The existing Klinkhammer warehouse management software in the automated high-bay warehouse is connected to the new KlinkWARE software generation, and the new logistics center in Anhausen and the manual external warehouses are managed by KlinkWARE. KlinkWARE, with its database under Microsoft SQL Server, is connected to the existing ERP system. Haus Rabenhorst stands for branded products with more than 200 years of experience in the direct juice sector. In addition to fruit juices, Haus Rabenhorst in Unkel offers an extensive range of health food cookies and foods for people with intolerances. Over 1,200 tons of berries, 1,400 tons of apples and 250 tons of cherries are processed into around 10 million liters of direct juice every year and sold and exported via health food stores, pharmacies, specialist health food stores, food retailers and drugstores. If all the Rabenhorst bottles from the high-bay warehouse were placed next to each other, they would cover a distance of 210 kilometers.

Incoming goods processes linked to software
The growth of Rabenhorst and the further expansion of its market position led to a continuous increase in order volume and increased capacity requirements in the warehouse. A total of 420 juices and smoothies, which differ in terms of container size, bottle size and labeling, are stored. In addition, 130 items of pasta and baked goods and various sales displays are stored at external service providers in external warehouses. Whereas the current Klinkhammer software was previously only responsible for the management and control of the automatic flow-through warehouse in Unkel, KlinkWARE is now used for all incoming goods processing and order picking. The flow-through warehouse will be integrated, as will an additional 3,500 storage and picking locations at the Anhausen logistics center. Two additional external warehouses at service providers will be connected partly online and partly via EDI. KlinkWARE will not only implement the requirements of the food trade, such as compliance with batches and best-before dates, but will also map multi-stage replenishment chains, display production and special processing. KlinkWARE is expanding its database range to include Microsoft SQL Server to ensure cost-effective performance. Using a scalable, hybrid database platform that integrates features such as in-memory performance, advanced security and in-database analytics, Microsoft SQL Server is suitable for the complex requirements of a warehouse management system.

Multiple warehouses at a glance
Several external warehouses are managed with KlinkWARE. The manually operated external warehouses are your own as well as external replenishment warehouses at forwarding agents and wholesalers, which either supply regional retailers directly or can be dispatched centrally from a warehouse by combining orders. Each item can therefore be managed and handled in each of the different warehouses. The ability to store items anywhere means that the external warehouses serve as overflow areas for items that cannot be stored in the head office due to storage capacity. This makes it possible to split up larger production batches, remove the excess stock and ship it directly.

About Klinkhammer

The Klinkhammer Group is a specialist in optimized logistics processes - from innovative logistics concepts to the installation of warehouse technology and software, Klinkhammer offers everything from a single source. As an intralogistics expert with an international focus, the Klinkhammer Group has implemented automation solutions for a wide range of industries and company sizes. According to its own statements, it has been one of the leading providers in Europe for over 45 years. The Klinkhammer Group sees itself as a life-time partner, from analysis and planning to software development and turnkey handover - including supply through the Service24 concept.