DHL Supply Chain has put into operation Europe’s first fully automated AutoStore logistics system for omnichannel auction platform 1-2-3.tv at its warehouse in Braunschweig, Germany.
The compact storage and retrieval system enables optimised space-saving storage of small parts and fully automatic picking of up to 18 million items per year. Working alongside employees on site, the system increases the processing speed of each individual order, optimises processes for employees and improves operational efficiency.
According to 1-2-3.tv, the broadcaster consistently relies on the digitalisation of its supply chains and warehouse logistics. “Our company has already invested heavily in lean processes and sustainable automation in the past,” said Eberhard Kuom, executive vice president, finance and operations, 1-2-3.tv.
“With the introduction of the flexible and modular robotic solution from AutoStore, we are building on the strong growth realised in recent years, optimising our logistics processes sustainably, and are therefore ideally equipped for future growth.”
The AutoStore solution supplied by Element Logic consists of an aluminium frame in which the current inventory is stacked and stored over 16 levels in more than 40,000 plastic containers.
The top floor serves as a route for the robots, 26 of which are deployed in the 1-2-3.tv warehouse in Braunschweig, where they automatically pick the ordered goods and group them for further processing by the employees. The goods are placed in the respective package for the customer order on a dispatch and transport system, automatically sealed and then dispatched.
Following 1-2-3.tv’s recent investment in order acceptance processes and the digitalisation of its entire supply chain, the solution represents the company’s third optimisation step along its process chain.
Andreas Bicking, business unit director, e-commerce, DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps, said: “Thanks to the AutoStore system, we have continuous inventory control and can achieve high efficiency in storage and retrieval, so that customer orders can be processed quickly and reliably.
“In addition, the logistics solution relieves our employees on site by shortening walking distances. Most importantly, they are now able to focus their energies on more demanding activities in other areas on site.”
AutoStore (Stand 400) and Element Logic (Stand 510) will both be at IntraLogisteX 2022 on 29-30 March at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Go to www.intralogistex.co.uk to learn more.
DHL Supply Chain will host a panel discussion at Final Destination Logistics on 18-19 May 2022 at Exhibition Centre Liverpool. For more details, go to www.finaldestinationlogistics.co.uk
