A logistics challenge
Retail & e-commerce combined in one warehouse
Smyths toys, in Walsrode (DE)
After Toys ‘R’ Us were taken over by Smyths Toys in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, a new centrally located warehouse was needed in Germany to serve both the company’s own stores and the private customers using the online shop. A great logistics challenge!
Hoge opslagdichtheid
Zone picking met pick to light
Slimme software
The challenge
Seasonal impact
Requires scalability in the warehouse
After Toys ‘R’ Us were taken over by Smyths Toys in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, a new centrally located warehouse was needed in Germany to serve both the company’s own stores and the private customers using the online shop. A great logistics challenge!
The solution
Smart hardware & software
Coordination of WMS, ERP & hardware
Optimal coordination between the WMS, ERP and hardware is crucial. Because these systems work together continuously, they always show the location of items in the warehouse and where items need to be delivered: replenishment for retail, replenishment of e-commerce inventory, order picking or shipping of goods.
VNAs provide high-density storage
Upon entry, items are scanned and the WMS determines the correct location in the warehouse. The VNA (very narrow aisle) drivers see on their screen which pallets they have to pick up and where, and the location to which they must take them. The use of VNAs, in which the forklift’s forks can be turned sideways, saves a lot of space and enables high storage density.
Zone picking with pick to light
By using zones for order picking, order pickers never have to walk far or lift anything. This increases the efficiency of the order picking process and improves working conditions. Pick to light is also a good solution for order pickers who speak a different language.
The result
Scalable internal logistics
For e-commerce and retail
The boxes are taken from replenishment and placed on the conveyor system. The WMS sends the goods along the roller conveyors and spiral conveyor to the appropriate floor to replenish the e-commerce stock. Alternatively, they go through the sorter to the docks for delivery to the company’s own stores. After leaving the picking zone, the goods go to the docks for delivery to the online shop’s parcel delivery staff.
Smart software and hardware solutions mean that items can be easily exchanged between e-commerce and retail during this process!
Expertise van COSTO in de praktijk
De opdrachtgever aan het woord
Flexibility and innovative ideas
Costo Intralogistics has set up several warehouses for us to our full satisfaction. Their innovative ideas and flexibility play a major role is this for us.
