The goods-to-person system moves mobile shelving racks to three stationary workstations with a maximum capacity of 100 items each. Both storage and order picking take place at the stations. It replaces the horizontal carousel (HUK) previously used in the warehouse, the modernization of which proved to be impractical in the context of the introduction of SAP at the site.

The requirements for the new storage system

viaLog project manager Benedikt Gohsen: "As part of the concept planning for optimizing the logistics structures at the Telekom site in Hanover, we examined various manual and automated technical alternatives as a replacement for the existing HUK. The Shelf-AMR proved to be advantageous in the project context compared to other systems such as shelving or AutoStore for various reasons. First and foremost, the flexibility with regard to the dimensions of the products to be stored was decisive. The new storage system is used to store both small parts - such as screws and other assembly materials - and wall boxes. Other deciding factors were the low manpower requirement, good expandability and more specific factors such as serial number handling and the possibility of targeted picking. We are delighted that we were able to accompany Deutsche Telekom through all phases of the project - from the concept planning to the detailed planning of the shelf AMR, the tendering and awarding procedures, the implementation through to the commissioning and real start of the system."

AMR component of a comprehensive optimization concept

The implementation of the Shelf-AMR at the Hanover site is a core element of the concept for the successive further development of all key functional areas at the Hanover warehouse site. As a result, the project participants succeeded in improving the material flow across all warehouse areas, increasing productivity and creating the basis for further growth by restructuring the warehouse layout, modernizing the warehouse technology and IT and making adjustments to the relevant core processes. It was also important to ergonomically design the workstations, which had previously been connected to the old system via conveyor technology. These workstations were rearranged according to the requirements of the Shelf-AMR and designed in line with modern ergonomic standards.

Benjamin Klein, project manager at Deutsche Telekom, is satisfied: "Such comprehensive projects are complex and challenging to coordinate, especially when normal day-to-day business has to continue. The collaboration with viaLog as an experienced and reliable project partner helped us to structure all key project phases professionally and to implement them as smoothly as possible. The structural, technical and IT measures developed as part of the project are forward-looking and will enable our logistics to grow in the long term with high productivity."