Arvato Continues to Focus on Automation

Arvato continues to focus consistently on automation. Currently, the global logistics service provider specializing in Supply Chain Management and E-Commerce has implemented a new Rack-to-Person system in its logistics center in Poznań, Poland.

(Gütersloh/Poznań) The new Rack-to-Person system significantly increases the efficiency of order picking and storage processes for online business. “As part of our automation strategy, we are investing in modern warehouse technologies and robotics. Our goal is to enhance the efficiency of warehouse processes and provide employees with a working environment that supports them in performing their tasks,” explains Lidia Ratajczak-Kluck, Managing Director of Arvato in Poland and member of the Arvato management team. “With this innovative Rack-to-Person system, we now have an automation solution in Poland that allows us to optimize our logistics processes and enhance our competitiveness in the market. Especially for customers with a wide range of products, this solution creates enormous added value.”

The new system is based on advanced robotic technology and supports and facilitates order picking for employees. The autonomously driving robots transport the storage shelves with goods to the picking stations in the 48,000 square meter logistics center in Poznań, where employees retrieve the goods according to the order.

The robots navigate using a camera system and navigation codes in the warehouse. The direct delivery of the shelves significantly streamlines and accelerates the picking process – not least due to the speed of the robots. Once the picking is completed, the robots automatically return the shelves to the correct storage location. To determine the ideal hall and inventory layout and the best storage location for each item, they utilize historical data and heatmap analyses.

The Rack-to-Person robots are also an example of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in operational processes. AI helps them orient themselves and optimize routes. The robots are deployed in a closed storage zone, with sensor gates ensuring that employees do not accidentally enter the robots’ work area. The use of robots, combined with the more compact utilization of the available space for the shelving units, allows for the storage of more products. The solution also enables continuous operation, significantly increasing productivity and operational efficiency.

Speed and Flexibility

“Speed and flexibility are becoming increasingly important for our customers. The general goal of any automation is to increase our customers’ productivity and respond flexibly to their requirements,” says Philipp Rücker, Head of Transport Management and Logistics Engineering at Arvato. “All automation solutions, whether robotic, Rack-to-Person, AutoStore, shuttle, or packaging solutions, are designed with a high degree of modularity and flexibility. This way, we achieve a scalable system that we can quickly and easily implement at other locations as needed.”

Photo: © Arvato