Capacity Increase Through Two Highly Automated Greenfield Logistics Centers

Logistics Planning

Expansion of the Europe-wide logistics network through the construction of new logistics centers in Eastern Europe

The customer is a shopping club operating in Europe in the off-price segment and offers a campaign-related sales channel for high-quality labels in the segment of fashion and home accessories. Due to the increasing demand in (fashion) eCommerce, the customer decided to build two logistics centers in Eastern Europe with the support of Metroplan. 

Both logistics centers are designed for the B2C eCommerce business and have been supported by Metroplan from conception to implementation. Due to the similar requirements and the standardized Metroplan project approach, the services of both logistics centers up to implementation are described in the following:

At the beginning of both projects, the processes, functions and material flow requirements were recorded and analyzed. Furthermore, the target requirements for capacities, functions, performance, and material flow were determined and defined. After evaluating various technical and operational alternatives, a multi-storey shelving system and a narrow-aisle warehouse were designed and dimensioned for storage. Alternative storage, picking, sorting and distribution systems were designed, planned and then evaluated for order processing. The results of the logistics planning of the LCs were put out to tender on the market in a Guided-Engineering process and finally awarded to the selected suppliers. In the course of the implementation, Metroplan supported the execution planning of the intralogistics systems, including interface management and coordination, as well as the installation and commissioning phase. In addition, Metroplan was responsible for test management and the implementation of the multi-stage test procedure. 

During the ramp-up phase of LC1, Metroplan supported the ramp-up as well as the process implementation on the store floor and the subsequent final acceptance. Furthermore, Metroplan supported the subsequent expansion of processing to the full expansion stage, particularly for the sorting systems.