An efficient logistics chain

Fast-growing e-commerce market demands automation and robotization

As many as 97% of the Dutch buy online. Together, we will have placed no less than 33.3 billion euros worth of online orders in 2022; a growth of 9% compared to 2021. "The increasing demand and challenges such as a shortage of warehouse workers and rising labor costs make automation inevitable," says Dries Vaes, Regional Head of Logistic Solutions Northern Europe at SSI SCHAEFER. "We are happy to offer a helping hand here. Whether companies want to store small goods, bulky goods or pallets, we offer a wide range of intralogistics solutions for storage, transport, picking, handling and robotisation of pallets, totes and crates. Reliable, efficient, fast and preferably fully automated, where we are happy to act as a project partner."

"What sets SSI SCHAEFER apart is that we not only manufacture our warehouse solutions ourselves, but we also take a process-oriented approach to customer requests," Vaes emphasizes. "Regardless of whether customers opt for manual and semi-automatic storage systems or fully automated warehouses: with SSI SCHAEFER, they are assured of one project partner and one warranty partner for the complete warehouse system. But also of perfect quality assurance, from consulting and design through to assembly, management and maintenance. With our flexible production capabilities for every arrangement and size, we advise and deliver the perfect technical solution for every warehouse. And because we operate (inter)nationally, we can also facilitate expansion projects perfectly. In our experience center in Neunkirchen (DE), interested parties can see and experience our comprehensive automation solutions with their own eyes."

The best flow for your processes

In order to perfectly match customer requirements and (structural) possibilities, every project at SSI SCHAEFER starts with an intake interview, explains Vaes. "Does the customer's request match our areas of expertise? As an organisation, we are at home in all markets. From pharma & cosmetics to fashion, food & beverage, retail and industry, each of which requires its own specific solutions." A team of experts is assembled based on both the target market and customer requirements. "This is a globally positioned team that we can call on at any time. The experts actively work together with our application engineers to work out the most suitable flow for each customer. Here we have an eye for the picking processes, the shipping processes, the size of the orders, the type, total weight and dimensions of the pallets, the maximum stacking height, the overhang and any exceptions. In short: all process steps in the logistics process and further details are made transparent. This results in an automation that fits like a glove and guarantees a favorable Return of Investment (ROI). In addition, we deliver sustainable installations that can last for decades thanks to our partnerships, in-house maintenance and in-house management of spare parts."

Based on the extensive data analysis, SSI SCHAEFER produces a visual proposal, which is fine-tuned together with the customer. "Here it is also possible to implement automation on a modular basis," explains Vaes. "For example, to spread the investment. But also to take automation and robotization to an even higher level, with a view to the future. Our Innovation Department has been studying this topic for many years and can advise perfectly. For example, when it comes to order picking by robots." In this phase, the Logistic Solutions project management from SSI SCHAEFER also comes on board, which assists the customer with the planning, coordination and delivery of the warehouse solution, among other things.

It is time to act now

Regardless of whether one chooses (semi)automatic storage systems or fully automated warehouses: warehouse design always involves customization," Vaes emphasizes. "And customization takes time." On average, an automation project takes two to three years, from initial discussions through implementation and commissioning, he says. "When we do our performance testing, nothing is left to chance. So companies looking to automate should act now." Following on from the consulting and realization phase, sufficient time must also be set aside to master all the skills and technologies. Because only then can one really benefit from the advantages of automation and robotization.

Also involved after completion...

Automation and robotization offer opportunities, but they are also exciting. "For this reason, all our projects are handed over immediately after completion to our Customer Service Team, which is available worldwide and 24/7 in case of questions or problems," Vaes concludes. "Moreover, to avoid loss of sales due to unexpected downtime, this department places a high priority on maintenance and service, with our service technicians always on site within the agreed time. Our partnerships do not end with the delivery; we also like to keep a finger on the pulse afterwards. That this is appreciated is proven by many long-term customer relationships."