When Benefits Become Measurable – How RackBot Systems Change Day-to-Day Operations

In the first three posts of this blog series, we have shown how RackBot Systems make it easier to get started in automation, how they maximize use of existing warehouse space, and can grow with your business.

But how are these principles realized in actual warehouse operations?

The following post uses a practical example to demonstrate the effects the benefits can have on day-to-day operations.

The typical starting point: Growth with limited space

Whether for logistics service providers, retailers or industrial companies, many warehouses face a similar situation. Business volume is growing, requirements are rising, yet the available space remains limited. New floor space is difficult to obtain or economically unfeasible. At the same time, throughput, delivery reliability and flexibility have to be increased.

It was precisely this scenario that served as the starting point for Transmec, an internationally active logistics service provider that serves a variety of customers, sectors and distribution channels from a single location.

From challenge to solution: Why use the RackBot System COMPACT

Instead of relying on traditional types of warehouse expansion or highly complex unique solutions, the decision was made to use the RackBot System COMPACT, based on multiple structural benefits instead of individual key indicators:

• High storage density in existing buildings

• Robot-assisted "goods-to-person" material flow

• Flexible use for different order profiles

• Rapid implementation without long-term operational downtime

The goal was clearly defined: a robot-assisted omnichannel warehouse that can be used for various customers and sectors and can be further developed in the long term.

What changes in daily operations

The key added value lies in daily processes, not only in the technology itself. With the RackBot System COMPACT, goods are automatically stored, prepared in sequence, and delivered directly to the picking stations. Walking routes are eliminated, and the material flow remains constant and transparent.

This allows for high storage capacities even in limited spaces, while simultaneously ensuring a stable throughput. The Full‑Roaming Logic makes it possible for every bot to access any bin. As a result, performance remains unaffected by fixed aisle structures. At the same time, the system supports a variety of order profiles and distribution channels in a single solution, without the need to set up additional subsystems.

The result is a warehouse system that is not only more efficient but also significantly more resilient in the face of changing requirements, offering the flexibility needed for further growth in the long term.

Measurable results instead of theoretical advantages

Actual examples demonstrate that these advantages are not merely conceptual. Compared to manual processes, order throughput at Transmec was increased by 50 percent, without having to create additional warehouse space.

More important than that individual key indicator, however, is the systemic effect: Increased performance does not result from placing a heavier workload on employees or from more complex processes, but rather from a different way of organizing the flow of materials.

This video on material flow provides a clear visual illustration of this difference and shows how the individual components interact in daily operations: 50% higher order-picking throughput – in just 8 weeks!

Applicable to other sectors and requirements

Transmec exemplifies the broader range of applications for RackBot Systems. Similar benefits are also evident in other sectors.

In fashion logistics, for example, at  Desigual, mobile robots ensure rapid response times in a highly seasonal and trend-driven environment.

In the defense industry RackBot Systems are used to ensure that production and material supply processes are scalable, secure and stable over the long term.

These examples show that this is not a one-off solution, but rather a transferable logistics concept that can be adapted to various operating conditions.

 

About the authors:

Markus Külken

Markus Külken is responsible for SSI SCHAEFER´s entire partner business. In this role, he oversees the strategic selection, qualification, and governance of all technology partnerships – from the initial evaluation, the business case and contract drafting through to integration into the portfolio, processes, and global sales organization. This includes both the technical and commercial integration of new partner solutions, and their scaling in international client projects. Under his leadership, partners are onboarded in a structured manner, integrated into existing system architectures to ensure interoperability, and deployed as drivers for the further development of the solution portfolio.

Johannes Möhrlein

Johannes Möhrlein leads the Partner Empowerment Team as part of the partner business at SSI SCHAEFER. He and his team offer customers around the world innovative system solutions borne from partnerships with other companies. At the same time, he ensures that his colleagues in Sales are ideally prepared to successfully market these new products. These partnerships are an important part of our ability to consistently offer customers the best solution for their specific project.