Greenfield Distribution Center of a Leading Global Hardware Manufacturer

Logistics Planning

Automated Logistics Site for Europe-wide Customer Delivery

The customer is a global company that develops, produces and sells fasteners and assembly systems. In addition to standard articles according to various standards (e.g. DIN/ISO), customized solutions are also offered. With a company history of over 140 years and a current product range of approx. 200,000 SKUs in stock, the company has been able to position itself strongly in the market and is now one of the leading players in the global market. The main industry focus is on the sectors of automotive, aviation and mechanical engineering.

In order to optimize and expand its logistics, the customer has built a new distribution center for Europe-wide customer deliveries and was supported by Metroplan throughout all project phases, from conception to final acceptance.

As part of the logistics conceptualization, the current processes, functions and material flows have been identified and analyzed. Based on this, the target requirements in terms of capacity, functions, services and material flow were determined and defined using the proven Metroplan tools. Subsequently, both the subsystems and the concept for pallet/small parts storage and for the functional areas (incoming goods, picking, outgoing goods) were planned. The resulting concept alternatives were then evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. These results have been presented to the customer as a business case.

The tender and awarding process included, beneath the detailing of the concept, the execution of the material flow technology tender as well as rewarding of the technology suppliers. 

During the subsequent implementation, the general contractor's execution planning for logistics and IT systems was supported. At the end of commissioning, Metroplan tested the functions, performance and availability of the installed logistics and IT systems using the Metroplan test and acceptance procedure. As part of this process, Metroplan also accompanied the start-up and ramp-up phase in live operation, including the final acceptance.