We further expand our automation with new rack-to-person system at Poznań logistics center
Arvato continues to focus consistently on automation.
The global logistics service provider specializing in supply chain management and e commerce has recently implemented a new rack-to-person system at its logistics center in Poznań, Poland. This will once again significantly increase the efficiency of goods picking and warehouse processes for the online business.
“As part of our automation strategy, we are constantly investing in modern warehouse technology and robotics,” explains Lidia Ratajczak-Kluck, Managing Director Poland and member of the Arvato Management Board. “With this innovative rack-to-person system, we now have an automation solution in Poland that enables us to optimize our logistics processes and improve our competitiveness in the market. Especially for clients with a wide range of products, we can generate enormous added value by using this solution.”
The new system is based on advanced robot technology and supports order picking for employees. The autonomous robots transport the warehouse shelves with goods to the picking stations in the 48,000 square meter logistics center in Poznań. The robots move around the warehouse using a camera system and navigation codes. The direct delivery of shelves to the work stations, where employees pick the goods according to the order, significantly streamlines and accelerates the picking process – not least due to the speed of the robots. Once picking is complete, the robots automatically return the shelves to the correct storage location. They also use historical data and heat map analyses to determine the ideal warehouse and stock layout and the best storage location for each item.
The rack-to-person robots are also an example of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to the operations. AI helps them navigate, recognize their surroundings, and optimize routes, which allows them to perform tasks efficiently and precisely. The robots are used in a closed storage zone, with sensor gates ensuring that employees do not accidentally enter the robots' working area. The solution also enables continuous operation, which significantly increases productivity and operational efficiency. “Speed and flexibility are becoming increasingly important for our clients. The general aim of any automation is therefore to increase our clients' productivity and respond flexibly to their requirements,” says Philipp Rücker, Head of Transport Management and Logistics Engineering at Arvato. “We always design our automation solutions, whether robot, rack-to-person, AutoStore, shuttle or packaging solutions, with a high degree of modularity and flexibility. This gives us a scalable system that we can implement quickly and easily at other locations if required.”