WITRON Automates Omni-Channel Logistics Processes At Hoogvliet

Published on Oct 5 2017 12:30 PM in Supply Chain tagged: Trending Posts / Logistics / WITRON / Hoogvliet

Introducing an exciting project for WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH: a state-of-the-art, automated distribution centre in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, which will supply all distribution channels of the Dutch food retailer Hoogvliet.

The distribution centre will commence operations in 2020 and will also host the Hoogvliet service centre.

The facility is around 72,000 square meters (700,000 square feet) in size, and will supply about 100 Hoogvliet stores in the Netherlands with products from its dry goods assortment, as well as fresh food, fruits and vegetables, meat, and frozen food.

It will also store and pick in different temperature zones (-26 degrees C, +4 degrees C, +7 degrees C, +12 degrees C, +18 degrees C / -15, 39, 46, 54, 64 Fahrenheit). In addition to the returns handling and the cross-docking processes, Hoogvliet also integrated the bakery and butcher shop production areas into the overall material flow, with both now located in the same building.

Proven WITRON Solutions

At this location, Hoogvliet relies on proven WITRON systems. The Order Picking Machinery (OPM), with 13 Case Order Machines (COMs) for the fully automated picking of cases onto roll containers, will be used in the dry goods and fresh product environment, and the Car Picking System (CPS), a semi-automated picking system, will be used for the route-optimised picking of cases.

An automated small parts warehouse is located in front of the OPM. So-called ‘hazardous goods’, such as aerosol cans, are picked in the CPS within a separate area.

The Dynamic Picking System (DPS) is used for the highly dynamic and semi-automatic picking of small parts in the dry goods assortment. The six-aisle high bay warehouse for dry and fresh goods provides locations for the replenishment of the picking areas.

WITRON will install manual order picking systems for frozen goods, fruits, and vegetables, as well as meat products. After the picking and consolidation process in the various picking areas, the goods are automatically provided for dispatch by means of transfer cars and gravity conveyors.

The overall system is designed to handle the associated picks on peak days. Modular expansions are provided for future growth.

Full Service

As a general contractor, WITRON is responsible for the entire design and realisation of all IT, control engineering, and mechanical components.

In addition, the logistics expert from Parkstein is also responsible for the system service and maintenance, providing service and technical support by means of an OnSite team. This also includes a temporary support phase for system operation and production management after system ramp-up.

Hoogvliet B.V. is a supermarket chain with state-of-the-art stores located in the South and North Holland provinces of the Netherlands, Utrecht, and Gelderland. It employs more than 6,500 staff members.