Robotics Integration for Greater Efficiency in Inbound Goods Processing

As early as 2019, the implementation of Infio’s Warehouse Management (WM) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) at the company’s logistics center in Wels laid the digital foundation for expanding automation.

Digitized Processes as a Competitive Advantage

Kellner & Kunz is an international trading and service company specializing in C-parts management for industry, skilled trades, and the automotive sector. The integrated process chain—from goods receipt to automated provisioning at customers’ production sites—enabled by Infios WM and WCS is a key differentiator in the dynamic market of tool and C-part logistics.

Today, Kellner & Kunz manages approximately 120,000 SKUs from a wide range of tools, chemical and technical products, and occupational safety items; up to 5,000 shipments are processed fully automatically every day.

As part of a 45-million-euro investment in its Wels facility, Kellner & Kunz has implemented Infios software to orchestrate critical areas of its automation landscape and thereby significantly boost operational performance. The facility features a high-bay warehouse with 15,400 pallet spaces and 200,000 container spaces, supplemented by automated guided vehicles and state-of-the-art conveyor technology. Since the facility went into operation, the focus has been on continuously optimizing individual processes and gradually integrating new technologies.

“The flexible and modular architecture of the Infios platform allows us to introduce new automation technologies as needed and integrate them seamlessly into our existing logistics processes,” said Walter Bostelmann, CEO of Kellner & Kunz.

As part of its most recent optimization phase, Infios has implemented the software integration of an articulated-arm robot with a vacuum gripper for depalletizing incoming goods. The solution improves efficiency and ergonomics compared to manual handling. It enables the simultaneous pickup of up to six units weighing up to 25 kilograms and their transfer into containers.

Further automation planned

This implementation marks the starting point for further robot integrations as part of a joint, ongoing optimization program aimed at improving efficiency and scalability. Additional automation initiatives are already planned, including the installation of a second depalletizing station and the integration of robotics to support replenishment processes.