would then be able to help each other out. Each retailer thus has access to the packaging, adhesive tape, dispatch documents and other typical identification characteristics for the other retailer so that shipments can be processed in their name. In this case the retailer is not acting as a retailer but as a logistics service provider for the other retailer. This means that each retailer has access to a far larger stock of goods without the customer noticing. Due to the various criss-cross connections, the boundaries between retailers, warehouse stock and logistics service providers tend to merge. Based on your market observations, which sector has seen the greatest change? At Vanderlande, we have been able to increase sales tenfold in the food sector over the last five years. In this sector alone, we are currently generating an order volume of Euro 400 million. These are massive projects, for example, when a new warehouse is setup from which dry goods are delivered for certain geographic regions. Very high investment levels are required for these projects as very large quantities need to be processed. What are the greatest challenges the food sector faces? Two things are important in the food sector: service levels and costs. On the one hand, all products have to be in stock and fresh, while customers must also have a positive shopping experience. This must be balanced against economic aspects. Increasing the margin is not possible as everything is already accounted for. Consequently, the focus is placed on reducing costs. An analysis has highlighted that for every employee in the distribution center there are four employees working in the supermarket placing goods on the shelf. Initially, it therefore is sensible to make the processes of the four employees in the supermarket more efficient as the potential savings are far greater. If goods are prepared in such a way that filling the shelves following delivery becomes more efficient, then personnel savings can be made within the supermarket. This is achieved at a preceding point within the supply chain by implementing radical automation processes in the distribution center. Based on all of the available parameters, the software generates an optimized and efficient distribution route through the supermarket aisles. The structure of the delivered pallets is created in accordance with this sequence and generated using robots. The member of staff at the supermarket, then only has to unload the pallets from top to the bottom and has an optimum route through the branch. Thus any detours are things of the past. About Vanderlande Vanderlande, based in Veghel/Netherlands, is a leading supplier of warehouse automation solutions, a global market leader in sorting systems for parcel and postal services and in baggage handling systems for airports. Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 3,900 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a consistently increasing turnover of more than one billion euros, it has established a global reputation over the past six decades as a highly reliable partner for value-added automated material handling solutions. Generally, countries where personnel costs are comparably high or personnel islimited, such as Western Europe, America, Scandinavia and Australia. In these cases, it is worth investing in automation. Mass markets, such as the e-commerce sector in China, also need to be automated, as the in some cases enormous growth rates mean that logistic processes must be automated to manage the large volumes. However, this sector is also on the move in Germany. A few years ago, it was just individual projects, nowadays they are strategic projects that are being designed as pilot projects so that they can be copied to other locations at a later date. What solutions does Vanderlande offer to meet the specified operator requirements? The requirements determined from this trend are directly implemented in our product developments, such as “Automated Case Picking” ACP in the food sector. This automated solution means that full-size cartons are stored on pallets or roll containers, generating systems where 90 percent of the goods never come in contact with humans again. Another solution is the Adapto shuttle system that can move three-dimensionally around the racking. Its high level of freedom provides excellent flexibility to improve reactions to any fluctuations in the flow of goods. The product also offers other options. We now need to learn to utilize all of these options. The intralogistics industry expects and demands the right solutions. Although costs must be reduced, ultimately service levels are the most important factor. The right time, right quality, right quantity and right product – if these things aren’t correct, then the battle is lost. Thank you for talking to us! Photographs: f+h, Fotolia Processing: VFV INTRALOGISTICS Based on your findings, which countries are focusing on automated processes? f+h Intralogistics 3/2016

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