WMF - this abbreviation stands for "Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik", and is synonymous with high-quality cutlery, cooking utensils, coffee machines and many other household items in Germany for more 150 years. From WMF's central warehouse and distribution center located in Geislingen Germany, retailers and wholesalers as well as subsidiaries throughout the world are supplied with WMF products.

 

WMF's warehouse and conveyor systems were technically outdated and some of the spare parts were no longer available. Moreover, the profile of the orders received by WMF had changed over the years. The average size of shipments had decreased while the number of shipments had increased and this trend continues. At the same time, the packaging variety increased due to the company's growing international orientation.

  

WMF decided to respond to these new market challenges by restructuring the intralogistic processes in its warehouse and distribution center. WMF selected viastore systems to design and build a completely redesigned central warehouse and distribution center using the existing building structure. This presented the challenge of performing the modernization work without interrupting the day-to-day operations.

  

viastore developed the High Performance Picking System (HPPS), an intelligent combination of mechanics and software the meet the project requirements. Through the use of the HPPS, customer orders and replenishment of stock are performed quickly, efficiently, and ergonomically. There are several distinct advantages of the HPPS. The pick faces of the pick-to-light system are automatically replenished with the required containers, and the storage and retrieval ("S/R") machines automatically remove containers and cartons when they are empty or when dynamic slotting of slow moving sku's is required and beneficial. The containers are placed directly in a sloping rack position that allows for a comfortable and highly ergonomic access to the containers during picking, thereby reducing pick cycle times. The HPPS incorporates an S/R machine designed with a carriage that tilts the load-handling device (LHD) to correspond with the slope of the pick channels. Through the use of a fully automatic replenishment of picking inventory, floor space is reduced and replenishment labor is eliminated. The system pictures that follow are from the WMF distribution center depicting the HPPS replenishment and picking aisle. 

 

Key System Highlights and Facts

 

 viastore systems -provides "Warehousing Efficiency Through Automation" and is a leading global supplier of Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS).  North American clients include Cargill Meat Solutions, Continental Teves NA, Gordon Food Service, Lockheed Martin, L'Oreal USA, Ford Motor Corporation, Frito Lay Corporation, Robert Bosch Corporation and Wilsonart International.  The company has developed and manufactured all types of Storage/Retrieval (S/R) machines as one of its primary product lines since 1970. Today, viastore is an international corporation with an assembly plant in Germany and branches and subsidiaries in Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States, Israel, Malaysia and Russia.  A leading global supplier of Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems and supply chain execution products, the company has sales offices in 17 countries, and has implemented systems in more than 20 countries worldwide.

 

For more information regarding viastore systems, its products or services, visit our website at www.viastore.com or contact us at info@viastore.com.

 

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For more information please contact:
William M. Ostermeyer
616-871-5122

bill.ostermeyer@viastore.com