Fashion retailer opts for Schaefer

The flexibly expandable solution to be implemented is designed to facilitate shorter delivery times while enabling efficiency increases for order processing in the growing online business.

The new shipping solution will be able to process more than 10,000 shipments per day. For the Kastner & Öhler central warehouse in Graz, modern intralogistics will ensure efficient processing of shipments for the e-Comm business. Scaling up for a future implementation can be easily done too, thanks to the already considered extension stages.

The decision to select SSI Schaefer was strengthened by the fact that the intralogistics expert is able to supply the project with required solution components from its location north of Graz. Regarding the logistics concept itself, efficiency and flexibility were just as convincing as was the ergonomics factor, which played an essential role in the design of shipping work stations.

Completion and commissioning of the project is scheduled for mid-October this year – just in time for Black Friday and holiday shopping. This helps achieve short delivery times even in case of higher shipping volumes for a positive customer experience.

Shuttle system

SSI Schaefer has also built a new logistics building for Carhartt WIP, which includes a Cuby shuttle system, a compact bin and carton conveying system as well as picking locations with sequencing tower.

Carhartt WIP supplies 70 of its own retail stores and eleven outlet stores as well as online sales through an omni-channel strategy from its central logistics centre.

SSI Schaefer extended the storage capacity of the Carhartt WIP logistics centre and increased the process efficiency of made-to-order production for various distribution channels, with optimised material flows and modern system technology. The existing automated shipping buffer was extended and connected to the new system.

SSI Schaefer implemented a fully automated 5-aisle Cuby shuttle system with about 35,000 carton storage locations, a pre-zone and a high-speed loop in the add-on building, which exceeds 4,000 sq m. The dynamic and scalable storage system is operated by ten lifts. A potential expansion by three aisles is already considered in the installation layout. To guarantee sequencing of source cartons and consistent material supply of the eight connected picking locations, SSI Schaefer installed eight sequencing towers with 2 x 23 transfer locations each. An optional expansion by up to four towers for this automation area is already included in the installation layout. The picking locations are equipped with Put to Light technology and integrated into the system concept and material flows.

The new 1.6 km conveying system supplies 20 new packing work stations, a semi-automated returns work station and eleven special handling work stations for value-added services (VAS). Additionally, it is connected to the material flows of the already existing system. The existing system will be modified as well: SSI Schaefer extended the 8-aisle miniload by two aisles with 9,800 storage locations. For further process support, SSI Schaefer also integrates a wide range of handling systems into the new conveying system, such as automatic carton openers and erectors, tape carton sealers, scanners and label applicators.

Warehouse management system WAMAS has been implemented in the WIP logistics centre for warehouse management and process control. Material flow structures for B2B shipping remain intact, while SSI Schaefer has restructured the material flow for B2C shipping, returns handling and the special handling area (VAS).

For more information, visit www.ssi-schaefer.com