Over the next two years, Craiss will implement a new intralogistics concept and modernize the facilities. The company already took over incoming goods, warehousing and logistics as well as production supply and disposal in the last quarter of 2019. Packaging and shipping will follow. Once the project has been implemented, Tübingen will be the largest of all Craiss locations.

"We are implementing a highly complex project in Tübingen that we can only manage thanks to our many years of expertise in intralogistics," says Jürgen Manuschewski, Tübingen site manager at Albert Craiss GmbH & Co. The logistics service provider was commissioned by the technology group to align the intralogistics in its warehouse and assembly plant with the shortest throughput times, highest quality in assembly supply, maximum delivery reliability and lowest process costs. Craiss also assumes the role of a development partner that continuously and actively promotes the optimization of intralogistics.

Craiss won the tender process against eleven competitors with a concept that includes streamlining, digitalizing and accelerating processes as well as extensive modernization of the 8,600 square metre logistics area. One example of the planned measures is the integration of so-called "fast-track" storage spaces in the warehouse area instead of the classic staging area in sequence for picked orders. These can be freely assigned and, thanks to direct access to each order, enable a highly flexible and fast supply of assembly with a smaller footprint.

Self-regulating control loops work on the pull principle and significantly reduce the amount of control required throughout the entire process. In assembly, the use of trolleys instead of pallet cages saves even more space. Replacing forklift trucks with tugger trains increases safety during production supply and disposal, minimizes traffic, reduces background noise and increases productivity.

The 3PL is responsible for everything
Since October 2019, Craiss has been responsible for incoming goods, warehousing and logistics as well as production supply and disposal. As the production supply had to be ensured at all times, Craiss took over after intensive training of the 50 employees during ongoing operations. Craiss will also take over the packaging and shipping areas, which are currently still part of the technology group, this year. As a result, the service provider will be responsible for all intralogistics as a third-party logistics provider (3PL). Manuschewski describes the contract as a showcase project for Craiss: "Not only is our company's largest site currently being built in Tübingen, but also the most modern, fastest and most efficient intralogistics system for an extremely diverse assembly plant."