Herbstsitzung 2022 AK Logistik in Bad Waldsee - Thema: Retrofit - Fortna

"AK Logistik" Autumn Seminar 2022 – Main Topic: Retrofit

For the first time since the start of the Corona pandemic the German E-Commerce and Mail Order Association (bevh) will be hosting the "Arbeitskreis Logistik".

With presentations and discussions focussing RETROFIT the kick-off event will take place on October 13-14, 2022, starting at Fortna | Pierau’s logistics showroom in Bad Waldsee. The highlight will be a tour of the logistics operations at the headquarters of Versandhaus Walz GmbHon October 13, 2022.

 

    Retrofit – enhanced performance through investment in tried and tested technology

    E-commerce, with its ever increasing pace, fluctuating order structures and high customer expectation can quickly end up with out-of-date logistics that no longer meet current requirements. Over time, many small obstacles appear that hamper performance, meaning it is time for an upgrade. The question is: how to benefit from new technologies and optimized processes without disrupting ongoing operations?

    In logistics circles they say that a retrofit project is akin to open-heart surgery during a marathon! Systems need to stay up and running while technology and processes are upgraded and often these modifications can only be implemented in short phases, at night or between shifts. Once started there is no going back - at least not without a Herculean effort. Retrofits are challenging at the best of times but especially given the rapid evolution of technology. There is a lot at stake in changing installations and systems that are already at or near their capacity limits. Yet, with sound organization and reliable project management, the use of existing installations and systems can be ensured for several years to come.

     

    Would you like to learn more about our RetrofitProgram? Contact us.

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      Fortna | Pierau's best practice example of cooperation with Walz Versandhaus GmbH shows that it pays to invest in proven technology.

      Walz Versandhaus GmbH: Extensive Warehouse and Logistics Operations Retrofit

      Founded in 1952 and based in Bad Waldsee, Versandhaus Walz GmbH has been highly successful in both the B2C and B2B sectors for many years throughout Europe. Fortna | Pierau is currently assisting the company on the development and gradual implementation of a comprehensive retrofit project. Individual modernization steps include the shipping transport system, replenishment and returns system, incoming goods with a high-bay warehouse and an automated small parts warehouse. Following renewal of the shipping transport system and replenishment systems in 2021, the retrofit of the returns processing system began in 2022 with the project scheduled for completion in early 2023.

      Both companies have a longstanding business relationship, which began in the 1990s. In 1995, a highly automated logistics system was developed, which has been running very productively, with consistent optimizations, since 2004. Faced with the discontinuation of products and support of technical system components and the deregistration of particular software components for the WES / PLC systems, Versandhaus Walz GmbH decided to continue using the existing logistics system in the long term and to upgrade it with new technology in 2020.

      Fortna | Pierau's team developed a concept design for a comprehensive retrofit project to ensure trouble-free future processing. On the basis of an upstream weak-point analysis of the technical systems together with a parallel performance check of all systems in terms of productivity and throughput, the retrofit has been implemented in stages and during ongoing operations.

      Project completion is planned for 2023. By then, thanks to the successful retrofit, Versandhaus Walz GmbH will have a modern, high-performance system that delivers the required performance to meet all their current and, especially, future e-commerce needs.

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