Top performance despite a shortage of skilled workers: How FIEGE masters logistics challenges with AutoStore and SuPCIS-L8.

As in many areas, logistics costs have only been going in one direction for years, and that is steeply upwards. In return, however, the aim is to store and deliver ever faster, cheaper and more sustainably. The whole thing is topped off by staff shortages. Many logistics service providers are faced with this mountain of challenges. In order to keep pace with today's dynamics, rapid capacity expansions, continuous efficiency increases and flexible adjustments are an absolute necessity, and FIEGE is no exception.

The solution: expanding the warehouse with a state-of-the-art storage system that offers as much space as possible in a small area while reducing throughput times and costs. After several system comparisons, the AutoStore automated storage and picking system paired with intelligent, flexible and intuitive warehouse management software such as our SuPCIS-L8 came into question.

With this expansion step at the Apfelstädt site, FIEGE continues to guarantee its customers the greatest possible supply of goods and fast logistical processes. The AutoStore makes optimum use of the available space, can be expanded quickly as required and reduces manual picking work enormously. This relieves the strain on employees and reduces capacity bottlenecks.

When Element Logic was awarded the contract for the AutoStore system, we also came into play as a subsidiary with our warehouse management software. A new warehouse automation system alone was not enough for FIEGE to meet the challenges. Our sophisticated warehouse management software is optimally tailored to the needs of FIEGE and its customers and scores points with additional AutoStore features.

With the help of the AutoStore Connector - our interface to AutoStore - we create a seamless connection between AutoStore and our warehouse management software. Thanks to the direct connection, data is exchanged in real time. Further advantages: Employees at the port can operate AutoStore via a dialog in SuPCIS-L8 and do not have to switch to another system. And the warehouse control center has a comprehensive overview and full transparency of the entire warehouse. The AutoStore Connector is technologically designed in such a way that it runs through automatic tests when changes are made. This means that the component can be updated at any time and offers a very high level of security for new imports. This means that performance requirements such as those at FIEGE, with more than 270,000 containers, 28 ports and 160 robots, can be met very well. FIEGE could even connect additional AutoStore systems.

"We received excellent support and were able to successfully implement our project within the time frame. S&P implemented all our wishes, even during the test and introduction phase. AutoStore and SuPCIS-L8 work hand in hand and enable us to react flexibly to market changes," says Frank Maron, Senior Logistics Consultant at FIEGE.

FIEGE had diverse and demanding requirements for the warehouse management software, all of which we were able to fulfill. From strategic reservation for different order types, central workstation control in the control station to the reorganization of container management. An EAN scan for counting at the port is also possible for greater security in the picking process and optimum returns handling of mixed containers.

The multi-client capability allows FIEGE to add new customers in the future and manage their different warehouse processes. The user-specific configuration provides a personalized user experience, while the proven scalability ensures that the solution can keep pace with FIEGE's growing needs. We can quickly and easily add new functionality via configurations in SuPCIS-L8. The warehouse management software also makes merging the consolidation and order process effortless.

Stock levels must be managed effectively to ensure optimal processes. With SuPCIS-L8, FIEGE can implement a wide range of intelligent warehouse strategies based on your specific requirements. From the FIFO strategy (First In First Out) to the LIFO strategy (Last In First Out), SuPCIS-L8 offers a wide range of options. Among other things, we use batch planning for this.

EAN scanning for counting at the port: safety meets efficiency
EAN scanning for counting at the port offers an additional level of safety and accuracy in the picking process. In concrete terms, this means that the person at the port is shown the quantity to be removed from the container on the display. The removal quantity can also be checked using an EAN-San. There are various ways of mapping such picking processes in the warehouse management software. For example, we can specify that an EAN scan is no longer required above a certain quantity and that confirmation of the quantity is sufficient. By scanning EAN codes, errors can be minimized and efficiency maximized.

The reorganization of container management was another requirement for which we had two solutions ready. There is the option of compacting or separating containers in order to optimize stock levels and streamline processes. In SuPCIS-L8, we can map two processes, namely combining goods from several containers into one container (compacting) or dividing goods from one container into several containers (separating).

‍Animportant point for FIEGE was the central workplace control in the control station
The AutoStore is normally self-organizing and is controlled decentrally. The person at the port decides which orders to process first. This may make sense for small and most medium-sized systems, but it makes less sense for very large systems such as FIEGE. With the central workstation control as a dialog specifically for AutoStore systems, the control station can determine what is done at the individual ports. The feature is designed in such a way that the self-organizing principle applies as long as no restrictions are configured. Nevertheless, the warehouse control center always has control over how much intervention is required.

Conclusion and other benefits for FIEGE
The project had some challenges, but thanks to the close cooperation and commitment of our team, we were able to find solutions quickly and ensure that the project was completed on time and successfully. The scalability of SuPCIS-L8 allows FIEGE to seamlessly integrate additional locations or even manual warehouse areas while optimizing their processes. In addition, SuPCIS-L8's intuitive user interface makes picking at the ports easier for employees. We have created a basis for efficient, flexible and future-proof logistics that not only meets today's requirements, but also creates room for future growth at FIEGE.

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The detailed story about the FIEGE automation project with Element Logic: Read now!

If you want to see what it looks like in practice at FIEGE, click here: Watch the movie!