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  • Offer Profile
  • Vanderlande is dedicated to improving its customers’ business processes and competitive position by providing automated material handling systems and services.

    Focus is to improve our customers’ logistics processes and increase their logistics performance today, tomorrow and throughout the entire life cycle.

    Our systems and associated services enable fast, reliable, labour-saving goods handling in distribution centres and parcel and postal sortation facilities, as well as for baggage handling at airports.
Product Portfolio
  • Warehouse Automation

  • Reliable partner for value-added logistic process automation

    General merchandise, fashion and food retail companies face a number of challenges. They need to be flexible in handling the levels of orders and SKUs, fulfil online orders and store deliveries, and cope with a lack of available workforce.

    Such companies need to continuously improve their supply chains and invest in innovative technologies. In such a dynamic environment, you need a reliable partner that can deliver value-added logistic process automation.

    Vanderlande understands the complexities associated with operating a successful warehouse operation and can help you to exceed your customers’ expectations and improve your competitive position.

      • The next generation of scalable solutions

      • In order for Vanderlande to meet any warehouse’s demands in full, it has defined the next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions. They will allow these challenges to be met through an integrated portfolio of innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

          • FASTPICK - High operator efficiency and easily scalable for unpredictable growth requirements

          • High operator efficiency and easily scalable for unpredictable growth requirements

            The e-commerce revolution offers huge growth potential. However, this also means that your warehouse can reach its limits much sooner than expected. E-commerce and omni-channel warehouses face increasing pressure to tackle rising operational costs. These arise from increasing customer requirements, such as the demand for fast order delivery. In addition, increasing storage requirements, expanding SKU ranges (stock keeping units) and dealing with variable order sizes can be serious challenges, as well as a lack of available workforce.

            To keep up with an exponentially growing market, scalable solutions are vital. As part of our next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions – Vanderlande offers FASTPICK, which seamlessly integrates innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

            FASTPICK is a goods-to-person order fulfilment system that uses the advanced ADAPTO shuttles for product storage and retrieval for day-to-day operations. To handle short-term peaks in a cost-efficient way, highly efficient trolley picking is used to complement the goods-to-person system.

            It offers:

            • high operator efficiency
            • easy scalability to cope with short-term peaks and long-term growth
            • high storage density
            • rapid order fulfilment.
          • AIRPICK - Efficient picking and smart returns handling

          • Efficient picking and smart returns handling

            E-commerce and omni-channel warehouses and distribution centres (DCs) are challenged to fulfil thousands of orders with ever-increasing service level requirements. However, it is difficult to accommodate time-critical processes in a DC that may not be optimised to meet these requirements. Unpredictable demand and seasonal trends call for flexibility. Warehouses and DCs have to cope with the changing – and increasing – variety of stored products and order volumes. They also need to efficiently handle the expanding number of returns.

            As part of our next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions – Vanderlande offers AIRPICK, which seamlessly integrates innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services. This solution combines efficient picking with flawless automated sortation to individual orders in our pocket sorter, AIRTRAX Pocket. AIRPICK can sort an extremely wide range of products at a low investment level.

            AIRPICK offers:

            • efficient picking
            • smart handling of returned goods
            • easy processing of varying order lead-times
            • flexibility in product handling.
          • STOREPICK - Store-friendly deliveries and a redundant design

          • Store-friendly deliveries and a redundant design

            In today’s food retail market, many companies are challenged by a lack of available workforce at their distribution centres. This means that the automation of core warehouse processes is crucial to ensure ongoing success.

            In addition, the growing number of multiple store formats is making store-friendly deliveries increasingly important. This includes both full case – and single item – deliveries. The expanding number of SKUs (stock keeping units) also has an impact on effective space use.

            To keep up with an exponentially growing market, scalable solutions are vital. As part of our next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions – Vanderlande offers STOREPICK, which seamlessly integrates innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

            STOREPICK is a robotised, end-to-end automated case picking (ACP) warehouse solution that allows you to optimise the processes of your entire value chain. It effectively handles both incoming and outgoing goods, and guarantees store-friendly deliveries across multiple store formats.

            STOREPICK is ideal for retailers that use ambient, fresh and chilled warehouse processes, and offers:

            • store-friendly deliveries
            • the efficient transport of products
            • a redundant design.
          • HOMEPICK - Efficient picking and smart returns handling

          • Fast and efficient online grocery fulfilment

            Today’s food e-commerce market is changing rapidly. The demand for online groceries has soared and consumer expectations are higher than ever. At the same time, many distribution centre (DC) processes are too heavily dependent on labour.

            The automation of order fulfilment therefore becomes inevitable in order to offer consumers a wide assortment of high-quality and fresh products, rapid deliveries, as well as maximum convenience and service at competitive prices.

            To keep up with an exponentially growing market, scalable solutions are vital. As part of our next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions – Vanderlande offers HOMEPICK, which seamlessly integrates innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

            HOMEPICK facilitates the fast and efficient fulfilment of online grocery orders. It is the ideal solution for food retailers that want to realise economies of scale through centralised fulfilment centres (CFCs) and offers:

            • high picking efficiency and shorter lead times
            • higher accuracy
            • easy scalability
            • a cohesive and ergonomic system design.
        • Innovative systems

        • Vanderlande can meet any warehouse’s demands in full. Through its in-depth understanding of business processes in warehousing and distribution, the company provides competitive solutions that help its customers improve delivery performance and meet changing market demands.

          Its extensive portfolio for warehouses and distribution centres extends across the entire range of processes, and offers a wide range of benefits. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and robotics are key innovations in logistic processes, and Vanderlande’s ADAPTO solution makes optimal use of floor space, as well as increasing storage density. Smart Item Robotics (SIR) can also be added for efficient and careful picking and packing.

          In addition, automated order-picking systems can improve accuracy up to 99.99%. Depending on individual requirements, Vanderlande offers various scalable solutions (evolutions) such as STOREPICK, FASTPICK and AIRPICK. The company also provides line and loop sorters to improve productivity, throughput and delivery accuracy.

            • Goods receiving

            • Goods receiving is the basis for all other warehouse activities. It is important to receive products correctly in order to handle them appropriately for put-away, storage, order picking or shipping. After unloading, Vanderlande’s VISION warehouse management system drives the identification, checking and registration of products. The functionality includes handling of returns, unexpected goods and repacking. Goods are directed to storage, order picking or directly for shipping through a cross-docking process.

              Depending on product velocity and specific characteristics, goods can be stored either on pallets or trays, and in cartons or totes. They can be automatically directed for storage or order picking, minimising manual handling and providing speed and efficiency in replenishment and supply.

              A number of companies, including La Halle – Vivarte, Onninen and Argos have already trusted Vanderlande to deliver automated goods receiving solutions.

                  • Goods receiving: Telescopic belt conveyors

                  • With increasing offshore sourcing, more goods are being received in containers. Loose-loaded parcels can be unloaded using Vanderlande-Dinamic telescopic belt conveyors. These systems can also be used for faster unloading of trucks.

                    In addition to faster and more efficient loading and unloading, the telescopic belt conveyor vastly improves ergonomic working conditions for operators. The extendable variation minimises the need for operators to carry products manually and places drop-off points at their side on demand by a simple joystick movement.

                    Vanderlande has implemented telescopic belt conveyors (extendables) at Argos, Casaventa, NG2 and VF Europe.

              • Storage (AS/RS)

              • Warehouse operations are coming under increasing pressure due to labour scarcity, expensive floor space and higher customer demands for delivery response times and accuracy.

                Vanderlande recognises the important role played by automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) in meeting the tough demands of any logistics operation. The company’s solutions help to maximise efficiency and productivity in distribution centres and make optimal use of floor space.

                Vanderlande’s range of AS/RS includes ADAPTO and QUICKSTORE HDS that integrate seamlessly into existing operations. These systems can handle different types of products, such as totes, trays and cartons. The company’s experience in logistics and material handling is also an invaluable resource when deciding on the most appropriate solution for individual requirements.

                The company’s range of AS/RS solutions have already been implemented in a wide range of industries for more than 400 well-known companies, including URBN, ASDA and Zalando.

                What’s an ASRS system exactly? An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS or AS/RS) consists a variety of systems which are computer-controlled for automatically placing and retrieving loads from several locations with storage. Usually they are used in applications where:

                • storages including a high volume of loads going in and out;
                • the capacity isn’t enough because of space constraints;
                • they only store and transport products, no processing is necessary;
                • precision is important because of the high value of the loadry.

                ASRS systems are designed to automatically store and retrieve items and parts for distribution, manufacturing, retail, wholesale and institutions.

                  • Storage AS/RS: ADAPTO

                  • ADAPTO is a unique 3D, shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) with built-in sorting and sequencing capabilities. It offers unrivalled flexibility and helps you to adapt to changing market dynamics.

                    Future-proof

                    Through multidirectional movement and sequencing, ADAPTO delivers goods in the appropriate order to the correct picking station. Therefore, the order fulfilment is fast and accurate. This facilitates same-day deliveries, which is ideal for the e-commerce market.

                    ADAPTO requires a limited initial investment. As and when a DC needs to change in the future, its adaptive and scalable configuration makes it possible to expand on a ‘step-by-step’ basis. Additional aisles can be added while the system is operational. If order volumes grow, more shuttles can be deployed to cope with extra demand.

                    In addition, storage capacity and throughput can be scaled independently, which helps you to keep any future investments in line with your individual requirements. The modular design makes optimal use of all existing space within your DC, regardless of shape or size.

                    Benefits

                    • Lean infrastructure: built-in sorting and sequencing with multidirectional shuttles, and no requirement for additional equipment to create redundancy.
                    • Flexibility: throughput and storage are independently scalable, and ADAPTO facilitates modular applications.
                    • Maximum availability: no single point of failure and shuttles can be maintained offline.
                  • Storage AS/RS: QUICKSTORE HDS shuttle system

                  • The QUICKSTORE HDS shuttle system is ideal for storing cartons, totes, trays and  tyres. It provides optimum access to stored goods for a wide range of applications.

                    This system can achieve extremely high throughput rates, and is especially suitable for the highest capacity goods-to-man order picking and consolidation processes. This is due to its ability to access all goods quickly and deliver them when required,  which also helps to improve operator efficiency.

                    The shuttle system is a cost-effective solution for short-term storage of order totes. Store-friendly delivery is facilitated by the automatic presentation of  totes/cartons in the required sequence for stacking on pallets or roll cages. The result is fast, efficient order consolidation with minimum manual labour requirements.

                    The QUICKSTORE HDS has been implemented in a wide range of industries, such as  parts and components,  food retail and e-commerce.  A number of companies have already installed this particular system, including  Zalando, Edeka, Onninen and Tesco.  

                • Picking

                • Order picking – also known as order fulfilment – is the process of retrieving products from storage in order to meet a specific customer demand. Processing orders rapidly and accurately has a direct impact on customer satisfaction.
                  Selecting the best order-picking solution depends on the requirements of inpidual operations and products. Vanderlande’s experience and expertise in designing and implementing these systems takes into consideration such criteria as volume and item velocity.

                  These integrated order-picking systems ensure each product is picked via the most suitable method. Attention will also be given to whether they will handle inpidual items, full cases or pallets. Vanderlande has already supplied these systems to companies such as Amazon, Arrow Electronics and Nike.

                  Automated order-picking systems can:
                  • increase productivity by up to 1,000 lines per man hour
                  • improve picking accuracy by up to 99.99%
                  • help to deliver higher customer service levels
                  • optimise space utilisation by up to 40% (compared to conventional warehouses).
                    • Automated tote picking

                    • Automated tote picking can significantly lower operational costs and improve store-friendly delivery. Totes are not stored in traditional racking, but in automated storage and retrieval systems. Totes are transported automatically to a palletising system and arranged in order to fulfill store requirements.

                      Picking takes place with virtually no manual labour. This type of solution is especially beneficial for fresh food in a retail environment, such as meat, poultry, deli, fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Examples have already been installed at Micarna, Edeka and Hilton Meat.     

                    • Smart Item Robotics

                    • In the e-commerce market, omni-channel warehousing companies are continually looking for ways to run their operations more efficiently. They must maintain the highest level of service, meet growing consumer expectations, as well as cope with an increased order frequency, a growing number of smaller orders, and factor in the challenges associated with labour scarcity.

                      Vanderlande has developed smart item robotics (SIR) to help you deal with these challenges. It can handle dynamic product ranges without SKU teaching. Intelligent stacking enables the efficient positioning of goods, while products are handled smoothly and securely. SIR can also be deployed in a flexible way by allowing for operator intervention as required.

                      SIR has two applications. With bin-to-bin item picking, the robot picks single products from a source bin. The dimensions of each are measured while the robot is in motion and it gently stacks these into the required order carton or bin. In bin-to-belt item picking, the robot picks single items from a source bin, again taking the dimensions of the product into account, before placing it on a belt. This can then feed a pocket sorter, packing machine or other type of sorter. With SIR, Vanderlande offers the next step in flexible warehouse automation.

                    • Goods-to-Picker workstation

                    • The Goods-to-Picker facilitates a high order-picking performance and reduces errors to almost zero. It has been designed to keep the picking process simple.

                      Vanderlande’s multipurpose Goods-to-Picker workstations offer a range of ergonomic and future-proof functionalities. The modular setup supports different business and order profiles, and the solution can be customised to meet individual needs.

                      The Goods-to-Picker facilitates a high order-picking performance and reduces errors to almost zero. It has been designed to keep the picking process simple and integrate seamlessly with Vanderlande’s order fulfillment solutions, such as the shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) ADAPTO.

                      Picking can be done directly into transport and storage units (TSUs), such as cartons, totes, envelopes or Jiffy bags. Orders can then be sent directly to an automatic carton closer or packing area for other value-added services (VAS) to be included.

                  • Sortation

                  • Automated sortation systems can improve productivity, throughput and delivery accuracy. They can be beneficial in several parts of the supply chain:
                    • efficient unloading of inbound containers
                    • fast distribution to retail outlets through cross-docking
                    • cost-effective order picking
                    • fast and accurate shipping sortation.

                    Vanderlande offers a range of sortation systems tailored to inpidual business processes, products, required throughput, and the volume and nature of sort destinations.These systems consist of both line sorters (sliding shoe sorters, pusher sorters and pop-up sorters) and loop sorters (cross-belt sorters and tilt-tray sorters). Vanderlande has implemented automated sortation systems at many well-known companies such as Amazon, Urban Outfitters and Edeka.

                      • Sortation: AIRTRAX Pocket

                      • Pocket

                        AIRTRAX Pocket is an order fulfilment system suitable for ecommerce, omni-channel and retail warehouses, and distribution centres (DCs).

                        Capable of smart handling, it is part of the AIRTRAX family – an innovative and reliable family of products for transporting, sorting, sequencing and storing hanging goods.

                        AIRTRAX Pocket offers the following benefits:

                        • unique sequencing technology makes it flexible – it can handle changing order profiles easily, whether it is fashion, jewellery or multimedia, among others.
                        • it allows you to have optimal control over your item flow, which results in efficient picking, personalisation, packing and other value-added services
                        • returns handling has never been so efficient. Returned items are handled directly and made automatically available for new customers.

                        “I have been impressed by Vanderlande’s attention to detail on the AIRTRAX Pocket. It has combined the best elements from different types of technology into the solution.”
                        Zalando’s Director of Logistics Development, Carl-Friedrich zu Knyphausen

                        Founded in 2008, Zalando SE has become Europe’s leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle products.
                        The Nordic countries are among its fastest-growing markets and further expansion in the region is a primary goal.
                        To ensure that it could overcome its challenges, Zalando selected Vanderlande’s AIRTRAX Pocket to act as the heart of the new facility.

                        By doing so, Zalando now benefits from improved productivity, enhanced ergonomic conditions, and has the ideal platform for further regional expansion.

                      • Sortation: XDOCK

                      • XDOCK is a cross-dock solution that facilitates the automation of stockless operations. While direct trans-shipment of products to stores on an on-demand basis reduces delivery times, XDOCK also improves the quality and completeness of orders, leads to enhanced tracking and tracing, and guarantees more accurate deliveries. This results in an increased service level to stores and consumers.

                        XDOCK is Vanderlande’s cross-dock solution and facilitates the automation of stockless operations. It combines ergonomically designed infeed stations with the Vanderlande POSISORTER, a high-capacity sliding shoe sorter and VISION software.

                        XDOCK can handle a wide range of case types and is known for its high availability and reliable operation. Through the direct trans-shipment of products to stores on an on-demand basis, it can reduce delivery times.

                        XDOCK is the perfect first step in moving from manual to automated logistic processes. In addition, it is a future-proof solution and can be easily scaled up to support a growing operation. XDOCK provides a wide range of benefits, including:

                        • less dependency on labour
                        • reliable delivery times to stores
                        • more accurate deliveries
                        • enhanced tracking and tracing.

                        Rapid return on investment

                        XDOCK offers a rapid ROI from a relatively low capital investment, and is a solution that has proven itself at more than 35 sites worldwide. With vast experience and expertise, Vanderlande is ideally positioned to help food retailers make a first step in moving from manual to automated logistic processes.

                         

                      • Sortation: TRAYSORTER

                      • The TRAYSORTER is a highly flexible flat sorter, also known as a Bombay sorter. It is suitable for handling a wide range of products, from clothing, accessories and small parcels, to shoe boxes and multimedia items. The adaptability of the interchangeable tray types meets various sorting needs.

                        The modular design means the TRAYSORTER is fully scalable and the configuration can be adapted to inpidual requirements. It can also be adjusted to fit into existing warehouse architecture.

                        Cost effective
                        With a low initial investment, the TRAYSORTER is an affordable and innovative sorter that helps to boost a facility’s overall performance. The optimum design of the modules results in the smallest footprint concept per sorted item and a favourable ROI.

                        Two tray types are available:

                        • the drop-tray sorts clothing, small parcels and products in packages of up to 6kg
                        • the double-drop tray sorts similar items, and can handle larger sizes and weights
                      • Sortation: POSISORTER

                      • The POSISORTER is a sliding shoe sorter that combines advanced conveyance technology and careful product handling. The POSISORTER provides the positive, high-capacity sortation of a wide range of products and can handle over 10,000 cartons per hour.

                        Shoes slide across the carriers and push the products gently into the output spurs in a diagonal movement. The system is available for either single- or dual-sided sortation, and is suitable for handling totes, trays, cartons and sacks. It is used especially in batch-picking processes and cross-docking systems, and as a shipping sorter.

                        Vanderlande has implemented POSISORTERs at many well-known companies, such as Argos, Edeka and Staples.

                      • Sortation: CROSSORTER

                      • The CROSSORTER is a cross-belt sorter suitable for a wide range of product carriers, such as media, envelopes, sacks, cartons, trays and totes. It can also sort loose items, including clothes and accessories.

                        It is used mainly in batch-picking processes and cross-docking systems, and as a shipping sorter. It has capacity for up to 18,000 carriers per hour. Vanderlande has a range of CROSSORTERs, which include the 700, 1200 and 1500 versions.

                        The company is committed to ensuring materials are used in a way that ensures their return into technical or biological cycles. The CROSSORTER is built using sustainable materials, consisting of technological or biological materials that are safe and healthy for both humans and the environment.

                        The company has implemented cross-belt sorters at many well-known companies, including Urban Outfitters, Marie Claire and GAME Stores.

                        The following results have been achieved with the CROSSORTER:

                        • 99% of all materials used are easy to dismantle and recycle
                        • 90% of the materials used are environmentally friendly
                        • 80% more energy efficiency than conventional cross-belt sorters.
                      • Sortation: AIRTRAX

                      • The modular hanging family for retail, omni-channel and e-commerce

                        AIRTRAX is an innovative and reliable family of products for transporting, sorting, sequencing and storing hanging goods. It delivers unrivalled benefits throughout any hanging goods handling operation.

                        The AIRTRAX family is designed to move significant volumes of goods efficiently is effective for high-frequency environments. It includes Pocket, Hanger and Transporter.

                        Pocket

                        AIRTRAX Pocket offers an order execution system adapted to the intralogistics dynamics of electronic and / or omni-channel commerce. It can easily handle changes in order profiles using unique sequencing technology.

                        The Pocket system is extremely flexible with rapidly changing product catalogs. Processing returns of goods has never been more efficient, as returned items are processed directly and automatically released to other customers.

                        Hanger

                        AIRTRAX Hanger is specifically developed for the fashion retail and fashion e-commerce channels. It transports, sorts and stores large volumes of hanging garments across large distances. The Hanger system is a complete product portfolio for automated handling of single hanging items. This allows for an optimal design in your hanging garment transport and sorting system.

                        Transporter

                        AIRTRAX Transporter is designed for efficient and user-friendly transportation of empty cartons. Whether removing empty cartons from your storage area or supplying them to packing tables, the transport system is flexible and cost-efficient.

                        The benefits of AIRTRAX include:

                        • Modular: The highly modular design of the AIRTRAX system makes it easy to extend, allowing your order fulfilment system to grow alongside your business.
                        • Flexible: AIRTRAX makes the most of existing warehouse space and enables full 3D layouts. It also facilitates left and right sortation exits and offers the shortest curve radius on the market.
                        • Convenient: AIRTRAX is the very first 100% friction-driven concept on the market and runs without the interruptions associated with traditional chains and with fewer controls required. Moreover, there is no need to oil or grease the chain, offering a high level of goods presentation.
                        • Highest capacity: AIRTRAX delivers high throughput rates and rapid sortation.
                    • Shipping and consolidation

                    • Automated order consolidation and shipping can significantly enhance the efficiency and speed of an outbound operation. It can also enhance store-friendly delivery and reduce transport costs by optimising the loading of dollies, pallets and roll cages.

                      Order consolidation
                      Material flows from different (order picking) areas come together in an automated storage and retrieval system. Vanderlande’s shuttle systems (MICROSHUTTLE, ADAPTO and HDS) are cost-effective solutions for the short-term storage of order totes and cartons. Due to its high capacity, QUICKSTORE HDS is most suitable for this purpose.

                      Within a short time period, flows can be sorted and grouped per order, delivery unit or shipment, and then dispatched in the precise sequence required. The result is fast, efficient order consolidation and store-friendly delivery with minimum manual labour requirements.

                      Automated shipping sortation
                      By implementing automated shipping sortation systems, goods can automatically be directed to a lane associated with a retail outlet, delivery route or provider, and geographical area. This significantly increases efficiency, improves accuracy and reduces the costs per carton, or tote, handled.

                      Vanderlande has installed automated shipping sortation systems at many companies, including, Casaventa, Nike, Staples, Colombini and Herma.

                        • PACK@EASE

                        • Several activities come together in the packing process, such as weighing, void filling, carton closing and labelling. Requirements for packing workstations are increasing to improve efficiency and quality, while ensuring that the workstation meets the latest ergonomic standards.

                          The PACK@EASE high-performance packing workstation increases sustainable productivity and packing accuracy, and reduces product damage. It also creates an ergonomically sound working environment for operators that both decreases the risk of injury and improves employee motivation.

                          PACK@EASE workstations have been designed on the same ergonomic basis as the PICK@EASE range in cooperation with the Dutch research institute TNO.

                          This solution has been installed for a number of companies, such as Oninnen, Theo Förch and Arcadia.

                          The main benefits of PACK@EASE are:

                          • broad range of functional features and future proof services
                          • operator learning curves of only 60 minutes
                          • optimal ergonomics based on horizontal packing (one level), and limited vertical movements
                          • optimum productivity levels achieved through fatigue-free working
                          • high accuracy realised through supporting displays and a touchscreen.
                        • Robotics

                        • Vanderlande’s customers demand greater flexibility and a higher level of logistics automation. Robotics is becoming increasingly important in this area, for example, when (de)palletising products. This can help to improve and optimise efficiency, profitability, operational availability and ergonomics. There is a large scope for potential robotic applications – especially in warehouse automation – and this is set to become increasingly prominent.

                          Today’s e-commerce distribution centres (DC) need to pick a large variety of items, which results in increasingly complex operations. Alongside this, the scarcity of manual labour further increases the pressure on DC performance. Smart Item Robotics (SIR) – also known as collaborative robotics or cobots – is an effective and risk-free way to gradually introduce robotic technology into a DC while retaining high levels of scalability and flexibility.

                          Vanderlande Robotics is overseeing a number of projects to develop workable robotic technology in anticipation of customer demand. It has a minority share in robotics development company Smart Robotics, which develops, sells and rents modular collaborative robots that can be configured for specific tasks such as order picking and placing, (de)palletising, and bagging where human operators are involved.

                          In the near future, robotic technology will be developed for other market segments, such as airports and parcel. In the warehousing sector, automatic item picking and ULD loading are promising examples of applications offered to Vanderlande’s customers.

                          Robotic technology provides a number of benefits, including:

                          • the ability to withstand demanding working environments
                          • 24/7 operations
                          • fewer operational errors
                          • a reduction in labour costs
                          • reduced workplace injuries.
                        • Palletising

                        • Palletising occurs after goods have been retrieved from the storage area in the correct sequence. With STOREPICK, Vanderlande offers manual or robotised palletising solutions based on individual requirements. Both of these options offer the capability for pallets and roll cages to be stacked.

                          For manual palletising, operators are positioned around an ergonomic work station that has been designed to facilitate excellent working conditions. Operators take the required number of products from a supplied tray and arrange them as layers on the load carrier, according to clear instructions displayed on the operator’s screen.

                          Once a layer has been completed, it is lowered automatically, so that the operator can continue to work in a user-friendly position. This process is repeated until the load carrier has been filled as directed.

                          The robotised palletiser does not require any manual intervention. A robot stacker fulfils the steps as described above and the roll cage or pallet is stacked in a stable way. Through this method, it is possible to load up to 750 store-friendly cases per hour.

                          With Vanderlande’s load forming logic (LFL) software, stable pallets are created and filled with maximum efficiency, while ensuring that products are not damaged by having too much weight placed on top of them. In this way, LFL facilitates store-friendly deliveries and the efficient transportation of goods.

                          This solution has been installed for a number of companies, such as Woolworths, ASDA, E.Leclerc and Albert Heijn.

                      • Internal transport

                      • The success of automated storage, order-picking and sortation systems depends on their reliability and cost effectiveness, or the internal transport that connects all logistic processes. The .M conveyor range is designed specifically to meet these requirements.

                            • .M Conveyor range

                            • he success of automated storage, order-picking and sortation systems depends on their reliability and cost effectiveness, or the internal transport that connects all logistic processes. The .M conveyor range is designed specifically to meet these requirements.

                              The multi-talented conveyor system

                              The .M conveyor range heralds a new vision in internal transport suitable for modern warehouse logistics. These conveyors combine three technologies – belt, roller and multibelt conveyors – to allow transportation of any product type in all applications.

                              The conveyors have been designed to allow functional units to operate as interchangeable modules. These allow for future adjustments to the system to match changing business requirements. This optimises the value of the initial investment.

                              The .M conveyors have already been selected by a number of companies, such as Amazon, Tommy Hilfiger and Tesco.

                              Vanderlande’s solutions provide the following benefits:

                              • maximisation of the production and installation process
                              • 30% reduction in operational costs during the life cycle of the system
                              • energy consumption is reduced by up to 20%.
                        • MARKET SEGMENT: General merchandise

                        • Exceed your customers' expectations
                          Consumers demand speed, accuracy and flexibility throughout the ordering and delivery process. Warehouses face increased pressure to handle rising operational costs linked to a lack of available workforce, intensive training of operators, expanding ranges of SKUs, and variable order sizes with frequent short delivery times. At all times, fulfilling thousands of orders and delivering a positive customer experience are vital. Warehouses must also factor in a combination of both store-friendly and home deliveries.

                          In matching the growth of your markets, your warehouse can reach its limit sooner than expected. In such a situation, an investment in fast and scalable solutions is critical.

                          At Vanderlande, we understand the complexities of running a successful warehousing operation. As such, we have defined the next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions. They will support you through an integrated portfolio of innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

                            • Reference: Würth

                            • ADAPTO offers flexibility and reliability

                              Established in 1975, Würth Oy serves customers across Finland through its comprehensive store network and sophisticated site service concept.

                              From its logistics centre in the town of Riihimäki, Würth is able to deliver a diverse range of products to end consumers, as well as supply its 200 branch offices and shops.

                              Necessary improvements

                              For Würth, it is imperative to meet customer demand. “What is most critical to us is that we are able to trust the system,” says Würth’s Warehouse and Project Manager Terhi Vesala. “We need to know that the equipment can handle the volume.”

                              Another significant challenge for Würth is to cope with the lack of an available workforce. “One of our primary concerns is not just finding the right people to work in our warehouse, but keeping them at the company,” says Würth’s CEO Mika Rantanen.

                              To make the necessary improvements, Würth’s main objectives were to automate routine tasks, raise the picking quality to a higher level, and ensure that its employees could perform their tasks in an ergonomic environment.

                              Making the right decision

                              Würth chose to install Vanderlande’s highly flexible storage, retrieval and transportation system – ADAPTO. This makes optimal use of the available space in Riihimäki through its high storage density.

                              Easy access to products is guaranteed at all times due to the in-built redundancy offered by the roaming shuttles. The ADAPTO on site can process 50,000 SKUs and comprises: 69,000 storage locations, 43 shuttles and five unique PICK@EASE double-pick workstations.

                              The ideal fit

                              For Mika, there was a clear reason for selecting the solution: “Put simply, we chose ADAPTO due to the flexibility it gave us – not just in the system, but also in Vanderlande’s project management skills.”

                              Following the installation of ADAPTO, Würth has quickly reaped the benefits of the new system. One of the major improvements has been to the working environment, which provides a positive contribution to the well-being of operators.

                              Reliability is key

                              “With ADAPTO, we can handle products more efficiently than ever,” says Tehri. “Our picking system is also more ergonomic and we were surprised by the improvement in the picking quality – it’s nearly 100%.”

                              For Mika, Vanderlande’s ultimate strength lies in its dependability: “When selecting a supplier, reliability is our number one consideration. I have a positive feeling about Vanderlande and they have continued to meet our needs.”

                            • Reference: Digitec Galaxus

                            • Smart warehouse solution

                              In the year 2000, three friends and gamers decided against spending a fortune on adapting their standard PCs, choosing instead to assemble their own from components sourced abroad. This quickly became known among their acquaintances and relatives, which led to the three friends receiving more orders for so-called ‘built-to-order’ PCs. As a result, they decided to go into production and a business idea was born. This would eventually become Digitec Galaxus AG.

                              In April 2001, the trio built their first online shop. From that point on, the business centred not only on PCs, but also components, accessories and (shortly after) consumer electronics. From the outset, efficient processes and working procedures played an important role for the founders, who were all under the age of 25 at the time.

                              Their intention for the online shop was to permanently offer a wide range of products, at reasonable prices, through a seamless shopping experience. The company’s rapid growth brought about a series of moves and expansions, that sustained business for the 18-year success story.

                              Further developments

                              The year 2012 represented another milestone in the company’s history. Digitec’s online department store ‘Galaxus’ went live, with sections covering ‘household’, ‘do-it-yourself and garden’ and ‘sport”.

                              In addition to online retail, Digitec Galaxus operates ten Digitec branches in the German and French-speaking regions of Switzerland. These also act as pick-up points for online orders, which have proved to be very popular with customers.

                              “Around one in three orders are collected from one of our branches,” says COO of Digitec Galaxus Johannes Cramer. “In addition, online orders can be received at the Migros Group's PickMuP collection points.”

                              Faultless fulfilment

                              Optimal customer experience is a key focus for Digitec Galaxus, who have grown to become Switzerland's largest online retailer. This starts in the online shopping environment and continues with friendly customer support.

                              Reliable, fault-free and attractively packaged deliveries are a top priority. As a result, the distribution centre (DC) is an important building block for customer satisfaction. Around 300 employees are now responsible for the fast and punctual despatch of shipments from the company’s central warehouse.

                              Based in Wohlen in the Swiss canton of Aargau, Digitec Galaxus’ central warehouse covers an area of 46,500 m2, fulfilling online shopping orders, as well as branch and pick-up point deliveries. This is almost equivalent to the size of seven World Cup standard football pitches. Over 100 kilometres of shelf length accommodates up to 1.5 million items. This is more than twice as many items than the company could previously process when it operated a purely manual warehouse.

                              Tailored intralogistics

                              Streamlined processes, maximum flexibility and the optimum use of space in the DC, were all critical benchmarks for the intralogistics concept. The pick tower, creating an automatic small parts warehouse (ASW) for medium-sized items, and the goods-to-person order picking and consolidation, formed core aspects of this automation project.

                              Multifunctional ASW

                              The ASW for medium-sized items was realised in a new building, which is over 5,000 m2, 18 metres high and has 11 aisles. This warehouse also assumes a consolidation function for items already picked in the pick tower. There is space for approximately 44,000 containers of small parts, each measuring 600 x 800mm in single deep storage, and/or containers measuring 600 x 400mm in double deep storage.

                          • MARKET SEGMENT: Fashion

                          • Exceed your customers’ expectations

                            The dynamics of the fashion industry are changing significantly and the market is expanding faster than ever. Consumers not only want to have access to the latest trends, but also enjoy a discerning shopping experience. This concerns buying as well as returning products, even to a location they have chosen themselves.

                            This presents fashion warehouses with a unique set of challenges. These include the increased pressure to handle rising operational costs, linked to a lack of available workforce, intensive training for operators and the need for shorter lead times. In the fashion industry, you also have to cope with unpredictable demand and seasonal trends, as well as handling a high volume of returns. The fast-moving nature of the market means that you must meet consumer expectations instantly and respond with the right product at the right time and place.

                            At Vanderlande, we understand the complexities of running a successful fashion business. As such, we have defined the next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions. They are designed to efficiently handle returns, flexibly cope with seasonal and fast-changing trends, and can be easily scaled up.

                              • MARKET SEGMENT: Food retail

                              • Exceed your customers' expectations

                                In today’s food retail market, consumers demand fresh, high-quality products, and excellent service. They expect their shopping experience to be stress-free with a high availability of products.

                                As a result of increasing consumer demands, food retailers must cope with the growing volumes of diversified stock and multiple store formats. E-commerce requirements must also be factored into distribution centre (DC) processes.

                                The expanding number of SKUs means that efficient space utilisation in the stores is another vital consideration. Stores have strict budgets and need their deliveries on time and full shelves in the store. With this in mind, employees are faced with added pressure in the back of the store when it comes to splitting pallets and roll containers, which leaves them little time to assist customers.

                                At Vanderlande, we understand the complexities of running a successful food retail business. As such, we have defined the next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions. They are designed to deliver the highest level of flexibility and scalability, and can facilitate store-friendly deliveries.

                                  • Airport Baggage handling

                                  • Reliable partner for value-added automated baggage handling solutions

                                    Vanderlande can meet any airport’s demands in full – from bag drop and passenger security checks, through to onward conveyance, storage, sortation, flight make-up and baggage reclaim. We are the market’s largest OEM supplier of logistic process automation for airports, with the broadest range of total solutions.

                                    Vanderlande has also established many successful partnerships to ensure that we continue to exceed our customers’ expectations, optimise the passenger experience and enhance an airport’s proposition to its stakeholders.

                                    Our extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.

                                      • Passenger handling

                                      • The process of moving passengers through an airport needs to be secure, seamless, rapid and deliver a positive experience for all travellers.

                                        Vanderlande provides state-of-the-art scalable and flexible passenger handling solutions for check-in areas and security checkpoints. They offer increased throughput and an improved experience, while allowing for easy expansion to accommodate fast-growing traveller numbers.

                                        At Vanderlande, we understand the importance of running a smooth and efficient check-in, bag drop and security area. As such, we have defined the next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions. These will support you through an integrated portfolio of innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

                                      • Baggage handling

                                      • Several factors drive investments in automated hold baggage solutions at airports. These include: the growth of worldwide passenger volumes; the need to optimise your offer to attract airlines; and the requirement to facilitate more transfer flights with shorter connection times.

                                        These developments increase the relevance of – and dependence on – high-capacity, full track-and-trace baggage handling systems.

                                        At Vanderlande, we understand the complexities of a successful baggage handling operation. As such, we have defined the next generation of scalable solutions – evolutions. These support you through an integrated portfolio of innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.

                                    •  Parcel and postal

                                    • Reliable partner for value-added logistic process automation

                                      In the parcel industry, meeting service level demands is becoming increasingly tough. Shorter order lead times, later cut-off times, smaller orders and greater product diversity must all be considered. The need for maximum delivery reliability – with zero system faults – is also crucial.

                                      Improved performance

                                      Parcel handling companies expect the most cost-effective systems, with the highest available performance. Vanderlande understands what it takes to operate a successful depot. As such, logistic process automation plays a vital role in addressing today’s challenges in this market.

                                      Complete systems

                                      We strive for the improvement of your operational activities and the expansion of your logistical achievements. However, we do not believe in standard designs. Vanderlande ensures you have the best total solution to match your needs.

                                      Our extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.

                                      Every day, our systems sort more than 39 million parcels – an amazing 500 items per second. These have been installed for the world’s leading parcel companies, including UPS, Deutsche Post DHL, TNT and FedEx.

                                        • Innovative systems

                                        • Rapid order fulfillment, shorter processing times, higher delivery frequencies and increased analysis of the cost-per-item handled, all demand optimum levels of flexibility and logistical performance. Proven in advanced parcel hubs around the world, Vanderlande’s automated systems are designed to improve and increase the performance of its customers’ processes.

                                          Vanderlande focuses on the entire sortation process – starting with the unloading of parcels – which means that it offers a complete range of telescopic conveyors. The next step is sortation, with state-of-the-art line and loop sorters available. The most appropriate sorter depends on such factors as: the characteristics of the products being handled; the shape and layout of the facility; and the peak and average volumes required.

                                          After sorting, parcels are ready for loading at the outgoing docks and onward transportation to their final destination. Vanderlande’s extendable conveyors can be used for ergonomic and efficient vehicle loading.

                                        • Intelligent software

                                        • An essential part of the sorting process

                                          Tighter schedules, higher volumes and increasing customer demands make intelligent software an essential part of the sorting process. In addition to hardware, it now forms a key part of Vanderlande’s proposition.

                                          For example, the company’s VISION software suite offers a flexible, modular solution for end-to-end planning and control. It is crucial to be able to optimise processes every day, or even every hour. VISION provides an operational performance dashboard that supports daily planning, gives real-time information on system status, workload and performance, and allows remote access to the total sorting system. This enables operations to be constantly monitored and offers the decision support intelligence needed for scheduling, planning and forecasting to a hub’s management.

                                          VISION is a modular scalable software solution that integrates seamlessly with existing systems and low-level control. System dynamics are also taken into account to make the correct decisions when sending products to the required destinations. For long-term trend analysis, combined with the ability to benchmark with other hubs and depots in a defined network, VISION can be extended with business process intelligence.

                                        • Life-cycle services

                                        • Vanderlande provides a high level of service to maximise the performance of its systems for their entire life cycle. Its extensive cooperation with customers ranges from an analysis of their initial business process to the life-cycle services programme.

                                          Customers can rely on Vanderlande’s parcel handling experts to help them improve a hub’s performance and achieve optimum parcel flow. It can also help to increase performance by reducing errors and improving the handling quality. As an OEM, the company possesses specialist expertise and tools for carrying out high-quality maintenance.

                                          Vanderlande also offers a clear life-cycle plan for the mid-term, which helps to optimise customers’ cost control. With an in-depth understanding of customers’ business processes, it can supply competitive automated systems for all sizes and types of facilities. This enables its customers to enhance their activities at lower operating costs. With Vanderlande’s flexible solutions, they can take advantage of the changing demands of the market.

                                      •  Life-cycle services

                                      • In a constantly evolving business environment, Vanderlande’s customers need the support of flexible partners committed to their specific requirements. Every day more than 100 of the company’s service teams are actively supporting its customers’ system maintenance, logistics management and business improvement processes on a global basis.

                                        As a reliable partner for over 65 years, Vanderlande believes that delivering its industry leading services tailored to customers’ needs is the only way to add real value. These integrated future-proof solutions provide efficient and sustainable benefits to ensure their businesses run smoothly and profitably. In boosting customers’ performance and competitiveness in the market, it allows them to focus on achieving their strategic goals.

                                        Vanderlande offers different levels of partnership, from being a full business partner or dedicated logistics partner, to an experienced service partner providing and supplying maintenance solutions to the customer.