VBH Holding GmbH: Storage and Picking of Items for Online Shipping
Based in Korntal-Münchingen, VBH Holding GmbH is Europe's largest retailer of window and door fittings. The assortment includes both products from well-known manufacturers and in-house developments that are distributed via online shipping. A basic component of the supply chain is the storage and picking of roughly 15,500 items in VBH's central warehouse in Bad Dürrenberg. A broad range of small parts such as screws, cover caps, and fittings are continually stocked over an area of 19,000 square meters and delivered to the customer within 24 to 48 hours of receiving the order.
Project Requirements
Until the start of 2015, goods up to 2.4 m in length were stored exclusively in pallet and static racks. This stockpiling takes up a lot of space and is often associated with long, unproductive routes for pickers and frequent picking errors, which has a negative effect on the quality of service to the customer. VBH was therefore on the lookout for an automated, scalable system that utilizes the goods-to-person principle in order to significantly reduce picking errors. The solution: the SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Module from SSI SCHAEFER. The vertical lift module ensures high-density warehousing and ergonomic picking of small parts for online shipping in the smallest area. The lift module control software also includes a plug-and-play function for connecting to VBH's SAP ERP/WM system.
Goals
Automated, scalable storage and picking solution in one system
Significant reduction in order throughput times due to minimized picking error rate
Order consolidation in the small parts picking process, with optimized quality of supply
Improved utilization of space with additional storage location capacities for new, enhanced assortments through high-density warehousing and picking
Harmonious cooperation between the SAP ERP/WM system and the PLC lift module control software connected via the LOGIDRIVER option
Transparency of all stock levels and goods movements, including reliable, permanent inventory
