The rapidly growing contract manufacturer and development partner of the pharmaceutical industry, Losan Pharma, aims to expand its production capacities. A new manufacturing plant is set to commence operations in 2025. At the same time, a new logistics center is being established, for which SSI SCHAEFER has been appointed as the general contractor for intralogistics. The scope of delivery includes an automated pallet high-bay silo, energy-efficient storage and retrieval machines, automated guided vehicles, extensive conveyor technology, and the integration of the new warehouse into the existing SAP EWM.

Losan Pharma GmbH has been an innovative CDMO partner (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) for the pharmaceutical industry since 1992. With more than 750 employees, the company, founded in 1992 in Neuenburg am Rhein, South Germany, undertakes the development, manufacturing, and packaging of smart pharmaceuticals on behalf of its pharmaceutical clients and offers analytical services and artwork services.

Since 2017, the company's expansion strategy has focused on a second location in nearby Eschbach. On the Losan Pharma Campus, breaking the ground for an innovative logistics center took place in September 2024. The commissioning is planned for the end of 2026. The fully automated high-bay warehouse will then supply the newly constructed production facilities with raw materials. Additionally, it will serve as a shipping warehouse for the pharmaceuticals produced in Eschbach.

As the general contractor for intralogistics, SSI SCHAEFER delivers the complete storage and conveyor technology and manages the involved trades. Losan Pharma's high-bay warehouse is being constructed by SSI SCHAEFER as a self-supporting steel structure in silo construction, eliminating the need for a separate hall construction. The high-bay warehouse, from where the production and packaging buildings are supplied and disposed of, is founded at a depth of 6 meters.

Intelligent Conveyor Solution from DS Automotion 
In the basement, an automated guided vehicle system (AGV) with two AMADEUS classic vehicles connects the conveyor technology with four pallet lifters. The vehicles transport raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products. Another AGV, with an AMADEUS classic, is used on the ground floor to connect sample trains to the high-bay warehouse. All AGV solutions are provided by DS Automotion, a company of the SSI SCHAEFER Group. Five energy-efficient SSI Exyz storage and retrieval machines, which will supply the 20,000 double-deep pallet spaces in the warehouse completely automatically, will handle the conveying processes within the high-bay warehouse.

Connection to SAP EWM via SWAN
The order management of the entire storage and conveyor technology is carried out via the SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) software already used at Losan Pharma. The integration of the storage and conveyor technology into SAP EWM is realized by SWAN, a project house for SAP logistics and also a member of the SSI SCHAEFER Group.

On the Losan Pharma Campus, breaking the ground for an innovative logistics center took place in September 2024. The commissioning is planned for the end of 2026. The fully automated high-bay warehouse will then supply the newly constructed production facilities with raw materials. Additionally, it will serve as a shipping warehouse for the pharmaceuticals produced in Eschbach.
 

© Lifa Breisgau GmbH

• Recording of sustainability performance indicators extended to the 22 largest entities of the group

• Climate strategy adopted and energy transformation concept for international headquarters finalised

• EcoVadis “Bronze” certification for the entire SSI SCHAEFER Group

Neunkirchen/Siegerland, Germany, October 16, 2024 – The SSI SCHAEFER Group, a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics, today published its third sustainability report, which underlines the continuity of its activities in this area over the last few years. The report provides an overview of specific measures as well as further efforts and goals for a more sustainable future. Activities continued to focus on implementing the sustainability strategy developed in 2021, which covers ecological, social, and economic aspects alike.

Despite continued difficult market conditions and a gloomy investment environment, the SSI SCHAEFER Group was able to achieve important sustainability progress and successes last year. In addition to expanding the collection of sustainability performance indicators to include the 22 largest entities in the group, a climate strategy with measurable reduction targets was adopted and an energy transformation concept for the international headquarters in Neunkirchen was finalised.

“In 2023, we as a global company have once again worked hard to make a positive contribution to sustainable development,” says Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group. “We are therefore particularly pleased to be among the top third of the companies assessed and to have received the EcoVadis “Bronze” rating for the entire group. The third sustainability report underlines our ongoing commitment and shows our progress and successes.” In 2024, the company intends to continue its efforts by pursuing its sustainability goals and identifying further measures to strengthen the sustainability of its own business activities and those of its customers.

Download the full 2023 Sustainability Report here

The long-established mould manufacturer agathon, based in the Ruhr region of Germany, aims to increase the efficiency of its tool warehouse. The company’s relocation to a new site has created space for this fresh start. SSI SCHAEFER is supplying several SSI LOGIMAT® vertical lift modules, which agathon is using to optimize and partially automate order picking. The new storage solution also enables ergonomic handling and maximizes the use of vertical space.

agathon GmbH is the leading manufacturer of chocolate moulds for large-scale industrial production worldwide. The family-owned company develops and manufactures customized chocolate moulds that give confectionery an unmistakable, high-quality design. From its headquarters in Bottrop, Germany, the company has been a system partner to nearly all major manufacturers and plant constructors in the chocolate, confectionery, and food industries for 75 years.

agathon's tool store holds the expertise of its past development work. Generally, the tool moulds remain the property of client companies. They must be stored securely and, if needed, made available to the injection moulding machines or the in-house workshop.

Relocation to a new facility

Over the years, agathon's headquarters reached its capacity limits. Since the end of 2022, the company has been relocating to a larger site in neighboring Essen. The new hall for the tool warehouse is already in place. In March 2024, SSI SCHAEFER received the order for the vertical lift module solution. Currently, SSI LOGIMAT storage lifts and a gantry crane are being installed. Storage within the vertical lift modules is managed using SSI SCHAEFER's WAMAS Lift & Store software, which is integrated with agathon’s ERP system. The new solution is expected to go live in October 2024.

Warehouse consolidation and ergonomic handling

The vertical design of SSI LOGIMAT allows for maximum utilization of the facility’s height. Agathon’s tool warehouse will feature a total of 8 storage lifts, each over 9 meters high. Warehouse staff will select the required tool mould, and the vertical lift module will deliver the relevant tray to the operator opening. With the additional LOGIDRIVE option, the tray is fully extended from the lift, enabling easy and safe transfer of the mould to the crane. To optimize this process, the cross beams of the crane runway are mounted directly onto the uprights of the storage lifts, offering ergonomic benefits and saving space.

Transparent inventory management

The integration of the SSI SCHAEFER solution also enhances the company’s software systems. Central to the data exchange is the WAMAS Lift & Store control solution, which manages article and order handling across the vertical lift modules, ensuring optimal use of available storage locations. This also provides full transparency in inventory management for warehouse staff.

WAMAS Lift & Store is connected to agathon’s ERP system, proALPHA, via a standard interface provided by SSI SCHAEFER. This connection allows warehouse data to be accessible company-wide. Additionally, the picking of tool moulds is fully automated and recorded in the ERP system.

Attractive design for high-quality shapes

agathon expects to benefit from warehouse consolidation, as well as from efficient, semi-automated, and ergonomic order picking using the vertical lift modules. A secondary but important factor was the aesthetic design of the systems. The sleek design of the storage lifts and trays is intended to enhance the visual appeal of the new facility. Both employees and agathon’s clients will benefit from this, especially considering the close development partnership between the toolmaker and product designers in the confectionery industry. Much of this collaboration occurs in the company’s Chocolate Design Center.

agathon’s Managing Director Volker Krämer is eagerly anticipating the upcoming launch, stating: “The concept of the vertical lift module solution from SSI SCHAEFER is impressive in terms of functionality, ergonomics, and design. We are now preparing together for the commissioning in October.”

© SSI SCHAEFER

• Logistics consultants and planners at the “Intralogistics Day 2024”

• Exchange of technologies and experiences for the benefit of customers

• SSI SCHAEFER event series continued with success

After the inaugural event last year, SSI SCHAEFER once again invited logistics consultants and planners to the “Intralogistics Day” at its technology center in Giebelstadt near Würzburg. Around 35 participants from the DACH region and Belgium came together on September 24, 2024, to discuss current challenges in the industry and learn about solutions from the SSI SCHAEFER Group's range of products and services.

After all, the demands on intralogistics are high. In view of the shortage of skilled workers, cost pressure, complex supply chains, the desire for sustainability and the urgent need for digitalization, many companies are looking for solutions to optimize their intralogistics processes and remain competitive.

Flexible and scalable solutions for step-by-step automation are particularly in demand. The experts from SSI SCHAEFER, DS Automotion, Ro-Ber and SWAN presented picking solutions with mobile robots, AGVs, gantry robots and tugger trains, references from the fashion and deep-freeze logistics sector and emulation for process optimization in the implementation phase from the software sector. The presentations and discussions were complemented by live product demonstrations of SSI SCHAEFER Piece Picking and Case Picking, the Mobile Robots solutions with RackBots and AGVs as well as the Flat Pack Picking System.

The “Intralogistics Day” is part of a series of in-house exhibitions and customer events that SSI SCHAEFER intends to hold ongoing. Mauro Lunardelli, Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER, comments: “Successfully realizing logistics projects together requires not only expertise and technology, but also a high degree of trust. We have known many of our customers and partners for decades and will continue to expand our personal contact with interested companies and partners internationally in order to create a competitive advantage for our customers with innovative intralogistics solutions from the SSI SCHAEFER Group.”

© SSI SCHAEFER

After the inaugural event last year, SSI SCHAEFER once again invited logistics consultants and planners to the “Intralogistics Day” at its technology center in Giebelstadt near Würzburg, Germany.

© SSI SCHAEFER

The participating consultants and planners were introduced to picking solutions with mobile robots, AGVs, gantry robots and tugger trains from the SSI SCHAEFER Group's range of systems.

In honour of Singapore’s 59th National Day, SSI SCHAEFER, a global leader in intralogistics and automated warehouse solutions, is celebrating the success of its numerous Singaporean partners over the years, as the company itself commemorates its 40th anniversary in APAC.

The World Bank recently ranked Singapore as first globally in its most recent 2023 Logistics Performance Index, with its highest score for Infrastructure, and had previously noted that the nation’s position as a global logistics hub played a key role in its economic success. Underpinning Singapore’s logistics infrastructure across sectors are intralogistics centres — storage and distribution facilities — whose performance and capacity have repercussions for global supply chains, international trade, and economic growth.

“Having been here for 40 of its 59 years, Singapore is home to SSI SCHAEFER’s headquarters for Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, overseeing 15 locations across these regions as well as a factory in Simpang Renggam, Malaysia. During our time here, it’s been spectacular to witness Singapore’s meteoric rise as a major global supply-chain hub,” remarked Sean Lim, Country Head at SSI SCHAEFER Singapore. “The nation has done particularly well by prioritizing infrastructure and recognizing that cutting-edge technology, top performance, optimal efficiency, and rigorous safety are absolute necessities for world-class facilities. It’s been an honour to be a part of this for four decades through both our domestic and international partners.”

Specific to homegrown companies, three partnerships provide a snapshot of the company’s impact on the Singaporean economy.

YCH Group’s Supply Chain City™

Overview:

• Completed 2018

• 65,000 m2 total surface area, including 10,080 m² of high-bay warehouse

• 50 m high and 5 floors of ramp-up warehousing

• Over 66,000 pallet storage locations

• 18 energy-efficient SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines (SRMs)

• Capable of moving 450 pallets per hour

• Capacity for 21.6 tonnes total load

• Access to over 100 loading bays

Using technologies from SSI SCHAEFER, YCH Group, the leading homegrown supply chain solutions company, created a world-class logistics centre to reinforce Singapore’s position as a key supply chain hub and nerve centre that connects Asia to the world. Located in the Jurong Innovation District, Supply Chain City™ utilizes SSI SCHAEFER’s rack-clad automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) and its WAMAS smart warehouse management system.

Since the facility’s launch, the fully automated processes have enabled YCH to deliver higher value-added logistics services for customized end-to-end solutions to companies. Furthermore, with WAMAS, comprehensive visibility of material flows has strengthened the collaboration and communication between every stakeholder in the supply chain, including the warehouse.

Tee Yih Jia Food Hub

Overview:

• Completed 2022

• Singapore’s largest fully automated cold storage facility and largest automated rack-clad, high-bay warehouse

• $450 million facility

• 40,000 m2 total surface area

• Three warehouses: two cold rooms and one ambient temperature dry storage

• 100,000 pallet positions of frozen storage racks

• 15 SSI Exyz SRMs

• Capable of moving 300 pallets per hour

Tee Yih Jia Manufacturing Pte Ltd, a leading frozen foods manufacturer, partnered with SSI SCHAEFER on ist Tee Yih Jia Food Hub, a food factory and storage and distribution facility in Senoko. Combining SSI SCHAEFER’s cold storage expertise with ist rack-clad ASRS, Tee Yih Jia successfully leveraged full automation to significantly expand supply chain efficiency and capacity.

Collaboration with SME in Automotive and Industrial Industries

Overview:

• Completed 2024

• 1075 m2 total surface area

Singapore’s rigorous safety standards as a global logistics hub can sometimes create challenges for companies with less experience and thorough planning, particularly SMEs. As a one-stop shop, SSI SCHAEFER follows exacting safety standards from the EU and Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) from the start, and it has guided several Singaporean SMEs to make facility approval processes seamless.

Most recently, SSI SCHAEFER implemented their mezzanine solution, which complies with BCA and EU structural safety standards, for a collaboration with an automotive and industrial supply company on their facility in Defu. With the solution, the company greatly scaled up their total floor area and maximised storage capacity while advancing their journey towards automation. For their warehouse workers, the mezzanine solutions made workflows significantly more streamlined and user-friendly.

40 Years out of 59: SSI SCHAEFER Celebrates Success of Singaporean Partners

SSI SCHAEFER will improve Scalpers' order picking performance thanks to the implementation of 26 RackBots in the distribution center of the popular Sevillian fashion brand in Guillena. The project, which is being developed in two phases, will equip the warehouse with a total of 100,000 locations for cardboard boxes and two picking stations organized using the Put-Wall system and Pick to Light order preparation, with eight positions in each one, to offer a throughput of 250 boxes per hour, both incoming and outgoing.

Implementation in two phases
The first phase of the project, which went into operation in August 2024, involved the integration of 12 RackBots, which operate in 20.000 double-depth locations for 600 x 400 x 400 mm cartons, arranged in 10-meter-high racks.

In the second phase of the project, the warehouse will increase its capacity by a further 40.000 double-deep storage locations and will incorporate another 14 RackBots, which will enable it to replace more manual processes and to cope with the increase in logistics tasks resulting from the large increase in sales that the company, founded in 2007, is experiencing.

Advantages of the RackBots technology
RackBots combine the flexibility of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) with the capabilities of an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The shuttle vehicle is fitted with a crane equipped with a load handling device, enabling it to insert and extract containers, trays and boxes to and from conveyors, shelves, workstations and picking stations.

New solution for fast processes
The new solution from the SSI Mobile Robots product family is replacing an area of conventional pallet racking for overstock and storage of picking boxes with a new automated area, in which the preparation of orders for initials (items for the following season destined for the shops), repeats (repeat orders in the current season) and online commerce will be carried out in three work shifts. In addition to automated picking, the solution from SSI SCHAEFER offers higher storage density.

Javier Sangalo, Logistics Director at Scalpers, comments: “One of the great advantages of working with RackBots is the scalability of the system, which allows both the expansion of storage capacity and the incorporation of new vehicles. Automation increases the speed of order picking, makes up for the lack of skilled labour and minimises errors, which results in a higher quality of service and reduced costs.”

Another significant advantage is the ease of integration with the company's management software. Moreover, Scalpers relies on efficient new technologies such as RFID tunnels and automatic folded garment sorters.

As the automated warehouse solution is easily scalable, it offers many opportunities for future growth.

Project details:

• Number of RackBots: 26

• Number of locations: 100.000 locations for 600 x 400 x 400 mm cartons

• Rack height: 10 meters

• 2 picking stations equipped with a Put-Wall and Pick to Light order picking, each with eight positions

• Inbound via roller conveyor with transfer to the RackBot

Output:

• 250 boxes/hour input and output

Planned Go-live:

• Go-live of first project phase in August 2024

© SSI SCHAEFER

SSI SCHAEFER will improve Scalpers' order picking performance thanks to the implementation of 26 RackBots in the distribution center of the popular Sevillian fashion brand in Guillena. The project, which is being developed in two phases, will equip the warehouse with a total of 100,000 locations for cardboard boxes and two picking stations.

• Storage capacity increased by 90% thanks to mobile racking system from SSI SCHAEFER

• Follow-up project after collaboration to provide critical vaccine infrastructure during the Covid-19 pandemic

SSI SCHAEFER, a global leader in warehouse automation and cold-chain storage solutions, is announcing the results of its partnership with Noatum Logistics Middle East, an integrated regional end-to-end logistics services arm of Noatum, an AD Ports Group company which leads the Group’s Logistics Cluster.

By leveraging SSI SCHAEFER’s mobile pallet racking system that increases storage capacity by over 90%, the partnership created the largest mobile racking system installation for deep-freeze cold rooms in the UAE, which is part of AD Ports Group’s KLP21 warehousing hub, located at Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

In addition to boosting cooling efficiency and storage density, the system also succeeded in enhancing warehouse safety through its multiple failsafe mechanisms and cutting-edge programmable logic controller (PLC) to enable customized and automated control. With the increasing demand for pre-built, state-of-the-art cold room storage facilities in KEZAD, the partnership fulfills a key need for new clients, while accelerating business growth in the region and beyond.

Cosmin Sebastian Ilie, Head of Business Unit Product & Equipment APAC MEA, SSI SCHAEFER, said: "We are honored to have partnered with AD Ports Group and subsequently with Noatum Logistics Middle East on these transformative projects. Demonstrating our core values of being customer committed and long-term oriented, this collaboration is driving innovation and excellence in the logistics industry, enabling our partner to provide state-of-the-art storage solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers. We look forward to continuing our journey of success to grow and thrive in the region together."

Daniel Berasategui, Managing Director, Noatum Logistics Middle East & CEO of Noatum Project Cargo, Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: "Our partnership with SSI SCHAEFER has been important in helping develop our capabilities as a regional logistics hub serving a multitude of industry sectors ranging from healthcare to FMCG. As we combine the strength of AD Ports Group’s capabilities with Noatum’s highly integrated logistics services and global networks, we will continue working with partners like SSI SCHAEFER to provide us with market-leading capabilities that earn our customers’ trust to handle their entire value chain - from manufacture to end user.”

An initial collaboration to deliver crucial pandemic-era vaccine logistics infrastructure

The fruitful partnership between AD Ports Group and SSI SCHAEFER dates back several years. AD Ports Group initially partnered with SSI SCHAEFER to advance its progress toward becoming the largest cold-chain storage distribution center for health and medical supply chains. SSI SCHAEFER designed and installed a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking) storage solution to optimize the Group’s state-of-the-art deep-freeze storage capacity that played a crucial role in storing and distributing over 260 million vaccine doses to over 65 countries worldwide as part of the HOPE Consortium - an Abu Dhabi-led public-private partnership designed to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Turning to SSI SCHAEFER to optimize its cold-chain warehousing space and capacity for pharmaceutical distribution, AD Ports Group’s Logistics Cluster opted for ESX Mobile Racking for dry, deep-freeze warehouses, covering a vast +8,000 square meters and providing 14,000 pallet positions. Equipped with deep-freeze solutions and advanced digital dashboards for precise environmental control, the solution enabled storing vaccines and pharmaceuticals within a set temperature range, even as low as -25° C.

Under the motto "Together We Shape the Future of Intralogistics," SSI SCHAEFER invited intralogistics consultants from across Europe to the "Future Automation Partner Forum" at the Technology Center in Giebelstadt, Germany, on June 19, 2024. Approximately 30 consultants from 10 different countries, including France, Italy, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe, attended the two-day event. The forum featured information on technologies, tools, and trends, live product demonstrations, and valuable networking opportunities.

The Partner Forum is part of an ongoing series of customer events and in-house exhibitions that SSI SCHAEFER plans to expand internationally. The aim is to bring together companies interested in a specific application such as deep-freeze logistics, or a special service such as consulting, and to provide them with focused information and networking opportunities in order to take cooperation to a new level.  

Michal Kazmierczak, Regional Head Northern Europe, and Conrad Cardona, Regional Head Southern Europe, who hosted the event, said: "We value the close relationships we have with our customers and partners. By maintaining ongoing communication and providing continuous updates on innovations and our internal initiatives, we can achieve better cooperation. This enables us to engineer and implement successful intralogistics projects together. We are convinced that our innovative solutions offer real added value. Together, we are shaping the future of intralogistics!"

In the future, SSI SCHAEFER will increasingly focus on smaller customer events and in-house exhibitions, such as the European Partner Forum on June 19 at the Technology Center in Giebelstadt, Germany.

• SSI SCHAEFER implements e-commerce warehouse in Varberg for Sweden’s largest online pharmacy

• Efficient order processing through A-Frames, ergonomic work stations, a shuttle warehouse, an automated small parts warehouse, robotics and WAMAS logistics software

• A flexible system and discrete picking for fast deliveries, best quality, and first-rate service

Apotea is Sweden's largest online pharmacy and accounts for about half of the market share when it comes to e-commerce in the pharmacy market. In 2023, together with the intralogistics expert SSI SCHAEFER, the distribution center in Morgongåva, Sweden, was optimized, doubling its performance. However, demand in e-commerce continues to increase rapidly, and capacities keep getting tighter. In order to be able to process up to 50,000 more orders a day, a new warehouse is being built in Varberg with the target to reduce the delivery times to the southwest of Sweden. SSI SCHAEFER’s highly efficient system will enable Apotea to achieve short cycle times, fast deliveries and an excellent level of service.

The plan is to create a highly automated solution which combines several cutting-edge technologies and can grow alongside the online pharmacy in the future: An SSI Cuby shuttle warehouse with around 87,000 storage locations and an automated small parts warehouse with almost 45,000 storage locations will ensure high availability and throughputs as well as optimum use of space. Automatic picking using A-Frame systems and piece-picking robots will maximize productivity.

For the ergonomic and gentle handling of non-throwable items, Advanced Pick Stations one-level will be integrated – this reduces picking errors to almost zero, and parallel picking into four order bins is possible without any problems. Ergonomic work stations will also ensure efficient processes in goods-in and when checking prescription drugs. Discrete picking allows all orders to be picked directly into the shipping cartons in 4 different sizes, automatically reduced in volume, sealed, labelled, and sent to goods-out. The seamless connection of all areas will be guaranteed through conveying systems.

Apotea also benefits from smooth software processes in the new e-commerce warehouse: At the heart of the system will be the WAMAS Warehouse Control System (WCS) logistics software, which provides optimum support for a wide range of picking scenarios. Moreover, the WAMAS Control Center can be used to monitor and control all processes – enabling warehouse management at the highest level.

Apotea’s CEO, Pär Svärdson, can hardly wait for the go-live: “We have already been working with SSI SCHAEFER for a long time and are convinced that the new warehouse will also perfectly meet our requirements. The solution was flexibly tailored to our needs. This means we can continue to offer our customers first-rate service in the future and are well prepared for further growth.”

For Apotea, the new warehouse in Varberg is an important forward-looking step and another milestone in the partnership with SSI SCHAEFER. Installation starts in the third quarter of 2024, and the system is planned to start operating in 2025.

• Pharmacy giant opens first warehouse in Italy in Telgate, Bergamo  

• SSI SCHAEFER and Geekplus implement a forward-looking logistics concept in just a few weeks

• Modern e-commerce warehouse with flexible automation options covers over 14,000 m²

Around 3,000 pharmacies, an online platform with more than one million customers per month and over two million items sold per day – the Dr. Max Group is one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical chains. The company is active in 17 countries and is now continuing their success story: As of February 2024, the new distribution center has been supplying the entire Italian market.

New Markets Need New Solutions

Dr. Max not only sells medication, but also has an enormous selection of health and cosmetic products for their customers, ranging from nutritional supplements to beauty products. This extensive range alone poses major challenges for logistics. But that’s not all: Demand is increasing rapidly in the online shop. In 2023, Dr. Max achieved a remarkable 55% year-over-year increase in e-commerce revenue.
 

With the aim to ensure the fastest possible delivery to end customers throughout Italy – either via home delivery or via click-and-collect pickup in pharmacies – and in order to meet the diverse requirements, Dr. Max decided to build a warehouse in Telgate specializing in pharmaceutical and cosmetics e-commerce fulfillment. This should not only ensure efficient processes and a seamless supply chain, but also pave the way for future growth: With the acquisition of Neo Apotek SpA, the number of pharmacies that Dr. Max supplies in Italy has grown to over 210 branches. With the help of future expansions, the new warehouse will gradually handle pharmacy deliveries in addition to e-commerce orders.

A project for which the pharmaceutical retailer turned to two of the world’s largest and most experienced intralogistics experts.

Together Toward Success

Dr. Max chose SSI SCHAEFER as the general contractor and Geekplus as robot technology partner, combining maximum logistics expertise in the new warehouse in Italy to create a unique, high-level solution. In this way, even the sheer quantity of items with different order patterns for multiple channels can be stored, picked and dispatched smoothly. The shortest lead times guarantee fast delivery, sometimes even on the same day.

From automatic order start and picking directly into cartons to automated shipping preparation, including volume reduction and carton sealing, the integration of a wide range of components meets all the requirements of high-performance e-commerce fulfillment. This overall concept has not only convinced Dr. Max in Italy – SSI SCHAEFER and Geekplus have already implemented their smart logistics solution in several of the pharmaceutical chain’s European sites to the customer’s complete satisfaction.

Dr. Max’s Miguel Martins da Silva, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, is impressed: “We needed a warehouse that could both handle the increasing quantity of online orders, but also keep up with our growth on the Italian market. SSI SCHAEFER and Geekplus’ holistic solution enables us to do just that – it is scalable, innovative, and flexible.”

Single-Source Solution: SSI SCHAEFER’s Smart Logistics Concept

As a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics, SSI SCHAEFER is also a specialist in the field of individual warehouse automation. Thanks to this expertise, a customized end-to-end concept was developed for Dr. Max and implemented in practice within a matter of weeks. In addition to pallet racks, conveying systems, handling systems and other hardware, the software for controlling all components and processes in the new warehouse also comes from the intralogistics expert.

SSI SCHAEFER’s integrated warehouse management system (WMS) effectively supports Dr. Max in the optimization of complex logistics activities. Among other things, it enables real-time control, the automation of repetitive processes and more efficient transport routes through the dynamic management of storage location allocations. The result: Fewer errors, a better use of resources and significantly higher productivity overall.

“It is important to us to flexibly tailor our solutions to the requirements of our customers. Thanks to the cooperation with Geekplus, we were able to implement a sustainable concept for Dr. Max that sets industry-wide standards and can be flexibly implemented at other sites,” says Oleg Rak, Project Manager, SSI SCHAEFER.

Efficient Picking Using Geekplus Mobile Robots

The Tote-to-Person solution from Geekplus, the global leader in autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technologies, combines a shuttle robot achieving 8 meters height for double-deep container storage for maximum use of vertical storage space with a fulfillment robot for fast order processing based on the tote-to-person principle at the Telgate site. “This warehouse is a good example of how we can grow with our customers. We have offered our wide and comprehensive portfolio of mobile robots and expanded it with additional solution elements according to the customer requirements. The combination of our robots with SSI SCHAEFER’s components offers Dr. Max a variety of possibilities. Should the requirements change, the system can be customized at any time,” explains Wayne Tai, Channel Partner Manager for EMEA, Geekplus.

Step by Step to Omnichannel Fulfillment

With a seamless network of pharmacies, Dr. Max aims to reliably supply their customers with a wide range of medicines and cosmetic products, both online and in stores. In Italy – and beyond. The logistics solution from SSI SCHAEFER and Geekplus implemented in Telgate provides the perfect foundation for this and has already been successfully established at several Dr. Max sites in Europe. The cooperation will also continue in the newly opened Italian warehouse: Shortly after the system went live, additional automation steps and future expansions are already being planned.

Images: © Dr. Max

The innovative SSI Piece Picking solution, for efficient fully automated single-piece picking, impressed at this year’s IFOY Award (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award), securing first place in the “Stationary Robots” category. The coveted IFOY Award was formally presented during the IFOY Award Night on June 14, 2024, at the Congress Center Baden near Vienna.

The IFOY Award honors the best intralogistics solutions of the year. Providers could submit their products and system solutions online, in six different categories. The products and solutions nominated for the finals were subjected to various tests during the IFOY Test Days on April 10 and 11, 2024, including the IFOY test protocol, with around 80 criteria, and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check. A total of 26 jury members from different nations evaluated the test results. The winners were announced on June 14, 2024, during the IFOY Award Night in Baden near Vienna.

“We are particularly pleased and proud of receiving the IFOY Award. This award confirms our efforts in our innovative approach, as well as the sustainability and future viability of our concept in the market comparison,” said Mauro Lunardelli, Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER. “The award encourages us to continuously develop our Piece Picking solution to assist relieve workers and make order processing more efficient and secure.”

The award-winning SSI Piece Picking solution is a joint development by SSI SCHAEFER and the robotics specialist and subsidiary RO-BER. It features AI-based object recognition and innovative gripper technology. The use of compact suction cups instead of finger-shaped grippers allows for fast and gentle handling of small parts. With the help of machine learning, the system continuously improves and builds a comprehensive knowledge database. The pick & place method ensures particularly gentle handling, achieving optimal utilization of storage space. The compact design of the cell allows for easy transport in a shipping container. WAMAS Piece Picking, as part of the WAMAS portfolio, provides efficient material flow control and seamless integration into existing WMS systems without extensive TeachIn processes.

SSI Piece Picking demonstrates its versatility not only in e-commerce, but also in industry and with third-party logistics providers (3PL). Particularly in healthcare and cosmetics, the solution stands out for having optimal, gentle, and error-free picking.

© IFOY / Tim Walker

The innovative robotics solution SSI Piece Picking was awarded the IFOY Award in the "Stationary Robots" category. Representatives of the company and its subsidiary RO-BER accepted the award from presenter Alexander Klacska in Baden near Vienna.

Features f.l.t.r.:
Markus Jammernegg, Head of Modules, SSI SCHAEFER
Elmar Stöve, Managing Director, RO-BER
Alexander Klacska, Chariman of the Federal Transport and Traffic Division, Austrian Economic Chambers

• Groundbreaking partnership delivers an outstanding high-bay indoor racking system.

• Self-supporting rack construction optimizes space utilization and delivers high levels of stability in seismic zones.

SSI SCHAEFER, a global leader in intralogistics and automated warehouses, today announced its partnership with the Taiwan-based logistics property developer Ally Logistic Property (ALP) to deliver the core infrastructure at the heart of ALP's upcoming OMEGA 1 Bukit Raja — a smart warehouse with automation built in, featuring a high quality self-supported high-bay indoor racking system.

Located in Selangor, Malaysia, OMEGA 1 Bukit Raja is poised to become ALP’s largest automated warehouse in Southeast Asia. It encompasses a vast area of 1.8 million square feet and is valued at US$180 million (RM844 million), representing a significant stride forward. Additionally, the company is set to invest US$1 billion (RM4.68 billion) into Malaysia for the development of cutting-edge smart warehousing solutions, further propelling the nation's logistics industry to new heights.

One of the key advantages of OMEGA is the smart logistics infrastructure the facility provides - including SSI SCHAEFER’s cutting-edge rack solutions - effectively eliminating the need for clients to make their own substantial capital expenditures on automation. This strategic approach empowers clients to harness the benefits of advanced automation in a more cost-effective way.

“We are honored and thrilled that ALP has entrusted us to play a leading role in such a key facility,” remarked Mr. Chan Foong Chow, Director of Sales, Integrator Business Solutions SSI SCHAEFER. “Through delivering the core infrastructure at the heart of this project, SSI SCHAEFER is demonstrating how we work conscientiously with customers to advance their business objectives with tailored, exceptional solutions.”

Supply chains are increasingly shifting away from China and towards many Southeast Asian countries, as research by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company has found. With supply chain operations changing and expanding, companies in the region above all need smart, scalable storage facilities that not only enable flexible growth but also actively foster it. OMEGA fills this gap with the immense storage capacity of SSI SCHAEFER’s high-density racking systems, flexibility in pay-as-you-use rental plans, and the latest in digital and future-ready automation solutions.

A unique achievement in intralogistics

A leader in racking technologies and systems, SSI SCHAEFER designed, manufactured, and installed the core smart warehouse and steelworks infrastructure of the facility, customizing its racking solutions to seamlessly integrate with the space and connected systems. With more than 100,000 pallet locations spread across 38 aisles, SSI SCHAEFER's advanced design accommodates 8 double-deep aisles and 30 single-deep aisles, maximizing space efficiency while maintaining pallet diversity over an approximate area of 693,000 cubic meters.

The huge building with the self-supporting structure of the high-bay racking, constructed with over 4,700 tons of steel, represents an outstanding achievement for the intralogistics industry: a 40-meter tall indoor high-bay warehouse unsupported by building columns. Besides greater space utilization, this design provides a high degree of stability. SSI SCHAEFER’s engineering team have a proven track record when it comes to customizing racking solutions that can withstand global and local collapse mechanisms from the heavy mass of the stored pallets as well as dynamic horizontal forces from the SRM and extreme earthquake events. Ensuring safety throughout the lifespan of the racking systems is a top priority in SSI SCHAEFER’s design philosophy. This commitment guarantees the customers’ racking solutions comply with earthquake standards across Southeast and East Asia.

OMEGA: A state-of-the-art smart warehouse to elevate Southeast Asia’s logistics ecosystem

OMEGA, a smart warehouse with automation built-in, features a large-scale, integrated Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), allowing multiple supply chains to co-exist and benefit from digital networks and automation.

“We are confident that OMEGA 1 Bukit Raja represents a groundbreaking leap forward in Malaysia’s logistics industry. With SSI SCHAEFER’s exceptional expertise in this field and region, we have the utmost assurance that the development of our indoor rack structures is in good hands,” stated Keren Liu, Managing Director of ALP Malaysia. “Since the project’s inception, the SSI SCHAEFER team has consistently demonstrated their commitment to comprehending our requirements and proactively providing recommendations, ensuring smooth project execution. Such dedication is what we value most in our strategic partners,” Liu emphasized.

The facility is scheduled to be completed in Q3, 2024 and aims to boost fulfillment capabilities of Malaysia’s logistics and intralogistics industry, particularly among multinational brand owners and retailers seeking a regional distribution center for sustainable business growth.

For more information about OMega, please visit: https://www.alp.global/en/omega

Recognized for its significant contributions to the advancement of intralogistics and automated warehouses, SSI SCHAEFER was awarded the prestigious LogiSYM Awards 2024 as the Best Warehouse Automation Company. The award ceremony, held at the Singapore Expo on May 16, 2024, spotlighted SSI SCHAEFER’s groundbreaking innovation in facilitating Nahdi Medical Company’s construction of IMDAD Distribution Center in Jeddah - the first semi-automated pharmaceutical distribution center in the Middle East.

Bob Gill, Chairman of the LogiSYM Awards Judging Panel, presented the 2024 Best Warehouse Automation Company Award to Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director at SSI SCHAEFER for Middle East & Africa (f.l.t.r.).

As SSI SCHAEFER celebrates its 40th year in APAC MEA, the company has received various awards throughout its journey as a testament of its dedication. Delighted to receive the award, Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at SSI SCHAEFER, said, "It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award, which marks a significant milestone in our 40-year journey of innovation and excellence. This recognition not only underscores our commitment to advancing intralogistics and warehouse automation, but also celebrates our successful partnership with Nahdi Medical Company. This award motivates us to continually push the boundaries of our capabilities to ensure that we consistently deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to our customers.”

The award not only celebrates SSI SCHAEFER's accomplishments, but also the two-year partnership with Nahdi Medical Company to build the 250,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that has set new standards for the industry. IMDAD Distribution Center is an example of innovation with its semi- automated order fulfilment systems, comprehensive data analytics, real-time inventory tracking and temperature-controlled logistics. Notably, the facility has achieved a 98.5% increase in warehouse efficiency since its inception, significantly increasing capacity and competitive advantage in the region. Its robust infrastructure supports a maximum daily picking capacity of 100,000 items and manages over 5,500 shipping totes, effectively handling the surge in online orders.

Yasir A. Jamal, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Nahdi, remarked, "We are deeply honored to receive this award, which stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence as a leading Saudi company in the healthcare industry. This success is due to innovative and industry leading strategic core capabilities, which include technical capabilities and robust supply chain management, supported by our dedicated team and valued partners, including SSI SCHAEFER, which has been instrumental, from design to implementation and beyond, ensuring not only the efficient handling of quantities but also the highest quality of service we deliver to our Guests, adding beats to their lives."

Now in its 6th year, the LogiSYM Awards recognize outstanding achievements within the supply chain and logistics industry. The rigorous selection process, managed by an 11-person judging panel, involves evaluating nominees based on their innovation, productivity, efficiency benefits, and contributions to safety and ergonomics. SSI SCHAEFER’s triumph in this competitive category underscores its longstanding commitment to expanding the frontiers of warehouse automation.

• Expanding competencies in digitalization and technology with innovation start-up

• SupplyBrain GmbH provides data-based solutions in the very shortest delivery time

• Optimizing logistics processes, maintenance and energy consumption

Neunkirchen/Germany, Graz/Austria – In day-to-day logistics, companies are confronted with numerous challenges to which they must respond quickly and efficiently to avoid additional costs. The services of the recently founded innovation start-up SupplyBrain, part of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, strike a chord with countless logistics companies. SupplyBrain provides data-based software solutions that complement the company’s logistics software to optimize the core areas of the supply chain, increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.

In order to optimize the supply chain, SupplyBrain offers market-ready products with different approaches. A digital twin enables the companies to simulate alternative solutions and quickly determine the most efficient variant if, for instance, picking staff is absent due to illness or order structures change considerably due to varying market conditions. Another service component is the optimization of the maintenance strategy towards predictive maintenance. An AI-supported analysis of the utilization data determines the optimum maintenance window for the system components. Increasing energy efficiency is also part of the services offered by SupplyBrain. The optimized use of components is particularly important with regard to rising energy prices.

By founding SupplyBrain GmbH, SSI SCHAEFER invests in the expansion of their technology and digitalization expertise in the field of intralogistics. The start-up, led by Managing Director Mario Traar, consists of about 10 employees and is based in Graz, Austria, close to SSI SCHAEFER. Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, states: “We are excited that we act as a start-up incubator for SupplyBrain and thus expand SSI SCHAEFER's service portfolio to include rapidly available digital products and services. Systematic optimization of all processes and components strengthens the competitiveness of our customers and is an important step towards Intralogistics 4.0.”

SupplyBrain stands for the intelligent use of all the data which is accumulated in large quantities in the warehouse and often not used sufficiently as a basis for decision-making. The customers benefit from products and services that can be integrated smoothly into the company’s existing software. In addition to intralogistics software, SupplyBrain's solutions tap into artificial intelligence, simulation algorithms and real-time analysis of processes to provide a solid basis for short-term decisions for optimization in different areas.

Mario Traar, Managing Director of SupplyBrain, sees great potential in this area: “The future of logistics will not be constant expansion and coexistence of different systems, but rather the consistent networking and seamless integration of additional solutions. The products and solutions offered by SupplyBrain perfectly complement existing logistics software, such as WAMAS software by SSI SCHAEFER or SAP solutions.”

At Logistics & Automation, the regional trade fair for intralogistics and material flow, SSI SCHAEFER, a world-leading solution provider for all areas of intralogistics, will present the SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module as a highlight at booth D04-4. The trade fair will take place on May 15 and 16, 2024 at the Dortmund Exhibition Center.

The automation of intralogistics offers companies numerous advantages such as increased efficiency, cost and error reduction, to respond to the increased demands of end users. Automated systems require less space and can reduce the workload in the warehouse. Thanks to the simple integration options, the SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module provides a scalable path to automation.

The SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module, which will be exhibited at the SSI SCHAEFER stand D04-4 in Dortmund, is an automated storage system that enables space-saving and efficient storage, and order picking. With its intelligent control system and flexible adaptability to different warehouse environments, the SSI LOGIMAT offers an optimal solution for the challenges of intralogistics.

"Vertical lift modules are ideal for storing small parts. A typical area of application is, for example, the service and maintenance sector, particularly for spare parts storage. The orderly and accessible storage of small components, such as nuts, bolts, screws, or washers, can quickly increase efficiency and productivity, which in turn saves time and money. Vertical lifts are also more and more being used in production feeding," explains Benjamin Höller, System Consultant for vertical lift modules at SSI SCHAEFER.

Visitors are cordially invited to visit stand D04-4 to experience the SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module, live, and to learn more about its functions and benefits.

Further information and tickets at:

https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/0pmikytmdyma8?actioncode=NTWO000049SUO&partner-contact=0vsbr48sw02g2

The SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module for efficient small parts storage and picking.

• First-time investment by VOG AG in a fully automated pallet high bay warehouse

• More efficient, quicker, and safer fulfillment processes in wholesale logistics

• Ideal solution for combating labor shortages and rising energy costs

• Parallel expansion of conventional warehouse system capacity by SSI SCHAEFER

Facing a crisis in the supply of sugar during the First World War, 21 Upper Austrian food wholesalers decided in 1916 to found VOG AG in Linz as a buying association. Further expansion has been and continues to be driven by the fact that the food industry and its regulation is constantly changing. A willingness to evolve and adapt to new market and customer requirements has therefore been an important factor in the company’s success. VOG is respected for its quality control, product safety, and variety, both for own brand and private label goods as well as items in the non-food sector.

Objective: Performance and efficiency in harmony

As a service company for the retail sector, the traditional Austrian company operates a broad logistical infrastructure network with 12 subsidiaries. Central distribution warehouses for customers throughout central Europe can be found in countries such as Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary. All logistics activities throughout the entire group are coordinated by the in-house service provider VOGTRANS Speditions- und Verpackungsgesellschaft mbH. “Having full transparency over all items in stock is becoming increasingly important as the requirements for product traceability continue to grow,” says Matthias Ritzberger, CEO and board member of VOG. Rising operating costs are also forcing a rethink in how resources are used, while stock security – especially during seasonal peaks – is another critical aspect. “In the face of these challenges and in light of the impressive solution concept from SSI SCHAEFER, which was superior to those from other suppliers, we decided in early 2021 to set a course for the future together with SSI SCHAEFER,” explains Matthias Ritzberger.

Impressive needs-based, holistic solution concept

The solution proposed by SSI SCHAEFER included the construction of a new manual warehouse as well as a fully automated pallet high bay warehouse. Both were to be incorporated into and linked up with the existing infrastructure at VOG’s site in Linz as effectively as possible. “The high bay warehouse is our first-ever fully automated system,” says Matthias Ritzberger. The goal was for goods to be staged more quickly and with a minimized error rate, while at the same time having greater resource independence. Other objectives included optimized processes and a higher storage density. “The concept presented by SSI SCHAEFER impressed right from the start,” adds Matthias Ritzberger. “The facts were laid out clearly and the quoted solution was tailored exactly to our needs.”

Flexibility for today and tomorrow guaranteed

“In order to ensure continuous and efficient workflows while also establishing the right basis for future growth, a cautious but steady rollout of automated solutions is advisable,” says Jürgen Ringelmann, project manager at SSI SCHAEFER. “Companies can follow VOG’s example and begin by automating just a few areas to begin with, allowing them to gain initial experiences with the technology before defining their own priorities for the future.” After a construction and installation phase of just two years, the new systems were commissioned on time and as planned at the start of 2023. The pre-zone of the pallet high bay warehouse is connected to an existing hall by a newly integrated, bidirectional conveying system via which goods can be flexibly carried into and out of the warehouse. It is also connected to a dispatch building. The high bay warehouse is primarily used for storing rapeseed oil carrying the “Rapso” own brand label, as well as canned food and wine produced by VOG itself. It has capacity for up to 11,000 pallets in double-deep storage thanks to four energy-efficient SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines by SSI SCHAEFER. “VOG intentionally opted for an in-house design,” says Jürgen Ringelmann. “This allows the customer to keep all their options open regarding how they will potentially want to use the system in 20 or 30 years’ time.” An extra 11,000 storage locations for pallets have been created in a newly built manual warehouse containing 15 aisles. The rack lines needed were also supplied and installed by SSI SCHAEFER.

WAMAS – Performance targets greatly exceeded with software support

Another first for VOG came in the form of the logistics software WAMAS by SSI SCHAEFER. The WAMAS MFS material flow system continuously controls and optimizes processes in the fully automated pallet high bay warehouse from goods-in to goods-out. Real-time comparison between the WAMAS WCS (warehouse control system) and MFS ensures that orders are always assigned on the basis of where capacity is available in the conveying system and picking areas, allowing last-minute priority orders and peak situations to be effectively managed. “The performance of automated systems is always dependent on the underlying software,” explains Jürgen Ringelmann. With VOG AG in particular, the contractually agreed benchmarks could even be exceeded thanks to the WAMAS WCS. Depending on the order structure, the system is able to handle up to 180 pallets per hour.

Preventive maintenance and short response times in service cases guarantee optimal system protection and continuous performance

Maximum availability over the entire lifetime of the system was a priority of utmost importance for VOG. Thanks to preventive maintenance performed by SSI SCHAEFER service technicians, the system can be operated at a constant high level of performance. If a fault does nevertheless occur, quick and efficient remote support is provided via the hotline. Alternatively assistance can be sought through the SSI Augmented Support solution. SSI Augmented Support is a mobile video communication system through which events can be reported in real time, allowing the technician at VOG AG to begin identifying the problem immediately. If the fault cannot be rectified remotely, trained and certified SSI SCHAEFER service technicians assist on-site to resolve the issue quickly and thus ensure smooth operation of the system.

Greater performance and lower costs achieved as planned

“Our experiences with the automated system in Linz have been overwhelmingly positive ever since it went live,” emphasizes Matthias Ritzberger from VOG. “The system does not have to be run at full capacity round the clock, which saves energy. But thanks to the scalable buffering function created by SSI SCHAEFER, it can be ramped up again in no time to significantly increase its technical performance. This has the advantage that the system is not only capable of handling seasonal peaks, but has the capacity to accommodate future growth as well.” VOG is also operating on a sound basis when it comes to stock management thanks to the software-based continuous inventory, which ensures that replenishment can be ordered in good time. At the same time, it is apparent that the high bay warehouse as a self-contained, high-density storage system can be operated much more energy-efficiently in the medium to long-term than manual warehouse areas with people and forklifts. Part of this is down to the SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines, which save energy during the lifting movement thanks to a counterweight integrated into the mast. If further investments into logistics systems are being considered at a later time in the VOG Group, the experiences gained with the automated system installed by SSI SCHAEFER will certainly influence the final decision.

VOG AG, an Austrian company rich in tradition, operates a large logistical infrastructure network with 12 subsidiaries.

The high bay warehouse has capacity for up to 11,000 pallets in double-deep storage thanks to four energy-efficient SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines by SSI SCHAEFER.

The pre-zone of the pallet high bay warehouse is connected to an existing hall by a newly integrated, bidirectional conveying system via which goods can be flexibly carried into and out of the warehouse.

The WAMAS logistics software continuously controls and optimizes processes in the fully automated pallet high bay warehouse from goods-in to goods-out.

Depending on the order structure, the system is able to handle up to 180 pallets per hour.

Matthias Ritzberger, CEO and board member of VOG.

SSI SCHAEFER will present the storage lift SSI LOGIMAT at the Intertool in Wels, in booth 21-0901, from April 23rd to 26th, 2024. Intertool, Austrias biggest B2B-trade fair of the manufacturing industry, offers a unique platform for the presentation of innovative solutions and technologies alongside the entire supply chain.

The future of production is characterized by innovation and sustainability to strengthen the business location Austria and Europe. Following the trend of "Biological transformation", crucial topics such as globalization, energy efficiency and resource-saving production will be dealt with. Intertool serves as a central network platform for key players of the sector to exchange knowledge and present future-oriented technologies.

The highlight at the booth 21-0901 is the storage lift SSI LOGIMAT, a space-saving and efficient picking solution, which facilitates a scalable way towards automation thanks to simple integration possibilities. This solution by SSI SCHAEFER masters the challenges of small parts storage and offers companies the possibility to save space, to increase the efficiency, to improve ergonomics and to pursue their way towards digitalization successfully.

"The storage lift SSI LOGIMAT is an ideal warehouse solution for small parts regarding most diverse purposes. Our innovative technology enables companies to confront the challenges of modern production and to optimize their warehouse processes sustainably", comments Alfred Spicker, head of the division for dynamic systems at SSI SCHAEFER.

Visitors of the Intertool Wels are invited to stop by at the booth 21-0901 for a live experience of the storage lift SSI LOGIMAT and to learn more about the benefits of this solution.

The storage lift SSI LOGIMAT for an efficient storage of small parts and picking.

Space-Saving Small Parts warehouse with SSI LOGIMAT® Storage Lifts and Smart Robotics Solution, SSI Piece Picking, Awarded

• The SSI SCHAEFER reference project WFL Millturn Technologies, utilizing the efficient SSI LOGIMAT storage lifts, achieves 2^nd place in the materialfluss Product of the Year Award in the "Storage Technology" category.

• SSI SCHAEFER secures 3^rd place with the SSI Piece Picking solution in the Industrial Production Product of the Year Award in the "Robotics" category.

Giebelstadt / Neunkirchen, March 14, 2024 – Over a period of three months, readers of the magazines materialfluss and Industrial Production had the opportunity to vote for the Products of the Year of the respective magazines. A total of 31 applicants competed in five categories for the Industrial Production Award and 24 applicants in four categories for the materialfluss Product of the Year Award.

The products that made it to the top three positions in the categories of the respective awards were honored on March 13, 2024, at a joint award ceremony in Munich. Michael Wegner, Head of Sales Central Europe in the Business Unit Products & Equipment at SSI SCHAEFER, expressed his delight at the success: "We are very proud to be honored with two awards. The 2^nd place in the materialfluss Award in the "Storage Technology" category for the reference project WFL Millturn emphasizes how the clever integration of SSI LOGIMAT can significantly increase picking performance. Similarly, the 3^rd place in the "Robotics" category at the Industrial Production Award for the SSI Piece Picking solution highlights the importance of robotics solutions in times of skilled labor shortages, zero-error tolerance, and continuous flow of goods."

WFL Millturn Technologies, the world's only manufacturer of multifunctional turning-boring-milling centers, has opted for the implementation of six SSI LOGIMAT storage lifts with direct SAP integration to improve picking performance and create additional space in the warehouse. By switching to an automated small parts warehouse, ergonomics were improved, 110 m² of storage space was saved, and picking performance was increased by up to 50%. The solution from SSI SCHAEFER meets WFL's requirements for efficient and SAP-integrated warehouse management.

The highly innovative, fully automated robotics application SSI Piece Picking, is used in single-piece picking. This versatile system solution, including intelligent software, impresses with features such as Pick & Place, object recognition through Artificial Intelligence (AI), patented grip point determination, and extremely gentle product handling. Thanks to its versatility, the smart solution is suitable for various types of goods and can be used across industries.

SSI SCHAEFER has been awarded the materialfluss Product of the Year Award 2024 in the "Storage Technology" category for the reference project WFL Millturn Technologies and the integrated SSI LOGIMAT storage lifts. Representatives from SSI SCHAEFER and WFL Millturn Technologies during the acceptance of the award and certificate.
Individuals from left to right:
Alexander Hofmann, Head of Logistics Operations WFL Millturn Technologies
Franz Reichhart, CPO, Head of Purchasing/Materials Management, Vice President WFL Millturn Technologies
Michael Wegner, Head of Sales, Central Europe Products & Equipment SSI SCHAEFER
Alfred Spicker, Head of Dynamic Systems Business Unit Products & Equipment SSI SCHAEFER
© SSI SCHAEFER

The SSI Piece Picking solution receives recognition at the Industrial Production Product of the Year Award 2024 in the "Robotics" category. Markus Jammernegg, Head of Modules at SSI SCHAEFER, and Claus Middelhoff, Management at Ro-ber, accept the certificate and prize.
© SSI SCHAEFER

Representatives from SSI SCHAEFER and WFL Millturn Technologies are delighted about the materialfluss and Industrial Production Product of the Year 2024 awards.
Individuals from left to right:
Alexander Hofmann, Head of Logistics Operations WFL Millturn Technologies
Franz Reichhart, CPO, Head of Purchasing/Materials Management, Vice President WFL Millturn Technologies
Claus Middelhoff, Management Ro-ber
Michael Wegner, Head of Sales, Central Europe Products & Equipment SSI SCHAEFER
Alfred Spicker, Head of Dynamic Systems Business Unit Products & Equipment SSI SCHAEFER
Markus Jammernegg, Head of Modules SSI SCHAEFER
©SSI SCHAEFER

The WAMAS warehouse management system from the intralogistics specialist SSI SCHAEFER will be used to efficiently manage V-Markt's wide range of products in the future. The new WMS solution not only meets current requirements, but also represents a forward-looking investment. The order was placed at the end of 2023, with a planned project start in March 2024 and a planned project acceptance in the first quarter of 2025.

Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH is a 6th generation family-run retail company that has played an important role in the southern German retail landscape for over 159 years. With the brands V-Markt, V-Baumarkt, Christl's Modemarkt, C&C and 1865 Outdoor Equipment, the company is represented at almost 60 locations and is regarded as the last medium-sized trading company from the region.

Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH has decided to implement the WAMAS Warehouse Management System (WMS), including the required IT hardware from SSI SCHAEFER, in order to efficiently manage the diversity of its product ranges, from frozen, dairy and fresh products to shoes and textiles to DIY and garden center products. SSI SCHAEFER acts as a reliable partner for the introduction and ongoing operation of the new system in the central warehouse and supports the approximately 200 logistics employees in ensuring the smooth flow of the diverse orders on a permanent basis.

WAMAS meets all requirements for adaptable warehouse management software, suitable for both manual and automated warehouse locations, without requiring additional programming. A flexible and agile approach has been defined to allow the business to scale. This flexibility is crucial to enable sustainable growth for the customer - both in terms of employees, locations and functional scope.

Following the initial contact between Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH and SSI SCHAEFER at LogiMAT, an international trade fair for intralogistics solutions and process management in Germany, in 2023, it quickly became clear that discussions would intensify. A comprehensive offer was developed that covered all necessary aspects and satisfied the customer in every respect. This included the analysis and planning phase, the implementation of the WAMAS WMS software, the adaptation and conversion to the new system and the delivery of the server components. The WAMAS WMS software and the IT components supplied will be fully supported and updated by the SSI SCHAEFER Customer Service Team.

© Hermann Rupp

The warehouse management software WAMAS from SSI SCHAEFER will be responsible for managing the wide range of products of the retail company V-Markt in the future.

SSI SCHAEFER is presenting new software especially for stand-alone operation of the SSI LOGIMAT Vertical Lift Module. LOGIONE is a simple and intuitive storage location and article management system. The self-explanatory user interfaces support the operators and eliminate the need for time-consuming training. LOGIONE is now available for users to download free of charge from the intralogistics expert's website.

Digital warehouse management brings great benefits in terms of transparency and access times. But what if the Vertical Lift Module is not connected to a higher-level ERP system? Especially customers who do not have and do not need complex warehouse management benefit from very simple and fast storage and picking processes with LOGIONE. This makes the software a powerful solution.

The SSI LOGIMAT Vertical Lift Module has been a proven solution from SSI SCHAEFER for the storage and picking of small parts for many years. In addition to extensive basic functionalities, it offers a wide range of additional options and customization options to adapt it to special tasks, users or conditions. With LOGIONE, an option has now been added that has been tailored to the special requirements of a stand-alone solution.

All the basic functions of the Vertical Lift Module are supported by LOGIONE. This includes a simple search as well as fast storage and picking processes. The management of articles and storage locations is simplified by a visualization of the corresponding storage compartments. Important functions such as user management and the transaction log ensure transparency and help to optimize processes. The optional additional components for increasing ergonomics and efficiency - LOGIPOINTER, LOGITILT and LOGIWORK - are supported, as is the use of barcode scanners.

LOGIONE is an innovative solution and the first step towards digital transformation in the warehouse. Designed as a simple and clear system, it is easy to download and can be installed independently without additional hardware. Thanks to user-friendly dialogs and an intuitive interface, it is easy to learn to use - no extensive training is required.

The software supports the latest generation of Vertical Lift Module (SSI LOGIMAT type SLL) with a maximum of two access openings. Furthermore, the standardized LOGIDRIVER PLC interface must be installed and at least one 12" display must be available.

The SSI LOGIMAT is scalable and can be adapted to changing requirements. The Vertical Lift Module can be connected to a higher-level ERP system or even controlled directly from SAP - provided the corresponding software is available. It is also possible to integrate additional Vertical Lift Modules and manage them via the WAMAS Lift & Store intralogistics software.

With LOGIONE, SSI SCHAEFER has created a powerful and user-friendly software solution that enables entry into digital warehousing.

LOGIONE impresses with its modern and intuitive interface and user-friendly dialogs.

Specially designed for stand-alone operation of the SSI LOGIMAT Vertical Lift Module, LOGIONE offers easy-to-use storage location and item management.

SSI Piece Picking enables efficient, fully automated piece picking operations. It is utilized where individual small items need to be picked with utmost precision. The solution from SSI SCHAEFER has now been nominated for this year's IFOY Award (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award) in the category of "Stationary Robots" and will undergo the IFOY Audit at the IFOY Test Camp on April 9 and 10, 2024, under the critical eyes of the expert jury.

The SSI Piece Picking solution optimizes and automates manual picking processes, which are often monotonous and physically demanding for humans. By combining the piece picking cell with ergonomic workstations, both peak times and seasonal fluctuations can be efficiently managed. This versatile solution, complemented by intelligent software, impresses with advanced features such as Pick & Place, object recognition using artificial intelligence (AI), patented gripping point determination, and gentle product handling.

Mauro Lunardelli, Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER, explains: "The continuous development of the SSI Piece Picking solution, which demonstrates its full potential especially in the healthcare and cosmetics industries, exemplifies how SSI SCHAEFER supports companies in various sectors to increase their efficiency and simultaneously optimize the working conditions of their warehouse employees."

With an annual growth rate of over 50% in the field of piece picking, there is significant market potential. Single-item picking is a complex, labor-intensive, and costly process that requires employees to maintain a high level of concentration. Therefore, the combination of pick robots and WAMAS Piece Picking, offers an efficient and holistic solution to provide relief for staff and significantly improve order processing. At the same time, the SSI Piece Picking cell enables growth in productivity even in times of labor shortages.

At the IFOY Test Camp, visitors will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the solution at the SSI SCHAEFER booth through guided highlight tours, learning more about its unique features.

The innovative robotics solution SSI Piece Picking is nominated for the IFOY Award 2024.

The AI-supported object recognition, in combination with the patented gripping point determination, enables goods to be gripped safely and quickly. This is done by using compact suction cups instead of finger-shaped grippers on the gantry robot.

• Total Group revenues slightly above previous year at EUR 1.87 billion

• Largest business unit, Logistics Solutions, with significant year-on-year revenue growth and improved order intake

• Challenging macroeconomic environment had a negative impact on the Group's incoming orders, which were down 4.9% on the previous year at around EUR 1.65 billion

• Catch-up effects on revenues and total operating performance in the second half of 2023

• Numerous awards for products and automation solutions underline the Group's innovative strength

Neunkirchen/Siegerland (Germany), March 1, 2024 – The SSI SCHAEFER Group, a German family-owned company established more than 85 years ago and a leading international solution provider for all segments of the intralogistics industry, reported an increase in revenues to EUR 1.87 billion (+3.2%) for the financial year 2023, according to preliminary figures. The Group benefited from major project acceptances in the Logistics Solutions and Customer Services business units, which offset the decline in Products & Equipment revenue.

After a subdued first half, the catch-up effects in the fourth quarter of 2023 were particularly noticeable in the largest business unit, Logistics Solutions, although Group order intake remained below the previous year's level at around EUR 1.65 billion or 4.9%. The main reasons for the gloomy investment climate were the difficult macroeconomic conditions caused by political conflicts and the economic weakness in Europe. On the cost side, the extensive measures taken during the year to improve profitability had a positive impact. On the basis of the preliminary annual financial statements, SSI SCHAEFER was able to achieve a significantly improved annual result at Group level compared to the previous year as well as an almost balanced result before taxes.

Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group: “The continuing difficult market conditions and the gloomy investment environment pose major challenges for the entire intralogistics industry. Nevertheless, the SSI SCHAEFER Group was able to win significant orders in the financial year 2023, which gives us an optimistic start into 2024. We will continue to work hard with the entire team to set the organizational and strategic course for profitable growth. The key to our success is quality and customer focus – and we are paying special attention to these areas.”

Transformation process is moving forward: focus on innovation and sustainability

A key focus continues to be the strengthening of the SSI SCHAEFER Group's innovation capability with the aim of playing a key role in shaping the digital and sustainable transformation of the industry and expanding its position as a technology leader in intralogistics. The full acquisition of DS Automotion, a leading provider of mobile robotics, which became effective in the first quarter of 2023, was an important milestone on this path. Moreover, the SSI SCHAEFER Group received numerous awards for its intralogistics solutions last year, most recently the prestigious Best of Industry Award in the “Conveyor Technology” category.

In addition, SSI SCHAEFER continued to consistently implement its sustainability strategy in 2023 and documented its responsibility to the environment and society in its second sustainability report. Key actions included the adoption of the Group's climate strategy, which aims to reduce the Group's own carbon footprint and make a social contribution to achieving global climate targets and the United Nations' sustainability goals.

Further Information:

• An expandable system that can supply 250 stores a day and support the increase in the number of e-commerce orders

• Pick by Light picking stations for efficient order processing and precise warehouse management

• Optimized processes using ergonomic work stations and connected conveying systems

In 1972, Rossmann made history with the first drugstore in Germany. Today, Dirk Rossmann AG operates all over Europe, enjoying a large presence in Hungary, with over 250 stores. Not only is it represented by its stores, but also by being a successful e-commerce brand. Thanks to their vast array of products and fast delivery, Rossmann has already been honored with the “Superbrand Award” several times. The company continues to grow rapidly and in order to cope with increasing demand and ensure the satisfaction of all customers in the future, the logistics must grow with them.

To rise to this challenge, Rossmann has chosen a partner who places just as much importance on customer proximity as the drugstore giant itself. Due to the priority it places on providing a local presence all over the world, SSI SCHAEFER is in easy reach, through its Hungarian subsidiary. SSI SCHAEFER also already knows Rossmann inside-out, thanks to a previous collaboration with Rossmann in Poland. However, every location has its own unique requirements, to which SSI SCHAEFER, as an expert in the Healthcare and Cosmetics sector, caters personally and individually.

To manage the enormous quantity of SKUs and to be able to service both the stores and e-commerce, a 27,000m² semi-automated warehouse is being built in Üllő, Hungary. The core elements of efficient Pick by Light picking, ergonomic work stations and comprehensive conveying systems connect all sections from goods-in to goods-out. “The new omnichannel warehouse optimizes our processes and enables even higher throughputs, especially at peak times. This way, we can supply 250 stores a day, and efficiently process the increasing amount of e-commerce orders. What is of particular importance to us? If required, the solution can be further automated and flexibly adapted to future requirements”, says Csaba Szuchy, Director of Operations Logistics at Rossmann Hungary.

The go-live for the entire project is planned for the beginning of 2026. Additionally, the way has already been paved for future growth: The new logistics solution offers a full range of options for expansion.

© Rossmann Magyarország Kft.

SSI SCHAEFER implements a scalable omnichannel solution for Rossmann in Üllő, Hungary. With the new warehouse, Rossmann can supply 250 stores a day, and efficiently process the increasing amount of e-commerce orders. The go-live for the entire project is planned for the beginning of 2026.

• Mauro Lunardelli takes over from Notker Steigerwald

Mauro Lunardelli has been appointed as the new Head of SSI SCHAEFER Group's Business Unit Logistics Solutions. The highly experienced manager with Swiss and Italian citizenship has been with the company for 24 years and most recently served as Managing Director of SSI SCHAEFER Switzerland since 2019. Mauro Lunardelli has in-depth knowledge of the intralogistics industry and enjoys a high professional reputation within and outside the SSI SCHAEFER Group. He started his career at Stöcklin Logistik AG and subsequently held various positions in well-known intralogistics companies. In 1999, he joined SSI SCHAEFER, where he built up the steelwork and automation activities in Switzerland. His other positions at the company included Head of Logistics Solutions at the former HUB Southwest Europe, a position he held for five years.

Mauro Lunardelli succeeds Notker Steigerwald, who has decided to leave the company for personal reasons. The handover of responsibility will take place today after coordination has already been completed.

Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, on the appointment of Mauro Lunardelli: «We are particularly pleased that we have found an internal succession solution for the management of the largest business unit of the SSI SCHAEFER Group. Given his many years of experience in our industry and his personality, Mauro Lunardelli enjoys my full confidence. Together with the team of the business unit, he will continue to successfully develop the business activities in the interests of our customers all over the world and lead the business sustainably into the future. At the same time, we would like to thank Notker Steigerwald for his achievements and wish him all the best for his professional and private future.»

(f.l.t.r.) CEO Peter Edelmann with Mauro Lunardelli, the new Head of SSI SCHAEFER Group's Business Unit Logistics Solutions, and Notker Steigerwald, who has decided to leave the company for personal reasons.

• Robot-based system SSI Piece Picking

• Flexible Intralogistics for small and medium-sized companies

• Modular and scalable software WAMAS and SAP

• Daily live expert talks at the SSI SCHAEFER booth

How can warehouses and material flows be optimized to work more efficiently? What role do new technologies play? And how can the systems used be flexibly adapted to changing requirements? SSI SCHAEFER will provide answers to these questions with its trade fair appearance at LogiMAT 2024 in Stuttgart (March 19 - 21, 2024). Under the motto «Shaping the Future of Intralogistics», SSI SCHAEFER will present itself as a partner for future-proof intralogistics for both small companies and large corporations.

Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, comments: «Automation and digitalization are changing the structures of intralogistics for industry and trade. With the SSI SCHAEFER Group's very broad product and service portfolio, we have the expertise and innovative strength within the company to develop individual logistics strategies in partnership with our customers and implement them with flexible and sustainable systems. In addition, our customers benefit from our standardized WAMAS software and the strong brands DS AUTOMOTION, RO-BER and SWAN, which fit well with other future technologies.»

SSI Piece Picking is an innovative robotic solution for single piece picking. The system automates and accelerates the repetitive process of manual picking and can be used across all industries for different product ranges. The AI-supported object recognition, in combination with the patented gripping point determination, enables the safe and fast seizing of goods. This is achieved by using compact suction cups instead of finger-shaped grippers on the gantry robot. Premiere: the established SSI Piece Picking System will be shown for the first time as a live exhibit at the trade fair stand of the company subsidiary RO-BER at LogiMAT.

Intralogistics for SMEs is another focus of the SSI SCHAEFER stand. With a scalable investment, processes can be automated step by step, spaces can be condensed, and ergonomic workflows can be integrated. The building blocks of these solutions include automated guided vehicles, autonomous mobile robots, mobile racking, channel storage solutions with the SSI ORBITER®, scalable software and the SSI LOGIMAT® vertical lift module, which visitors can test live at the stand.

Efficient intralogistics systems are inextricably linked to state-of-the-art software. SSI SCHAEFER will be presenting two strong software brands at its stand: WAMAS and SAP. SSI SCHAEFER's WAMAS software is designed as a modular system. WAMAS WMS (Warehouse Management Software) is the brain of the warehouse and provides management, control and optimization. WAMAS modules range from robotics applications and overhead conveyor technology to vertical lift modules and enable performance potential to be fully exploited. At the SSI SCHAEFER booth, visitors can experience the perfect interaction of hardware and software in an augmented reality app.

The SAP logistics solutions from SSI SCHAEFER are also modular and scalable - presented at the SSI SCHAEFER and SWAN stands. Whether small warehouse or large logistics center, new construction or existing facility, the subsidiary SWAN implements the individual solution for its customers - modular, flexible and performance-oriented, and with little configuration effort.

SSI SCHAEFER's wide range of services is completed by the Customer Service & Support portfolio for maximum availability of all systems. Experts will be available at the trade fair stand to provide advice on everything from augmented support to preventive maintenance.

In 2024, SSI SCHAEFER will also be holding daily expert talks on intralogistics trends, live at its stand. Trade journalist Anja Seemann will moderate the discussions with customers, representatives from science and SSI SCHAEFER experts.

SSI SCHAEFER at LogiMAT 2024 in Hall 1, Stand D21.
Please also visit other members of the SSI SCHAEFER Group who are exhibiting at the fair:
DS AUTOMOTION in Hall 6, Stand D05
RO-BER in Hall 5, Stand A61
SWAN in Hall 8, Stand F52

• Get your ticket for LogiMAT here.

SSI Piece Picking is an innovative robotic solution for single piece picking.

Visitors can test the SSI LOGIMAT® vertical lift module live at the SSI SCHAEFER stand.

SSI SCHAEFER will be presenting two strong software brands at its stand: WAMAS and SAP.

• SSI SCHAEFER is honored as a finalist in the "Conveyor Technology" category with the Boohoo Sheffield reference project and the SSI Carrier pouch sorter integrated into it

Giebelstadt, December 11, 2023 – From the 160 applications received for the Best of Industry Award 2023, 72 innovations and projects were nominated as finalists in the online vote. During the voting phase, which lasted several months, around 20,000 readers of the trade media MM MaschinenMarkt, PROCESS, LABORPRAXIS and DeviceMed voted for their favorites from the 24 different categories.

The innovations and projects that made it to the top three places in each category were honored at a major awards ceremony in Würzburg, Germany, on December 7, 2023. The first place winners received an award and the second and third place winners were honored as finalists with a certificate. "We are proud that our Boohoo Sheffield reference project is one of the best in the "Conveyor Technology" category and has been honored as a finalist," says Peter Lambrecht, Global Head of Sales Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER. "The exciting project shows how the logistics center was retrofitted with state-of-the-art automation for incoming goods, order processing and shipping parallel to ongoing operations."

The overall solution at online fashion retailer Boohoo includes more than 550,000 bin locations in the SSI Cuby shuttle warehouse. The dynamic buffer in the SSI Carrier pouch sorter stores up to 150,000 returns and fast-moving items, for a planned throughput of 40,000 items per hour. In this highly dynamic material flow, the WAMAS logistics software ensures efficient processes and the 24/7 SSI Resident Maintenance^® service package guarantees maximum system availability.

According to the jury, anyone who makes it into the TOP 3 in the respective category and thus receives the prestigious industry award has successfully proven that they are among the best of the best. "The award confirms us as an intralogistics specialist and spurs us on to continue offering our customers innovative products and solutions in the future," summarizes Peter Lambrecht.

SSI SCHAEFER was honored as a finalist in the "Conveyor Technology" category of the Best of Industry Award 2023 for the Boohoo Sheffield reference project and the integrated pouch sorter SSI Carrier. Peter Lambrecht, Global Head of Sales Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER, receives the award certificate.

SSI SCHAEFER now supplies spare parts even faster – all from a single source

With a state-of-the-art warehouse in Hranice, Czech Republic, SSI SCHAEFER has reached a major milestone in its spare parts service. Christian Puntigam, Head of Parts Service Line, and Radek Němec, Team Leader for Spare Part Management, Hranice, followed the project from the initial idea all the way to implementation. In this interview, they describe how they achieved a whole new level of efficiency by optimizing the existing warehouse – and why, despite great success, their work is still far from done.

What’s the purpose of the new warehouse in Hranice?

Christian Puntigam: The warehouse in Hranice stocks spare parts for the entire SSI SCHAEFER product portfolio; from there, they ship to customers all over the world. At present, it handles just under 7,000 different items, from the smallest gaskets to entire assembly groups, with an inventory valued at several million euros.

Radek Němec: This warehouse not only stores spare parts for products from the factory in Hranice but also from other SSI SCHAEFER production sites. That means a very large percentage of our spare parts portfolio is now available in one central location.

Why did you opt for a central warehouse?

Christian Puntigam: So we can offer our customers even better delivery performance and make our internal processes even more efficient. By bundling inventory, we can significantly reduce the amount of time between receipt of an order and delivery to our customers. With its proximity to the factory, established processes, and good strategic location, the Hranice site was the best choice for our competence center.

How did you update the existing warehouse in Hranice for its new use?

Radek Němec: The first step was converting hall 12, which had been used for temporary storage up till that point. We doubled the capacity of the pallet rack warehouse and integrated three SSI LOGIMAT^® vertical lift modules into the new layout, along with a crane for handling heavy packages. In the second step, we then relocated all the products from the warehouse in Giebelstadt, Germany, to Hranice.

Christian Puntigam: We completed the entire conversion project in just a few months without interrupting operations. That would never have been possible without the amazing support of our service and factory teams – everyone gave it their all.

What’s the procedure for ordering spare parts from the new warehouse?

Radek Němec: Our customers can select the spare parts they need easily in the SSI SCHAEFER Web Shop. The order is processed in Hranice and ships either right from the warehouse or, for items that are rarely ordered, through external partners.

Christian Puntigam: That way, customers get spare parts service all from a single source. We also handle customs, transport, shipping, etc.

The warehouse has been in operation since the end of 2022 – are you already seeing the early signs of success?

Radek Němec: Absolutely! We used to be able to process about 2,800 orders a year, but this year, we’re expecting up to 5,500 orders and around 5,000 items a month. So we’ve basically doubled our output, increasing the value of the Hranice site enormously.

Christian Puntigam: Of course, the biggest benefit is to our customers. Revamping the processes has made ordering spare parts even faster and easier. 

Is the project now complete? Or do you have more plans for the future?

Christian Puntigam: We’re very satisfied with the performance of the warehouse in Hranice, but we want to keep improving nonetheless. Besides transferring a relevant portfolio of spare parts from Graz in Austria, which is scheduled for 2024, we’re already working on optimizing the material flow even further. We’re performing a detailed analysis to identify what paths we can shorten within order picking and what processes we need to speed up in order to make our operations sustainable, customer-oriented, and more efficient. That’s our goal.

SSI LOGIMAT – Store Small Parts, Keep Track of Everything, and Save Space

SSI SCHAEFER’s SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module can be likened to an oversized drawer cabinet with two rows of trays. Between the two rows, a lift system pulls the individual trays out and moves them to the operator opening, where operators can safely pick goods.

Thanks to an intelligent user interface, controlling the lift rack is simple and intuitive. The SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift module offers some helpful enhancements that make picking significantly easier. For example, LOGIPOINTER can indicate the correct position with a laser pointer. By the way: Each tray can be individually loaded with bins or cartons–or used without any kind of partitioning.

SSI LOGIMAT vertical lift modules are used in many industries for storage and retrieval of various kinds of goods:

• eCommerce

• Healthcare & cosmetics

• Retail & wholesale

• Industry

• Automotive

Modular vertical lift systems have many different applications:

• Small parts storage

• Item management

• Buffer storage for production

• Order preparation

• Storage and picking of service parts and spare parts

• Storage of unfinished/semi-finished products

Christian Puntigam, Head of Parts Service Line at SSI SCHAEFER: “We’re performing a detailed analysis to identify what paths we can shorten, what processes we can speed up, and how we can increase overall efficiency even further.”
 

Radek Němec, Team Leader for Spare Part Management, Hranice, at SSI SCHAEFER: “We used to be able to process about 2,800 orders a year, but this year, we’re expecting up to 5,500 orders and around 5,000 items a month. So we’ve basically doubled our output, increasing the value of the Hranice site enormously.”

Neunkirchen, 07 December 2023 - SSI SCHAEFER, a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics, has announced the publication of its updated main catalogue with a new design. Under the motto "More efficiency with system", interested customers will find suitable products and solutions for in-house material flow. From fully automated warehouses with tailor-made service and maintenance offers, robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles to manual and semi-automated systems such as workstations, racking and containers, SSI SCHAEFER offers cost-effective intralogistics solutions with industry expertise and from a single source for small and medium-sized companies as well as large enterprises. The comprehensive software portfolio covers all processes from warehouse management to material flow control and offers all possibilities for holistic, sustainable resource management with modern real-time analyses, smart data processing and optimisation algorithms.

The new main catalogue can now be found on the SSI SCHAEFER company website: https://campaigns.ssi-Schaefer.com/en-de/campaign/lp/generalcatalog

In an effort to expand its logistics capacity and deploy efficient logistics management and technological innovations throughout the company, Desigual, an international fashion company based in Barcelona, has once again trusted SSI SCHAEFER.

To centralize operations at its distribution center in Viladecans, Spain, Desigual is replacing a traditional pallet rack for overstock with a new area equipped with 24 RackBots from SSI SCHAEFER’s range of SSI Mobile Robots. In the first phase, the initial orders (push) are prepared there; these supply the company’s branch stores with the collections for the next season. The goal is to pick 30,000 units per day in two shifts in this new area.

When orders are assembled, a key requirement of this project is to organize them by collection and include all the sizes of a model combined together in the end. SSI SCHAEFER proposed a solution that could meet this sequencing requirement and ensure consistent store-ready order preparation – a key element in Desigual’s plan to improve the shopping experience. The solution SSI SCHAEFER proposed is also flexible enough to pick other types of orders, such as repeat orders of the same items (in-season re-orders) in department stores or Desigual branch stores, as well as picking online orders.

Jorge Soriano, Logistics & Distribution Manager at Desigual, explains: «Comparing RackBots to other types of solutions, they are obviously a flexible solution that is easy to scale, and they allow us to both expand storage capacity with new racks and increase dynamic capacity by purchasing new RackBots. In Desigual we are committed to efficient logistics management and technological innovation to improve product availability at its points of sale and through all our distribution channels.»

An extension of the conveyor belts connects the new area where the RackBots work to the existing SSI SCHAEFER system. This conveying system transports the cartons to the new area directly from the incoming goods area or the existing high-bay warehouse, which SSI SCHAEFER designed for Desigual in previous projects and which is made up of 10 SSI Miniloads and 200,000 storage locations for cartons. The customer order cartons that are prepared in the new RackBot area are either delivered to customers via shipping lanes or temporarily stored in the high-bay rack for later shipping.

Centralizing operations at the Viladecans distribution center is part of the company’s «Open Desigual» philosophy, based on the principle of cross-collaboration. Collaboration with the best partners in each area of the business allows the company to be ever closer to consumers and offer them the best experience in physical stores and digital retailing. For this project, Desigual teamed up with SSI SCHAEFER, a partner specializing in optimization of logistics processes. Commissioning of the new area is scheduled for November 2023.

Project details:

• Number of RackBots: 24

• Number of storage locations: 7,980 storage locations for 600×400×400 mm cartons

• Rack height: 5.3 meters (last carton level at 4.9 meters)

• 4 picking stations equipped with Put to Light racks with 16 positions per workstation

• Incoming via RackBot Port

Performance:

• 486 cartons/hour for the picking stations with 300 incoming cartons/hour at the same time  

• 648 cartons/hour for the picking stations (without simultaneous incoming cartons)

Desigual relies on SSI Mobile Robots at Viladecans distribution center.

In the future, 24 RackBots will be used to pick 30,000 units per day in two-shift operation.

The Lesage Prestige family business, specializing in exceptional meats and delicatessen products, entrusts SSI SCHAEFER, a leading provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions, with the reorganization and optimization of its order preparation. Their current facility in Chemy, France, enables them to deliver meat parcels within 24 to 48 hours. Following strong business growth Lesage chose SSI SCHAEFER to rethink their order picking activity by integrating a fleet of RackBot from the spectrum of SSI Mobile Robots in combination with PR 600 racking systems.

For over 70 years, Lesage has specialized in the import and distribution of luxury meats and gourmet products. Their catalog includes a wide range to supply France's finest tables.

François Lesage, General Manager (Purchasing and Production) at Lesage Prestige, explains: “To match the strong growth of our business, we’re currently facing some challenges. We need to save space, but we also have to improve ergonomics and increase our productivity. Thanks to the preliminary analysis, SSI SCHAEFER offered us a solution that fits best to our needs.”

Together they designed a new automated storage and picking area. This involved analyzing the entire organization to reduce manual and less efficient picking in favor of an agile, ergonomic and innovative automated solution. This new cold chain facility, directly connected to production via a conveyor system, will be equipped with SSI Mobile Robot technology and will increase productivity in an environment between 0°C and 2°C.

Before the RackBot AMRs are installed, the current storage area will be dismantled and replaced by PR 600 racking systems from SSI SCHAEFER. The new storage area will comprise five aisles of racking almost five meters high. It will enable Lesage Prestige's products to be stored more densely and reduce the energy consumption associated with the area's refrigeration.

The integrated RackBots will eliminate the distances covered each day by operators in order picking and improve goods flow performance. Once installed, they will pick the bins from one of the 3,600 locations provided and deliver them directly to the Pick by Light order picking stations. With five RackBots in operation during peak periods, the solution will be able to achieve a performance of 340 bins delivered and stored per hour. To absorb supplier delivery peaks in the morning, a RackBot Port buffer system will be installed. This latest-generation buffer storage system can deliver or re-inject up to eight bins simultaneously.

The new solution will be integrated into Lesage’s IT Structure and be connected to the existing ERP system. The team from SSI SCHAEFER will supervise the whole process. This interface will enable fleet management, inventory management, batch numbers, traceability and real-time flow visualization.

With a lead time of less than 12 months, the realization of this holistic robotized solution is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.

The renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics has successfully validated the SSI SCHAEFER software WAMAS WMS (Warehouse Management System). With the help of the vendor-independent »Logistics IT Online Selection«, Fraunhofer IML supports companies in selecting the most suitable WMS and provider. With the validation signet, the quality of SSI SCHAEFER software solutions is now confirmed once again.

The platform warehouse-logistics.com operated by Fraunhofer IML has been one of the best-known portals for warehouse management systems for more than 20 years. The functional comparison of logistics IT systems, free market studies and the full range of consulting services in the field of logistics IT, make warehouse-logistics.com a holistic information platform that brings together providers and interested parties.

For the validation of warehouse management systems, the experts of »Warehouse Logistics« checked more than 3,000 requirement criteria. The renewed inclusion of SSI SCHAEFER Software into the circle of validated software solutions underlines that it is rightly an established and approved WMS solution in the market. WAMAS WMS provides the basis to design logistics processes efficiently, to optimize them and to digitally transform business models and processes.

Gerald Siegl, Product Manager Product Line Software at SSI SCHAEFER, puts it in a nutshell: »This recognized validation seal underlines the high functionality and reliability of our WAMAS WMS software. We are very pleased to receive this award!« The spectrum of the WAMAS software portfolio ranges from Warehouse Management System and Material Flow System to component software such as WAMAS Robotics and WAMAS Lift & Store. Furthermore, it includes WAMAS Control Center for monitoring and optimizing of material flows and WAMAS Maintenance Center for predictive maintenance.

Based on the results of more than 120 validated warehouse management systems, the »Team Warehouse Logistics« of Fraunhofer IML has compiled the »WMS Market Report Compact«. As a long-term study, it offers a transparent overview of market-determining factors, developments and research trends in the field of warehouse management systems.

Click here for free download after registration: https://www.warehouse-logistics.com/152/3/publications-(incl-wms-market-report).html

• Peter Edelmann takes over from Steffen Bersch as CEO of SSI SCHAEFER

• Olaf Hedden takes over from Bruno Krauss as CFO

Neunkirchen, Germany, October 13, 2023 – Effective October 15, 2023, Peter Edelmann has been appointed as the new CEO of leading intralogistics company SSI SCHAEFER. In this role, Peter Edelmann takes over from Steffen Bersch, who has led the company for the past three and a half years.

Peter Edelmann has many years of management experience, including over twenty years with the Voith Group, most recently as a member of the Group's Management Board. Furthermore, Peter Edelmann has managed the companies Kaefer Isoliertechnik in Bremen and B&C Industrieholding in Vienna as CEO. In addition, he holds various supervisory and advisory board mandates.

As a further member of the two-member Group Executive Board, Olaf Hedden has been appointed CFO. He will also take over on October 15, 2023, succeeding Bruno Krauss.

Olaf Hedden has many years of management experience. He began his career at Metallgesellschaft and later worked for several years at Rheinmetall, his most recent role was as CFO of Rheinmetall Automotive AG. In addition, he is also familiar with medium-sized structures through his work as a Spokesman of the Executive Board of Läpple AG.

Dr. Kay Mayland, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, comments: "The Advisory Board and shareholders of SSI SCHAEFER Group are convinced that in Peter Edelmann and Olaf Hedden, they have found a very experienced team for the overall management of the SSI SCHAEFER Group. With their many years of expertise with industrial companies of different sizes and sectors, they will give the company new impetus. At the same time, we would like to thank Steffen Bersch and Bruno Krauss for the work they have done and wish them all the best for the future, both professionally and privately."

Effective October 15, 2023, Peter Edelmann has been appointed as the new CEO and Olaf Hedden as CFO of the leading intralogistics company SSI SCHAEFER. (from left to right)

A-Frame – Fully Automated Accelerated Error-Free Picking for Fast-Moving Pharmaceuticals

Supply quality and first-class on-site services are crucial if retail pharmacies are to survive in the face of online competition. Therefore, the role of pharmaceutical wholesalers is also significant – they need to ensure not only high product availability, but also the fastest possible delivery. The company in this example has tailored its fulfillment concept precisely to these demands and implemented it with state-of-the-art technology from its long-term intralogistics partner SSI SCHAEFER. The latest highlight is the installed A-Frame with integrated product verification. This highly efficient, fully automated picking system provides up to 40,000 drug packages per hour during peak times on an order-by-order basis while meeting the pharmaceutical industry’s high standards.

In the course of a collaboration dating back over 20 years, this full-service pharmaceutical supplier has equipped all its distribution warehouses with high-performance technology from SSI SCHAEFER. This was implemented, in part, through retrofit, conversion, and expansion projects without impacting ongoing operations. The spectrum of installations ranges from manual to fully automated warehouse and picking solutions, including tailored logistics software from the WAMAS portfolio. SSI SCHAEFER’s Customer Service & Support includes on-site technical support as needed, alongside training and remote support.

Directly integrated, suitable for varying packaging

Through the implementation of the A-Frame, the partners have once again strengthened their shared commitment in the automation sector. The picking system was integrated directly into the existing structures and has proven to be ideal for picking small, fast-moving packing units since it was commissioned in the second half of 2022. Example contents include headache pills, nasal sprays, and adhesive bandages. A key feature of the A-Frame is the product channels, which allow flexible configuration and are the conduit for software-controlled, error-free output of various packaging sizes, whether cylindrical or rectangular, in just seconds. The items are ejected from the A-Frame onto the conveyor belt, where special sections are each assigned to one order, and then move directly through the filling point into the order bins. The entire process takes just 60 seconds.

High-performance automatic picking system for order fulfillment

The technical performance that can be achieved – up to 40,000 products per hour – is also based on the solution approach of decoupling the picking and refilling processes. Employees refill the A-Frames during lower-load periods. The system then performs fully automated picking, accelerating processing and accommodating the zero-defect strategy. This reduces the staff’s workload so they can be assigned other productive work in the distribution center, optimizing resource utilization. Thus the A-Frame ensures fast processing – even for complex jobs and during load peaks. If sustained growth continues, the system’s modular design will allow optional expansion and adaptation to specific new requirements.

Safety, speed, and efficiency as success factors

In addition, the A-Frame boasts a compact design that saves space, achieving especially high storage density on a small amount of floor space. The A-Frame can accommodate the majority of a product assortment, comprising well over 120,000 pharmaceutical products. Automation also makes an important contribution to meeting the drug safety requirements associated with zero-defect tolerance and full traceability. But speed is also crucial. Pharmacies often lack sufficient storage space to stock a complete assortment of products, so they rely on on-time delivery of the quantity of drugs ordered. The pharmaceutical wholesaler’s service closes this gap, enables a successful customer experience in the local environment, and strengthens the pharmacies’ competitive position, while permanently reducing its own process costs.

The A-Frame from SSI SCHAEFER is a compact picking system that can also be integrated into existing systems and achieves optimal space utilization through its high product density.

The A-Frame performs fully automatic picking for up to 40,000 products per hour and ejects them onto a collecting belt within seconds on an order-by-order basis.

Employees refill the A-Frame during lower-load periods to keep it stocked for high throughput demands at peak times.

After being ejected onto the collecting belt on an order-by-order basis, the packing units are automatically transferred through a filling point directly to the corresponding order bins.

• SSI SCHAEFER agrees cooperation with Singapore Polytechnic

• Collaborate to promote Advanced Manufacturing Learning Journey (AMLJ)

SSI SCHAEFER, a global intralogistics leader and member of Smart i4.0 Transformation Alliance (SiTA), is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), the country's first-ever polytechnic. This partnership aims to establish an innovative co-location program dedicated to promoting the Advanced Manufacturing Learning Journey (AMLJ), which SP and TÜV SÜD jointly developed.

Aligned with the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) developed by Economic Development Board (EDB) Singapore, SSI SCHAEFER and SP are set to revolutionize advanced manufacturing education. The Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC), located within SP's esteemed Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering (MAE) Facilities, will serve as a dynamic hub to showcase the latest Industry 4.0 (i4.0) manufacturing technologies.

The AMLJ program aims to support local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on their digital transformation journey by showcasing practical and scalable solutions leveraging i4.0 technologies. The AMC features three distinct zones catering to different levels of digitalization:

• Digitalization Zone: Designed for SMEs seeking to digitize manual processes and extract valuable information through machinery connectivity.

• Integrated Zone: Dedicated to SMEs that have adopted a basic level of digitalization and aim to integrate their digital systems into a unified manufacturing process.

• Smart Zone: Specifically tailored for SMEs seeking advanced data-driven manufacturing involving a unified data source, flexible and predictive manufacturing systems, optimized real-time processes, and enhanced cybersecurity measures to improve productivity, adaptability, efficiency, and security.

"We are thrilled to partner with Singapore Polytechnic to launch this co-location program," stated Belinda Yeo, Head of Vertical Lift Module & Self-Driving Technology APAC & MEA at SSI SCHAEFER Singapore. "We are fully committed to supporting SMEs in Singapore's industrial evolution, aligning towards a common goal. Through this collaboration, we are pleased to contribute to the digital transformation journey of SMEs, leveraging the core elements of Industry 4.0 — Technology, Process, and Organization - the three fundamental pillars set by SIRI according to EDB."

The program aims to introduce industry professionals, students, and potential customers to a remarkable array of modern solutions. SSI SCHAEFER's innovative Vertical Lift Module (VLM), SSI LOGIMAT®, will take center stage, demonstrating its unparalleled reliability, efficiency, and significant contributions to streamline storage and material handling processes on the manufacturing and production floor.

“We believe this collaboration is highly beneficial to both parties as we develop our capabilities in advanced manufacturing. AMC's close alignment with industry practices also affirms our commitment to providing students with practical and industry-relevant education. We are confident that this partnership will attract a new generation of technical students to SP, knowing they will be sufficiently equipped for future careers in advanced manufacturing," added Steven Tan, Senior Specialist at SP's Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

This transformative partnership between SSI SCHAEFER and SP signifies a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academia and the intralogistics industry, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the evolving field of advanced manufacturing. The collaboration between SSI SCHAEFER and SP commenced three years ago and will continue for another two years.

Swedish Agro Machinery AB, distributor and importer of farming machinery has decided to centralize its spare parts storage system and equip the new warehouse of 3,700 square meters with SSI SCHAEFER’s logistics solutions. Pallet and cantilever racks, shelves and SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules are parts of the solution. The result: a compact warehouse with up to 23,000 different parts and an overnight delivery.

In 2016, Swedish Agro Machinery took over the import of Claas products, a manufacturer of agricultural machinery, to Sweden and Norway. The new updated organizational structure needed a new facility to store spare parts efficiently. They chose to put it in Skåne Skurup, in the middle of one of Sweden's most fertile agricultural areas, also near Denmark and the center of the European continent. The challenge was, that they need to store parts in very different ways due to the various dimensions in the new warehouse. Swedish Agro already had realized some projects with SSI SCHAEFER in the past, so that is why they have been involved as a partner in the project since the very beginning.

“We were looking for one supplier for the overall system. We wanted to partner with the manufacturer to ensure the best quality of the equipment and total control over its production. That is why SSI SCHAEFER was selected as a general contractor for the project.”

Martin Gerdtsson

Spare Parts Manager at Swedish Agro Machinery in Skurup

Martin Gerdtsson

Spare Parts Manager at Swedish Agro Machinery in Skurup

Local presence is crucial for Swedish Agro. When an agricultural machine is on service, there should be no disruption, especially during the high season. That is why the company holds 25 workshops in the network with the extra focus on agricultural areas in Skåne, Västra Götaland, Östergötland and Uppland. Swedish Agro's commitment is to deliver the ordered spare parts for the next day if they are not in place locally.

Material flow supported by the new solution

The goods are delivered by trucks, unpacked at the work stations manually, sorted according to type and size and brought to different storage systems. Spare parts for agricultural machinery vary greatly in size, share and weight. It's everything from single bolts to input screws in the ten-meter class.

In fact, Swedish Agro needed ten different ways of storing. This includes long-span and cantilever racks for lying goods and compartments for storing standing moldings. This is very effective as some of the spare parts can be quite large. To utilize also the vertical space optimally, a narrow aisle has been set up with shelves. Smaller spare parts are stored in two SSI LOGIMAT Vertical Lift Modules, which accommodate around 16,000 items.

When goods are needed for an order, they are picked by a forklift or manually by an employee to be packed at the workstations for shipping. All orders received before 3.30 pm are delivered to the service workshops the following morning. This is possible thanks to dense logistics arrangements with overnight deliveries.

“Swedish Agro is loyal to its customers in maintaining quality and promised delivery terms. Our installation has been able to grow and develop with new opportunities, in line with the spare part's expansion. We are very happy to lead this project and support Swedish Agro with a system to perfect their material flow,” concludes Anders Jonasson, Sales Manager at SSI SCHAEFER.

With the new warehouse, Swedish Agro has strengthened their position by securing spare parts availability in the region and optimizing their capacities. Martin Gerdtsson summarizes: “The main reasons why we chose SSI SCHAEFER were that we really felt from the beginning that they already knew our needs through past cooperation and, of course, they had a solution for storing spare parts with a wide range of dimensions.”

Swedish Agro Machinery AB's new central warehouse in Skåne Skurup ensures overnight delivery capability.

The two SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules ensures the ergonomic storage and picking of around 16,000 mostly smaller items.

The narrow-aisle, which is set up with shelves, utilizes the vertical space optimally.

Cantilever racks provide space for storing long and bulky goods.

In the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Neunkirchen (Germany) / Friesach (Austria) – 11^th July 2023. For the third consecutive year, analysts at Gartner have positioned SSI SCHAEFER as a Challenger in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems^[1] (May 2023).

"We are very pleased to be included again in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS. The reliable and standardized WAMAS WMS forms the backbone of our digitization strategy and plays a central role within our intelligent software portfolio," said Florian Schneebauer, Global Head of Product Line Software at SSI SCHAEFER. "By using smart optimization algorithms, WAMAS WMS controls the complex processes of the wide variety of warehouses of our customers, in an optimal and transparent way. The software seamlessly integrates into the companies' process and system infrastructure and, with the increasing automation of business and logistics processes, connects upstream and downstream systems into an overall system."

Gartner delivers actionable insights, guidance, and tools that enable faster, smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization's mission critical capabilities. The Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems serves as a source of information for supply chain managers on the current state of development of the WMS market and the various vendors and software products.  

More than 1,100 employees are engaged in the Software Solutions division of the SSI SCHAEFER Group.  Their work on software solutions that interact with the hardware, and enhance connectivity to the extended IT landscape, delivers both ecologically and economically sustainable advantages. Florian Schneebauer comments: "Our ambition is to further develop cognitive approaches and advance innovative, digital products and solutions that can be successfully integrated into our portfolio and established on the market."

SSI SCHAEFER is again listed as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems.

¹ Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems, Simon Tunstall, Dwight Klappich, Rishabh Narang, Federica Stufano, 8 May 2023.

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• ARCOS vehicle software combines AGV and AMR

• Milestone in the expansion of mobile robotics within the SSI SCHAEFER Group

Neunkirchen, Germany / Linz, Austria – 4th July 2023. DS AUTOMOTION, subsidiary of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, has been awarded the IFOY Award 2023 (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award). In the category "Intralogistics Software", the vehicle software ARCOS convinced the jury and prevailed against the competitors: ARCOS enables AGV and AMR fleets for the first time to drive with variable zone-based fixed lane guidance, lane guidance with flexible avoidance as well as with free navigation using one vehicle software. The efficient solution can also integrate vehicles from other manufacturers via the VDA 5050 interface.

Wolfgang Hillinger, CEO DS AUTOMOTION, is pleased about the award: "We are proud to offer our customers worldwide state-of-the-art AGV and AMR solutions that help them master their logistical challenges and increase efficiency. A special thanks goes to our dedicated employees, who have contributed significantly to this success with their innovative strength and commitment." Steffen Bersch, CEO of SSI SCHAEFER Group, adds, "The IFOY Award is an important milestone for DS AUTOMOTION and for us within the SSI SCHAEFER Group. Together, we will further strengthen competitiveness and innovation in the fields of robotics and automation, which are trendsetting for intralogistics."

The IFOY Award honors the best intralogistics products and system solutions of the respective year. The products and solutions nominated for the finals by an international jury underwent various tests during the IFOY Test Days from March 27 to 29, 2023, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check. A total of 23 jury members from 19 countries gave their assessment based on the test results. The awards were announced at a ceremony during the IFOY Award Night on June 22, 2023 in Dortmund. The IFOY Award is under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.

DS AUTOMOTION wins the IFOY Award 2023 with the vehicle software ARCOS. Ronald Lengyel, Head of Marketing DS AUTOMOTION, the Managing Directors of DS AUTOMOTION, Wolfgang Hillinger and Manfred Hummenberger, Steffen Bersch, CEO SSI SCHAEFER Group, Martin Böhmer, Vice President Global Technology at SSI SCHAEFER.

At this year's "materialfluss Product of the Year" awards ceremony, SSI SCHAEFER received two awards. The SSI Flat Pack Picking solution won the 1st place in the category ‘Storage Technology, Containers and Boxes’. With this automated system solution, pallets of bulky and heavy items can be efficiently assembled. In addition, the software solution for robot-assisted pallet picking achieved 2nd place in the ‘Logistics Software’ category by the readers of the trade magazine. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony on May 2, 2023 at Weka Business Medien in Haar, Germany.

Readers were able to vote for the "materialfluss products of the year 2023" in five categories from a total of 39 products. According to WEKA Business Medien Verlag, a total of more than 4,362 votes were cast by 1,873 participants. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony on May 2 at Weka Business Medien in Haar. The prizes were accepted in the ‘Storage Technology, Containers and Boxes’ category by Elmar Stöve, Managing Director, RO-BER, and in the ‘Logistics Software’ category by Thomas Elstner, Product Manager WAMAS Robotics, SSI SCHAEFER.

SSI Flat Pack Picking: 1st Place in the ‘Storage Technology, Containers and Boxes’ Category

With SSI Flat Pack Picking, a currently unique, automated and turnkey system solution for the efficient pallet assembly of bulky items, SSI SCHAEFER supports furniture retailers in e-commerce as well as in store delivery. In addition, the concept can also be transferred to other industries that work with large and heavy goods. The picking module with smart gantry robots enables efficient handling of a broad spectrum of products, relieves employees of less ergonomic tasks and ensures a constant flow of goods. SSI SCHAEFER supplies the customized system solution SSI Flat Pack Picking completely from one source. Both gantry robots and grippers were developed and integrated by RO-BER, a company within the SSI SCHAEFER Group.

"The award as "materialfluss product of the year 2023" underlines the innovative character of the SSI Flat Pack Picking solution," Elmar Stöve, Managing Director at RO-BER, summarizes. "The award encourages us to be in tune with the times and to invest in the right technologies that meet high interest and corresponding demand. We would like to thank the readers for the votes and materialfluss for the award."

WAMAS Case Picking: 2nd Place in the ‘Logistics Software’ Category

With the case picking system and the intelligent software module WAMAS Case Picking from SSI SCHAEFER, retailers and wholesalers are able to improve delivery efficiency despite increasing market demands. It enables the fully automated compilation of a product range for store-specific delivery. The software solution from the WAMAS portfolio developed by SSI SCHAEFER is tailor-made for the store-specific compilation of the pallet, which significantly reduces the picking and sorting effort in the store. In addition, the optimal volume utilization or the stability optimization for transport, leads to significant cost reductions in the entire process chain. Reference projects worldwide prove the efficiency, modularity and scalability in practice.

"We are very pleased about this award for WAMAS Case Picking by the readership of the trade magazine materialfluss. It makes us proud that they appreciate the unique solution and place their trust in us," emphasizes Thomas Elstner, Product Manager WAMAS Robotics at SSI SCHAEFER, and thanks everyone who participated in the voting.

In October 2020, Coop, one of the leading food retailers in Sweden, and SSI SCHAEFER, the world’s leading provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions, announced the starting point of their long-term collaboration. Once again SSI SCHAEFER met up with Mats Tornard, Project Manager of Strategic Supply Chain at Coop, to discuss and sum up the current success of the ongoing Automated Logistics Centre project. At the end of 2021, the two companies shared information about the smooth collaboration, shared values in terms of quality and sustainability and the status of the solution installation which by that time had just started. It is time for an update with the latest results achieved so far.

Despite all the challenges and alterations, 2022 has been an eventful year for one of the largest automation projects in Europe. The global crisis, supply chain difficulties and lack of steel failed to hold back Coop’s solution realization. All major activities follow the schedule with no disruption or delays. “We have had a very positive experience with all our partners so far. Despite the challenging year 2022, both the building by the third party and the solution by SSI SCHAEFER are getting ready according to the realization plan,” shares Mats Tornard.

Constant Change is the New Stability

The past few years have been tricky in terms of planning for the future as behavioral habits shifted significantly. During the project realization Coop updated input data, analyzed it and concluded that the handover date volumes will reach 2027’s planned volumes. This means both the industry’s and the company’s growth have been outplaying the boldest expectations. While volume increase is undoubtedly great news, it comes with the consequences of solution revising and design changes.

During the solution’s realization stage we reviewed the data and found out that to handle the increased volumes in the future Coop will need more focus on palletizing and depalletizing. We are happy with the solution by SSI SCHAEFER as it allows extension at any point even in the middle of construction. In the dynamic world of today this is exactly what we need,

Mats Tornard

Project Manager of Strategic Supply Chain at Coop

Mats Tornard

Project Manager of Strategic Supply Chain at Coop

What has Been Done so far: Installation of the System

Sustainability and ergonomic work environments are at the forefront of the two companies' shared values. These were the core points for Coop at the solution design stage: to reach high efficiency without compromising on the important aspects.

Goods will arrive by railroad straight to the warehouse to minimize CO₂ footprint and maintain an eco-friendly approach. The goods receiving zone is equipped with the conveying system for pallets, which has already been completed and is now on a test run. High-Bay warehouses in both, chilled and ambient zones have been assembled and launched together with the pallet cranes that serve for storage and retrieval of goods for buffering.

When the items are needed for restocking the main storage area, they arrive at the depalletizing station. Depalletizing, as well as mixed palletizing stations, are in progress due to additional solution extension during realization, i.e. more robots. When the goods are split into individual cases, they are transported by a bin conveyor to a storage area. SSI SCHAEFER has just completed one of two parts of the bin conveying system.

The 3D-MATRIX Solution® by SSI SCHAEFER is intended to serve as a buffer for cases. The storage locations are operated by SSI Flexi shuttles, which are responsible for storage, loading and retrieval. The buffer storage has also been extended and is currently a work in progress. The one part that is fully completed here is the installation of the lifts. After the cases are needed for the order, the SSI Flexi shuttles will transport them to the palletizing station where robotized equipment will take care of putting the orders together for shipping.

Assembled pallets are delivered to the buffer storage and are consolidated by the final customer or route. One of the shipping buffers is at the final stage and is ready to be launched, the rest of them are in progress.

The Large Automation Project is Hard to Miss

2022 is a significant year for Coop and its partners. Coop was awarded the shared first place of the Logistics Establishment of the Year 2022! Coop's new goods terminal in Kjula, Eskilstuna impressed the jury with its major investment in train-bound grocery logistics and that the terminal will be highly automated. Coop's new warehouse is equipped with SSI SCHAEFER’s automated solutions and helps the retailer reach 95% of all the picking processes completed with automation. The main focus for the new internal logistics design was ergonomic working environment and sustainability. Coop, SSI SCHAEFER and other partners involved in the project visited the award ceremony to receive diplomas and flowers.

"All the nominees presented fantastic projects. We were very happy to be among great and fair competition and were honored to receive the award," said Mats Tornard immediately after the award ceremony.

The project was also noticed for Coop’s sustainable initiatives towards both, day-to-day work and the new warehouse. To add up to CO₂ footprint minimization, Coop will also have solar cells on the roof. The panels are estimated to produce approximately one third of the energy that the plant will need annually. Taking into account these and other company’s green activities, the jury made a decision in favor of Coop. Coop was named Sweden's most sustainable brand in Europe's largest brand survey on sustainability - “Sustainable Brand Index 2021”. Coop received a sustainability certificate for the new site with the silver level. This means that the new warehouse was recognized for its eco-friendly building construction and also healthy and ergonomic work environment for the employees.

Coop and SSI SCHAEFER are Creating More Jobs

Everyday thousands of packages are handled, formed and sent to the end customer. Such an impressive building with a fully automated solution needs qualified people to monitor and control. To ensure the optimum operation of the system, SSI SCHAEFER is looking for new members for their team who are interested in career development and learning about automation and robotics. “Almost two years in the process, we are happy to share that the new logistics center is looking for employees and is ready to train and grow new specialists in the profession of the future. In total, we are looking for 79 technicians and professionals to support smooth and non-stop operations,” shares Mats Tornard.

SSI SCHAEFER and Coop are in need of qualified employees and there is a huge competition to get them. Instead of compromising on quality, it was decided that it is time to be a part of the changing environment. That is why the companies initiated and joined the educational program together with Yrkeshögskolan SKY, one of the largest providers of Advanced Vocational Educations in Sweden. To teach, mentor and form a set of new specialists.

One of the biggest advantages of the educational program is that all the teachers have field experience. They work within the industry on the daily basis and are able to share the most recent news, trends and techniques with the students. With the necessary drive, ambition and success during the learning process, it is possible to land employment opportunities even before graduation.

The graduates can work as Automation Technicians in both Inventory Management and installation and service industrial robots, PLC Technicians, Robotics engineers, and Maintenance technicians.

The information contained in the text is as of the end of November 2022. In the meantime, a lot has happened with the project and there will be another update on progress soon.

Increasing Efficiency & Saving Space in the Warehouse

Space restrictions often limit the potential scope of warehouse modernization projects – an especially common challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SSI SCHAEFER solved this problem for WFL Millturn Technologies by installing SSI LOGIMAT® vertical lift modules. Expanding the small parts storage capacity vertically freed up an impressive 110 m² of floor space in the existing hall. The devices are controlled directly from SAP, eliminating the need for subsystems and interfaces. That allowed this successful machine manufacturing company to increase its small parts picking performance by up to 50%.

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