SSI SCHAEFER skips not one but two software generations thanks to successful big bang adoption

The WAMAS® warehouse management system by SSI SCHAEFER has been proving its worth at LANDI Schweiz AG's central warehouse in Dotzigen since 2003. At the end of November 2020, the latest high-performance generation of WAMAS went live, marking the completion of a top-class retrofit. The 'big bang' involved all manual and automatic processes being switched over in parallel on the very same day, skipping two software generations at once.

Quality at a fair price and a strong base in rural regions have made LANDI a brand name in German-speaking and western Switzerland. As a purchasing, logistics, and marketing organization, LANDI Schweiz AG supplies around 270 stores with a range of approximately 8,000 items in the areas of home and garden as well as agriculture and food (primarily beverages). Around 4,000 employees serve 80,000 customers daily, generating an annual turnover of over 1.4 billion francs.

Time-saving big bang instead of multi-stage changeover

Supply reliability is primarily ensured via LANDI's 35,000 m² central warehouse in Dotzigen. This houses a compact, highly sophisticated logistics infrastructure, installed and continuously expanded by SSI SCHAEFER, for the storage, picking, and dispatch of goods. Since the successful release update in November 2020, which involved a reliable and simultaneous switchover of all systems and processes, LANDI has benefited from state-of-the-art standard software with the latest control and visualization applications. Thanks to its integrated intelligence, warehouse logistics can now be organized even more efficiently and flexibly adapted in parallel to ever more challenging market conditions.

Longstanding partnership allows for an atypical approach

The complexity of the manual and automatic processes as well as the need to keep operations running perfectly during the release upgrade posed just as much a challenge as the big bang migration itself. Meticulous planning and intensive preparations for the go-live in the operational environment were required. The decision to carry out a big bang migration rather than an iterative one was also supported by LANDI's trust in the stability and process reliability of partner SSI SCHAEFER's proprietary logistics software, which had seen the company through around two decades of growth.

Clearly structured quality assurance measures

Highly professional project management coupled with communication as partners was also a key factor in the successful migration to the new warehouse management system (WMS). During the two-year lead time, specialist members were added to the established project team as required. The main task was to thoroughly integrate the new WMS into the existing IT landscape. Thanks to the open system architecture, it was possible to directly link to LANDI's ERP and transport system. All processes were carefully evaluated so that all customer-specific requirements could be taken into account. Detailed simulations and tests on the test system verified the stability of WAMAS and paved the way for a smooth big bang release upgrade. As of the appointed date, the regular order volume was able to be processed in 2.5 shift operation without any significant compromises. Personnel were trained in any new processes and dialogs in advance.

WAMAS at LANDI: Quick, reliable, and uninterrupted

The new WAMAS with integrated material flow system and WAMAS Lighthouse provides LANDI in Dotzigen with a future-proof standard software which efficiently controls and continually optimizes highly-complex processes which require excellent coordination, and also completely fulfills changing market requirements. The established project team also played a key role in the direct changeover to WAMAS 5.8, which involved skipping not one but two software generations. Karoline Poderschnig, Project Manager IT, SSI SCHAEFER says: "A big bang, which involves switching over both manual and automatic processes as well as a variety of technology at a highly complex location like Dotzigen, all at the same time, is extremely exciting. Thanks to our excellent collaboration with LANDI, this has been a complete success." Supply to LANDI stores was not compromised at any point. "There were no interruptions to operations or any significant backlog as a result of the switchover," confirms Stefan Eggli, Head of Conveying Systems / IT Logistics, LANDI Switzerland.

SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE, one of Continental Europe’s leading online pharmacies, commissioned SSI SCHAEFER to equip their new logistics center in Sevenum, the Netherlands. The highly automated solution will increase the possible shipping volume to more than 35 million parcels per year and has been designed for zero-error tolerance and 24/7 operations. The investment is in the medium double-digit million range.

SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE currently supplies more than 5 million active customers in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland from its existing warehouse in Venlo. The product range includes more than 100,000 over-the-counter and prescription drugs, nutritional supplements as well as beauty and personal care products. The new logistics center will provide the basis for meeting constantly growing demand. “Our customers will have an even wider product range to choose from and will receive the orders even faster,” says Theresa Holler, head pharmacist and COO of SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE.

Challenges mastered through collaboration

In the course of the intralogistics project engineering, SSI SCHAEFER closely cooperated with the online pharmacy and Miebach Consulting. Miebach Consulting’s experts have been working with SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE since 2018; they were responsible for the initial conception/detailed planning as well as the call for tenders and now monitor the implementation. 

“For SSI SCHAEFER, this project is a further important step to extend our business in the healthcare e-commerce sector,” says Klaus Murko, Vice President Healthcare & Cosmetics at SSI SCHAEFER. “SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE is a top partner to build a successful future together.” 

A maximum of flexibility, sufficient options for future extension and a technical performance matching the demand were the requirements for the new logistics system. “Patient safety comes first, so maximum process security is crucial,” adds Theresa Holler. Ergonomics also played an important role, particularly in the design of the work stations in the incoming goods area where supplied goods are repacked to special bins.

High performance density nailed

The automated small parts warehouse (ASPW) includes the SSI Miniload 1-Mast designed for double-deep storage and the SSI Miniload 2-Mast designed for single-deep storage. Furthermore, an SSI Cuby shuttle system is used as order buffer. Shuttle vehicles supply the storage locations with up to 800 double cycles per aisle per hour. The high-performance shuttle system needs comparatively little space and can be flexibly extended if needed. Modularity combined with efficient use of space and a high picking quantity are the characteristics of the A-Frame. The picking automats enable fast processing of complex orders even at peak times.

In addition, Put to Light work stations and work stations for single order sorting and compiling bulk orders will be installed. The SSI SCHAEFER scope of supply and services also includes a 10 km carton and bin conveying system including a cross belt sorter, a platform extending over 11,000 m², static and pallet racks as well as various handling systems to support shipping preparation. The required bins are also provided by SSI SCHAEFER from a single source. The logistics software WAMAS® coordinates the material flow.

The installation of the intralogistics components was started in spring 2020. The go-live for the entire system is planned for the beginning of 2021.

SSI SCHAEFER, the world’s leading provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions, in cooperation with ORCA, the Philippines’ pioneering cold chain solutions provider, announced the opening of the country’s first world-class cold chain storage system in February 2020. In the heart of metro Manila’s industrial zone, the ORCA Taguig facility significantly increases the country's logistics capacity and preparedness for unforeseen events.

ORCA Cold Chain Solutions is the Philippines‘ first ever fully automated cold chain facility. It offers temperature-controlled logistics, warehousing and pre- and post-storage value added services to help food businesses and the agriculture industry prolong and maintain the freshness of their produce. Powered by Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS), the Taguig development was awarded Pioneer Status by the Bureau of Investments, under the Philippine Government Department of Trade & Industry.

ORCA Taguig has approximately 20,000 pallet positions of frozen storage in roughly a hectare footprint. This is an unprecedented feat and is made possible by the rack-clad technology of SSI SCHAEFER. With automation, ORCA Taguig can move up to 4,800 pallets in one day. The SSI SCHAEFER scope of supply comprises an impressive range from the fully automated high bay warehouse with earthquake and typhoon resistant rack-clad technology, conveyor technology, Get and Pick Stations (ergonomic goods-to-person workstations) to the logistics software WAMAS^®.

Currently, ORCA has three facilities in Metro Manila: Alabang, Taguig and the currently being built Caloocan. All three sites are strategically located in the capital of Manila and near ports and industrial zones. The Caloocan ORCA facility will also be fully automated and is currently being built jointly with SSI SCHAEFER.

ORCA handles frozen and chilled food products. Clients range from the Philippines‘ biggest fast food chains to exporters and importers and small food entrepreneurs. As a pioneer in the Philippine cold chain and supply chain industry, ORCA selected SSI SCHAEFER as a partner for its stellar track record in technology as well as in construction and even customer support.

Apart from the hardware, the SSI SCHAEFER supplied WAMAS warehouse management system provides real-time tracking of the goods. Aside from giving the clients of ORCA much peace of mind, it moreover allows them to efficiently track and move their goods according to a FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) system. Moreover, having accurate records ensures that all goods are accounted for, deterring pilferage, which is one other challenge that is unfortunately present in the country.

In a climate which has a lot of uncertainty, the technology and innovation provided by SSI SCHAEFER allow ORCA to reassure their clients with higher efficiency standards, accurate reporting, and quality customer service.

Agnes Degala, Vice President for Sales & Operations at ORCA Cold Chain Solutions, sums up the successful cooperation:

“ORCA is the first and only company in the Philippines to invest this heavily on what we call food infrastructure. With SSI SCHAEFER, we were able to make this grand vision a reality. As a sales head, we saw how customers gravitated to our brand because of the promise of automation. We also experienced firsthand the market perceive the value that innovation can bring. ORCA is indeed the only one of its kind in our country and together, we hope to create more of these world-class solutions for our nation.”

Apotea, Sweden’s largest online pharmacy, opened its new, highly automated warehouse in Varberg, Sweden, on June 17, 2025 – a state-of-the-art logistics center spanning 30,000 sqm, featuring a fully integrated automation solution from SSI SCHAEFER, a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. The project was successfully completed on schedule and is now ready for operation.

The new warehouse has been designed to meet Apotea’s growing needs, focusing on scalability, sustainability and faster deliveries to southern and western Sweden. The facility will be able to handle over 30,000 unique SKUs with an impressive volume flow – more than 50,000 orders and over 150,000 order lines per day, with the system capable of expanding to 70,000 orders daily as demand grows.

© Michael Jönsson / Vegafoto AB

“This new warehouse is equipped with a perfect automation solution developed in collaboration with SSI SCHAEFER. It makes us even more efficient and well-prepared for continued growth, but, above all, it means faster service for residents in southern Sweden,” says Pär Svärdson, CEO of Apotea.

The automation solution includes:

• SSI Cuby shuttle system with 174 shuttles and approximately 87,000 storage locations

• Automated small parts warehouse with nearly 45,000 storage locations as well as connected A-Frames (more than 2,800 product channels)

• A-Frame system for rapid processing of orders even at peak loads

• Integrated third party supplier picking robots for fast and precise order handling

• Advanced Pick Stations one-level and ergonomic work stations for gentle handling of sensitive products; Advanced Pick Stations are designed for future transformation into fully automated piece picking stations

• Conveying system connecting the entire facility, ensuring uninterrupted material flow

• WAMAS Warehouse Control System (WCS) logistics software, providing optimum support for a wide range of picking scenarios, and WAMAS Control Center, monitoring and controlling all processes – enabling warehouse management at the highest level

• Pick by Light to pick from pallets, facilitating efficient handling of larger volumes

• BD Rowa^TM Vmax dispensing robots for secure and automated handling of both prescription medications and non-prescription medications

The fully integrated system enables Apotea to manage the entire order flow automatically – from inbound to outbound – with high precision and efficiency.

“We are proud to once again be part of Apotea’s automation initiative, acting as the full-service provider of a fully automated warehouse solution that can grow with their future needs. Building on our successful project in Morgongåva, Sweden, the new logistics center will be highly automated from day one, with 100% of orders processed automatically. We look forward to continuing our close partnership and driving innovation in logistics together,” says Jenny Heinze, Head of Sales Nordic at SSI SCHAEFER.

Installation started in the third quarter of 2024, with commissioning taking place in conjunction with the inauguration on June 17, 2025.

Apotea, Sweden’s largest online pharmacy, opened its new, highly automated warehouse in Varberg on June 17, 2025. 
From left to right: Jenny Heinze, Head of Sales Nordic at SSI SCHAEFER; Mauro Lunardelli, Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER; Ann-Charlotte Stenkil, Chairman of the Varberg Municipal Council; Pär Svärdson, CEO of Apotea; Anna-Karin Dahlgren, Site Manager at Apotea Varberg; and Martin Andersson, Head of Business and Economic Development, Varberg Municipality.

• Expanding competencies in digitalization and technology with innovation start-up

• SupplyBrain GmbH provides data-based solutions in the very shortest delivery time

• Optimizing logistics processes, maintenance and energy consumption

Neunkirchen/Germany, Graz/Austria – In day-to-day logistics, companies are confronted with numerous challenges to which they must respond quickly and efficiently to avoid additional costs. The services of the recently founded innovation start-up SupplyBrain, part of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, strike a chord with countless logistics companies. SupplyBrain provides data-based software solutions that complement the company’s logistics software to optimize the core areas of the supply chain, increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.

In order to optimize the supply chain, SupplyBrain offers market-ready products with different approaches. A digital twin enables the companies to simulate alternative solutions and quickly determine the most efficient variant if, for instance, picking staff is absent due to illness or order structures change considerably due to varying market conditions. Another service component is the optimization of the maintenance strategy towards predictive maintenance. An AI-supported analysis of the utilization data determines the optimum maintenance window for the system components. Increasing energy efficiency is also part of the services offered by SupplyBrain. The optimized use of components is particularly important with regard to rising energy prices.

By founding SupplyBrain GmbH, SSI SCHAEFER invests in the expansion of their technology and digitalization expertise in the field of intralogistics. The start-up, led by Managing Director Mario Traar, consists of about 10 employees and is based in Graz, Austria, close to SSI SCHAEFER. Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, states: “We are excited that we act as a start-up incubator for SupplyBrain and thus expand SSI SCHAEFER's service portfolio to include rapidly available digital products and services. Systematic optimization of all processes and components strengthens the competitiveness of our customers and is an important step towards Intralogistics 4.0.”

SupplyBrain stands for the intelligent use of all the data which is accumulated in large quantities in the warehouse and often not used sufficiently as a basis for decision-making. The customers benefit from products and services that can be integrated smoothly into the company’s existing software. In addition to intralogistics software, SupplyBrain's solutions tap into artificial intelligence, simulation algorithms and real-time analysis of processes to provide a solid basis for short-term decisions for optimization in different areas.

Mario Traar, Managing Director of SupplyBrain, sees great potential in this area: “The future of logistics will not be constant expansion and coexistence of different systems, but rather the consistent networking and seamless integration of additional solutions. The products and solutions offered by SupplyBrain perfectly complement existing logistics software, such as WAMAS software by SSI SCHAEFER or SAP solutions.”

• Incoming orders significantly increased by 8.5% to EUR 2.1 billion 

• The Logistics Solutions and Customer Services Business Units were the key drivers of incoming orders, each with an increase of over 14% 

• The Products & Equipment Business Unit continues to operate in an environment of subdued demand and intense competition 

• The Plastics division with a slight increase in incoming orders and a significant improvement in results, but still affected by the weak automotive sector 

Neunkirchen/Siegerland, Germany, March 11, 2026 – The SSI SCHAEFER Group, a family company with over 85 years of history and an internationally leading solution provider for all areas of intralogistics, recorded its most successful fiscal year in a decade in the 2025 fiscal year based on preliminary figures. Earnings before tax (EBT) rose by 18.2% compared with the previous year’s figure. Operational improvements in ongoing projects, higher plant output and consistent cost management were primarily responsible for this momentum.

In terms of incoming orders, the SSI SCHAEFER Group achieved a new record with EUR 2.1 billion, which was 8.5% above the previous year’s figure. This development was driven primarily by the Logistics Solutions (+14.6%) and Customer Services (+14.8%) Business Units, which achieved significant increases in the past fiscal year. One outstanding highlight was the acquisition of a major project in the USA with a volume of around EUR 250 million, which impressively underscores the SSI SCHAEFER Group’s performance in international competition. Furthermore, the Customer Service Business Unit exceeded the half-billion-euro threshold for the first time in terms of incoming orders. In the Products & Equipment Business Unit and in the Plastics Division, however, the difficult market environment and subdued demand had a noticeable impact. This resulted in the Group’s sales revenues falling below the previous year’s figure at EUR 1.7 billion. In addition, project acceptances in the Logistics Solutions unit, the largest business unit of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, have been postponed to 2026. 

Peter Edelmann, CEO of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, states: “SSI SCHAEFER looks back on another successful fiscal year. Despite the economic environment still being challenging, we were once again able to achieve a clearly positive result and noticeably improve the quality of our results. The record amount of incoming orders, especially driven by strategically meaningful projects, underscores our performance in the competitive market. With the ‘Strategy 2030’, which will prepare the company for the future, and our consistent customer focus, we are creating the conditions for us to continue on our path of sustainable, profitable growth.”

The implementation of the “Future Concept Neunkirchen” was purposefully pushed forward: The associated targeted investments in new systems, in the tens of millions, were placed with the aim of sustainably strengthening the competitiveness of the production site at the headquarters of the family company.

For the ongoing 2026 fiscal year, despite the challenging market conditions still expected by the industry association VDMA, the SSI SCHAEFER Group anticipates continued positive development. The large amount of incoming orders, renewed improvement in results and the “Strategy 2030” form a solid basis for the future development of the group of companies.

(f.l.t.r.) Top management of the SSI SCHAEFER Group with Elie Zita, SVP Head of Business Unit Customer Services SSI SCHAEFER, Olaf Hedden, CFO SSI SCHAEFER Group, Benno Reichmuth, SVP Head of Business Unit Products & Equipment SSI SCHAEFER, Peter Edelmann, CEO SSI SCHAEFER Group and Mauro Lunardelli, SVP Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions SSI SCHAEFER. 

• Continuous sustainability management efforts expanded

• Rating improved from bronze to silver over the previous year

Intralogistics specialist SSI SCHAEFER has been awarded the silver medal (72/100 points) by the renowned rating agency EcoVadis for its continuous sustainability management. Following the bronze medal in 2023 (61/100 points) and another year of continuous measures in the areas of environment, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement, this award represents significant progress in SSI SCHAEFER's sustainability management. This places SSI SCHAEFER among the top 15% of the companies assessed.

Since its founding in 2007, EcoVadis has grown into a globally trusted provider of corporate sustainability ratings, boasting a network of more than 150,000 rated companies. Its goal is to deliver reliable, globally recognized sustainability assessments and insights that enable all companies to reduce risks, drive improvements, and accelerate positive impacts on our planet and society.

The silver medal rating is significant for SSI SCHAEFER, not only with regard to its own sustainability management. It also influences the company's future business relationships. Heiko Stötzel, Global Head of Group Social Responsibility at SSI SCHAEFER, commented: "Our clients are increasingly placing value on transparent and sustainable business practices and, in some cases, require a successful EcoVadis rating as the basis for a business relationship."

Like many larger, internationally operating companies, SSI SCHAEFER also uses the EcoVadis platform to evaluate its business partners according to a standardized catalog of criteria, thus gaining transparency in its global supply chains. This is one of the many building blocks of the criteria used by EcoVadis to assess sustainability management.

Heiko Stötzel concludes on the successful silver medal rating: "We are very pleased with this award. It motivates us to further expand our commitment in the future. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the SSI SCHAEFER Group who contributed to the improved rating. This includes many departments and divisions within the company, including Purchasing, Compliance, Human Resources, Information Security, and the many colleagues in SSI SCHAEFER's strong sustainability network."

• Best of Industry Award for SSI SCHAEFER in the category “Sustainability”

• reta Award in the category “Supply Chain Excellence” for Coop – SSI SCHAEFER recognized as “Top Supplier Retail”

• Recognition of one of the most modern and sustainable logistics solutions in the European food retail sector

The distribution center in Eskilstuna, Sweden, realized by SSI SCHAEFER as general contractor for Coop, has received significant recognition twice and was honored with two prestigious industry awards: the Best of Industry Award and the reta Award. The highly automated facility covers the entire material flow from goods receiving to shipping and approximately 95% of picking processes.

The Best of Industry Award honors outstanding industrial projects each year that demonstrate measurable efficiency improvements, technological innovation, and sustainable operating models. In this year’s reader vote, approximately 25,000 votes were cast across 19 categories. In the ‘Sustainability’ category, SSI SCHAEFER impressed with the highly automated distribution center for Coop. At Coop, the focus on sustainability is particularly evident: consolidating ambient and chilled operations into a single central warehouse reduces transportation routes and CO₂ emissions. Thanks to Sweden’s second-largest photovoltaic system, the distribution center generates approximately one-third of its own electricity. The remaining power is sourced from renewable energy, meaning the entire facility operates on green electricity, making a significant contribution to resource-efficient and climate-friendly logistics.

The reta Award presented by the EHI Retail Institute is among the most important distinctions for technological excellence in the retail sector. It recognizes projects that measurably optimize supply chains and successfully integrate digital process innovations into day-to-day operations. Coop received the reta Award in the category ‘Supply Chain Excellence’, which in turn recognizes SSI SCHAEFER as a ‘Top Supplier Retail’. This distinction acknowledges that the jointly implemented logistics project enables a particularly high‑performing and sustainable supply chain, thanks to its high degree of automation, stable material flows, and the significant reduction in transport volumes.

“The two awards demonstrate the difference that innovative, intelligently integrated intralogistics solutions can make for entire supply chains today. Together with Coop, we have implemented a facility that combines sustainability, scalability, and maximum process stability, serving as a model for the future of the food retail industry,” says Peter Lambrecht, Global Head of Sales Logistics Solutions, SSI SCHAEFER.

SSI SCHAEFER receives the Best of Industry Award in the category “Sustainability.” The award recognizes the sustainable and highly automated distribution center for Coop in Eskilstuna.

F. l. t. r.:

Patrik Danielsson – Head of Warehouse Operations at Coop Logistik AB
Mattias Hjerpe Persson – Head of Operations Control at Coop Logistik AB
Andreas Hümmer – GC Project Manager Realization at SSI SCHAEFER
Ralf Bleifuß – Vice President Global Strategic Projects at SSI SCHAEFER

© Sebastian Human/VCG

The reta Award in the category ‘Supply Chain Excellence’ goes to Coop, with SSI SCHAEFER being honored as the technological implementation partner with the title ‘Top Supplier Retail’.

F. l. t. r.:

Ralf Bleifuß - Vice President Global Strategic Projects at SSI SCHAEFER
Patrik Danielsson - Head of Warehouse Operations at Coop Logistik AB
Örjan Grandin - CEO at Coop Logistik AB

After an intensive planning and implementation phase, Coop’s new state-of-the-art distribution center in Eskilstuna, Sweden, is now fully operational. Covering an area of 77,000 m², it is one of the largest automated distribution centers in Europe. In this new central facility, SSI SCHAEFER supports Coop with smart logistics software – enabling a system in which 95% of the picking processes are handled automatically. This advanced solution enables the leading Swedish grocery retailer to supply more than 800 of its own stores efficiently, sustainably, and with a strong focus on ergonomics.

Maximum efficiency through tailored automation

Coop is one of Sweden’s leading grocery retailers, with over 800 stores and a strong focus on sustainability and quality. Prior to the project, the company’s logistics were largely manual – a model that could no longer meet rising demands for efficiency, reliability, and business growth. To address these challenges, Coop decided to build a centralized, highly automated distribution center designed to increase efficiency while also creating more sustainable and ergonomic working conditions.

The distribution center operates with near-total automation, using state-of-the-art technologies. From goods-in to storage and store-friendly palletizing by robots, every process runs efficiently and seamlessly – across both ambient and chilled areas. The use of intelligent robotics and smart software not only boosts productivity but also improves workplace ergonomics and safety. 

Mauro Lunardelli, Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER, emphasizes: "Our close collaboration with Coop demonstrates how innovative intralogistics solutions create significant value for companies, employees, and the entire supply chain. Thanks to our extensive expertise in complex retail projects, as well as our leading technology, software, and service competence, we were able to implement a future-proof, custom-fit solution from our modular system."

Sustainability as an integral part

In addition to boosting efficiency, the distribution center also plays a key role in supporting Coop’s sustainability strategy. Key measures include:

• Electric trains for goods transport that significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

• One of Sweden’s largest rooftop photovoltaic system, estimated to cover around 30% of the distribution center’s annual electricity needs, while also reducing its carbon footprint. The remaining energy demand is met through other renewable energy sources.

• Ergonomic work stations that promote employee health and ensure a safe working environment.

Örjan Grandin, CEO of Coop Logistics AB and Deputy CEO of Coop Sverige AB, highlights the importance of the project: "With the new facility, we’re creating a modern work environment that combines innovation, high-performance order picking, and a future-oriented corporate culture. These changes strengthen not only our growth as a company but also our appeal as an employer."

 

Seamless automation for a complex product range

A central element of the highly automated facility is the SSI Case Picking system for efficient order fulfillment, which is responsible for building store-ready mixed pallets. Nearly all process steps are fully automated:

After the pallets are stored in the high-bay warehouse by a total of 25 SSI Exyz pallet stacker cranes in the ambient and chilled areas, the goods are depalletized by ten robots. The individual units are then transferred into two automated small parts warehouses with over 600,000 tote and tray storage locations, served by about 280 lifts. The storage locations are managed by around 700 SSI Flexi shuttles, which handle triple-deep storage and retrieval.

 The 3D-MATRIX Solution^® enables storage, buffering, and sequencing within a single system and ensures 100% sequencing at maximum speed. The required sequence is specified and controlled by the in-house SSI SCHAEFER logistics software WAMAS. A total of 34 palletizing robots assemble the retail units precisely and layer by layer into pallets ready for dispatch. The SSI Pack Pattern Generator, as part of the WAMAS software, focuses on the stability, volume efficiency, and store-friendly design of pallets. The system processes a wide range of products and, thanks to the high degree of automation, enables particularly efficient and error-free picking - ideal for the requirements of a large-volume food retailer such as Coop. After interim storage in the dispatch buffer, the pallets are transported to the shipping area in the correct loading sequence and loaded for onward transportation.

The entire facility is managed by the intelligent WAMAS logistics software. As a central information platform, WAMAS enables seamless, data-driven monitoring and control of all processes – from incoming goods inspection to the finished shipping pallet. In addition, a resident maintenance team of around 80 technicians is on duty daily in shift operation. The team monitors, maintains, and optimizes the highly automated systems -from IT infrastructure to mechanical system components. With preventive maintenance and fast response times, these experts ensure maximum availability of the entire facility – 24/7, across multiple shifts.

Future-proof logistics for a dynamic industry

The highly automated distribution center sets new standards in terms of quality, scale, and long-term stability. Covering an area of 77,000 m², it ranks among the largest facilities of its kind worldwide – a logistics megaproject that defines new benchmarks. By strategically implementing state-of-the-art technologies, the facility ensures consistently high process security and delivery quality, even under changing market and environmental conditions. Automated processes, intelligent control systems, and continuous high precision create a resilient logistics structure – a key competitive advantage in an ever-evolving market environment. With the opening of this distribution center, Coop sets new standards for the future of automated and sustainable logistics – in close partnership with SSI SCHAEFER. “By automating key processes, we increase our overall productivity, ensure high and consistent quality, and improve our ability to deliver on time. At the same time, we reduce our environmental impact: With a higher fill rate on our pallets compared to a manual warehouse, the solution lowers our transport costs and our total environmental impact. We are very satisfied with the results and the collaborative partnership with SSI SCHAEFER,” summarizes Ulf Axelsson, Managing Director at Coop Terminals.

• The certification confirms compliance with the highest international standards in information security.

SSI SCHAEFER, a global leader in providing solutions for all areas of intralogistics, has been successfully certified according to ISO/IEC 27001:2022. With this certification, the company confirms their compliance with the highest international standards in their Information Security Management System.

Within the SSI SCHAEFER Group, certification is being implemented gradually and currently covers selected entities that play a key role in software development and information security. The current group certification includes the parent company SSI Schäfer GmbH & Co. KG in Neunkirchen/Siegerland, Germany, as well as SSI Schäfer IT Solutions GmbH and SSI Schäfer Software Development GmbH in Friesach, Austria, along with Schaefer Systems International Inc. in Charlotte, USA, and Schaefer Systems International Ltd. in Brampton, Canada.

Through this certification, SSI SCHAEFER demonstrates that information, systems, and processes are comprehensively protected and that risks are systematically monitored. The standard also confirms the continuous enhancement of the company-wide Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with the requirements of state‑of‑the‑art security guidelines. The implemented ISMS forms part of the integrated management system, which, alongside ISO 27001, also includes ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001. In addition to ensuring greater transparency and clearly defined processes, SSI SCHAEFER also reinforces their commitment to complying with legal requirements such as the NIS2 Directive.

This achievement was made possible through intensive cross-divisional collaboration and full integration into the Group’s existing integrated management system. The ISO 27001 project team implemented the extensive requirements with a high level of expertise and attention to detail. Numerous employees also contributed to the positive outcome through interviews and documentation. Petra Schlör adds: “Such success is only possible through dedicated teamwork. Our special thanks go to the ISO 27001 project team, which has implemented the standard’s requirements over the past months with a high level of expertise, perseverance, and precision, as well as to all SSI SCHAEFER employees who have supported us throughout the process.”

The certification does not mark an end point, but instead represents part of an ongoing improvement process. SSI SCHAEFER will continue to expand their integrated management system and further optimize information security to meet the growing demands of the market.

SSI SCHAEFER, one of the world’s leading solution providers for all areas of intralogistics, and BD Rowa, the specialist for pharmaceutical logistics, have decided to continue their successful collaboration. The recently signed follow-up contract extends the partnership, which has been ongoing since 2015, by three years and includes a fixed option for continuation until 2030.

Together, SSI SCHAEFER and BD Rowa provide an advanced automation solution for the healthcare industry, serving pharmaceutical wholesalers, distributors, and warehouse service providers. Their integrated system combines BD Rowa’s Vmax dispensing robot - which automates receiving, warehouse management, and the picking of slow- and medium-moving pharmaceutical products - with SSI SCHAEFER’s scalable order buffer systems, ensuring high throughput and efficient order fulfillment. BD Rowa’s EasyLoad solution automates storage, enabling full traceability by automatically capturing batch numbers, product identification numbers of medical packaging, and expiration dates to optimize retrieval.

Designed for flexibility, the modular solution can be integrated step by step into all systems and seamlessly connected to SSI SCHAEFER’s WAMAS warehouse management system for centralized planning and control of all logistics operations.

“The fact that we can successfully deliver tailor-made customer solutions for the automation of pharmaceutical logistics has been proven in many joint customer projects. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and will focus on further developing the product and services for our customers in the future,” says Klaus Murko, Vice President of Healthcare & Cosmetics at SSI SCHAEFER.

Dr. Torben Schuettfort, Vice President and member of the management board of BD Rowa adds: “Our customers benefit from high process stability, low costs and low error rates. Moreover, they receive a comprehensive overview of all processes, which they can use to improve processes and fulfill their compliance regulations. The contract extension gives us the opportunity to further expand our joint offering and thus continue to strengthen our customer’s competitiveness in the future.”

BD Rowa and SSI SCHAEFER will continue their successful partnership over the next three years. - f.l.t.r. Patrick Vogl (SSI SCHAEFER), Mario Ulrich (BD Rowa), Dr. Torben Schuettfort (BD Rowa), Klaus Murko (SSI SCHAEFER), Florian Klug (SSI SCHAEFER), Philipp Kramer (BD Rowa), András Gász (SSI SCHAEFER)

• Strategic cooperation between intralogistics expert SSI SCHAEFER and palletized warehouse automation specialist Moffett Automation.

• Partnership combines SSI SCHAEFER’s global integration expertise with Moffett Automation’s high-density pallet storage systems and free-roaming shuttle technology.

• Integrated systems deliver maximum efficiency, flexibility and cost-effectiveness across a wide range of warehouse environments.

SSI SCHAEFER, a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics, and Moffett Automation, a provider of high-density pallet storage systems incorporating free-roaming shuttle technology, are joining forces to shape the future of warehouse automation. The partnership will make it easier for customers to deploy modern, scalable pallet shuttle systems that meet demanding performance and space requirements.

“Our companies share the same values. We are both family-owned, have decades of experience and a strong commitment to rethinking logistics,” says Mauro Lunardelli, Head of Business Unit Logistics Solutions at SSI SCHAEFER. “For both of us, customer focus and reliability are essential.”

“For Moffett Automation, this partnership is a strong fit with our mission to continuously innovate and deliver intelligent, space-efficient pallet storage systems that are practical to deploy in real-world warehouses,” adds Sam Moffett, Founder and Managing Director at Moffett Automation. “By combining our free-roaming shuttle technology and in-house software with SSI SCHAEFER’s WAMAS warehouse management system (WMS), global reach and system integration expertise, we are creating highly innovative solutions that give customers the confidence to automate - even in the most complex or space-constrained buildings.”

SSI SCHAEFER and Moffett Automation understand the challenges businesses face. Many companies not only need scalable solutions but must also deal with structural limitations such as low ceiling heights or complex warehouse layouts. These issues often delay the move toward automation. 

This is where intelligent free-roaming shuttles and integrated pallet storage systems come into play. The compact shuttles can move independently along aisles, cross-aisles and between levels, choosing the most efficient route through the system and delivering high performance even under deep-freeze conditions.

Partnership for next-level warehouse automation

The compact design and multidirectional movement allow the shuttles to use available space extremely efficiently and to remain cost-effective in warehouses with a broad range of throughput profiles. Highly developed control software enables short access times, high throughput and a smooth flow of goods. The system can be integrated into existing warehouse management systems, configured flexibly and expanded step by step. As a result, automation becomes feasible in places where it was previously seen as too complex or too expensive.

“The free roaming shuttle technology is a true game changer, especially at a time when flexibility and efficiency are crucial,” says Markus Schellinger, Head of Market Sector Production Logistics at SSI SCHAEFER. “By expanding our portfolio, we can offer even better scalability and support our customers in their growth. They also benefit from easy integration into existing WMS systems and AI-supported route planning.”

The first joint projects of SSI SCHAEFER and Moffett Automation are already being prepared. Both partners are convinced that this is only the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will have a lasting impact on warehouse logistics.

With the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle, SSI SCHAEFER offers a scalable free-roaming shuttle solution for the entry into warehouse automation.

• FastBots Solution enables highly dynamic material flows within a minimal footprint

• System architecture combining a fleet controller, mobile robots and transfer conveyors

• Efficient transport with hourly throughput in the five‑digit range, designed for fail‑safe 24/7 operation

In many highly automated warehouses, rigid conveying system loops are increasingly reaching their limits. They are difficult to adapt to new workflows, require a significant amount of space and often lack the flexibility to adjust to changes in the product range or strong fluctuations in order volumes. Companies therefore need transport solutions that can be expanded easily, reconfigured quickly and adapted to new requirements at any time. This is precisely where the FastBots Solution from SSI SCHAEFER, a leading global provider of intralogistics solutions, comes into play. Instead of fixed transport routes, it uses a flexible, intelligently controlled fleet of mobile robots that can be scaled dynamically and integrated into existing processes without major modifications. This enables a material flow that functions reliably – even when conditions change at short notice. 

The highly dynamic FastBots Solution consists of an intelligently orchestrated fleet of mobile robots that move a wide variety of load carriers weighing up to 50 kilograms safely and gently between any type of source and destination. The technology ensures a 24/7 material flow without a single point of failure. Even during maintenance activities or the downtime of individual robots, operations continue without interruption: The fleet controller dynamically adjusts routes to maintain resilient performance and maximum system availability. It also manages the battery‑charging tasks of the energy‑efficient vehicles, which are designed for low power consumption and short charging cycles.

“The fleet controller is the core of our FastBots Solution,” explains Elmar Issing, Senior Vice President Solutions Architecture & Innovations at SSI SCHAEFER. “Based on information from the material flow system (WAMAS MFS), it plans all transport movements and controls the motion of each individual vehicle with second‑level precision.” With continuous data communication, the fleet controller optimizes the routing of the FastBots in real time and ensures collision‑free operation. The time‑based routing approach enables throughput rates in the five‑digit range per hour. In addition, the fleet controller coordinates the handovers between vehicles and conveyor technology, ensuring a smooth and highly reliable material flow.

For the loading and unloading of load carriers, the FastBots Solution – nominated for the IFOY Award – uses dedicated transfer conveyors designed for high handling performance. The fast yet gentle transfer process ensures the safe handling of a broad range of items. This stable core process works reliably at a wide variety of transfer points, including manual work stations, automated stations (such as piece picking and case picking robots) and different types of automated small parts warehouses. Building on this flexibility, the system’s modular design and standardized interfaces allow seamless integration into existing intralogistics structures and can be expanded at any time with additional vehicles or process areas. As a result, a powerful overall system emerges that significantly improves internal material flows.

In addition, the FastBots Solution has undergone extensive validation and is designed for continuous operation. In a 1.5‑year stress test – comparable to more than five years of regular operation – the robots were used intensively. Each individual unit achieved a total travel distance in the high five‑digit kilometer range. The results confirm the system’s high robustness, reliability and longevity.

“The FastBots Solution demonstrates what modern intralogistics can look like: Fast and precise transfers in the smallest of spaces, intelligent routing, maximum availability and an energy‑efficient, scalable system design,” emphasizes Elmar Issing. “With its flexibility and standardized integration, it helps companies make their logistics processes future-proof and sustainable.”

• FastBots Solution nominated in the “Robot Warehouse System” category

• Jury recognizes the approach of a highly dynamic, scalable material flow solution

• Evaluation scheduled during the IFOY Test Camp in April 2026

SSI SCHAEFER, a global leading solutions provider for all areas of intralogistics, has been nominated for this year’s IFOY Award with its FastBots Solution. The independent expert jury recognizes a system solution that rethinks internal transport and replaces traditional, rigid conveyor technology with a dynamic, centrally controlled transport concept. A total of 49 candidates submitted entries for the award, from which the jury selected this year’s finalists.

The FastBots Solution is based on an intelligently networked fleet of mobile transport robots that are centrally controlled by a fleet controller. The solution enables continuous, high‑frequency transport between warehouse areas and workstations and is particularly suitable for applications with high throughput requirements and variable load profiles. In addition, the system supports the handling of a wide range of load carriers – including totes, cartons, and trays – in different sizes and weights through a universal vehicle design. Companies benefit from a scalable architecture that can be adapted at any time to changing warehouse layouts and performance requirements.

“With the FastBots Solution, we offer a highly dynamic and forward‑looking automation approach for modern intralogistics – moving away from rigid linking toward smart networking,” says Elmar Issing, Senior Vice President Solutions Architecture & Innovations at SSI SCHAEFER. “The nomination for the IFOY Award highlights the highly innovative technological foundation and its relevance for logistics applications with demanding process and performance requirements.”

The evaluation of the nominated systems will take place during the Test Camp Intralogistics, held from April 14–16, 2026, in Dortmund, Germany. The submitted solutions will be reviewed by an international jury of trade journalists and industry experts in extensive testing scenarios. The final award winners will be announced in June 2026.