According to the company, QoQa is one of the top 20 online retailers in Switzerland and is planning further growth, particularly in German-speaking countries. The expansion plans are the reason for the new distribution center in Eclépens, a municipality in the canton of Vaud.

Compact system design

The new warehouse logistics system has to meet a number of challenges: QoQa orders a large quantity of items - some of which are stored, while others are shipped directly. In addition to daily offers, the increased bundle picking requires intelligent order compilation. Bundle picking is the practice of grouping different products into one bundle to enable more efficient shipping processes. This practice requires careful planning and coordination to combine the right items in the right quantities. Knapp has developed an intelligent, compact system design in line with QoQa's requirements.

According to Knapp, great importance is attached to understanding the business model and the industry as well as the associated challenges in order to develop a customized overall solution for the required warehouse processes. Michael Grüneis, Sales Account Manager at Knapp, describes the collaboration with QoQa as follows: "We have maintained open, trusting communication right from the start, which has had an extremely positive effect on the working atmosphere. Joint workshops and technology experiences led to a warehouse logistics concept that both teams are proud of."

Competitive advantage hoped for through new intralogistics

The new automated warehouse solution enables seamless coordination and optimized processes in warehouse operations. Classic high-bay warehouses, storage and retrieval machines and container and pallet conveyor technology are represented, as are pick-to-light stations to support order picking and so-called flow racks, which enable first-in-first-out storage and are particularly suitable for fast-moving items.

A customized software solution with KiSoft is used. The Warehouse Management System (WMS) from Knapp manages stocks, orders and storage locations. The Warehouse Control System (WCS) controls the integrated technologies. "The logistics in the new warehouse will give both QoQa and our Qommunity a real competitive advantage," says Natacha Krattinger Pot, Head of Supply Chain at QoQa, with conviction. For Baptiste Lopez Mosimann, Project Manager at QoQa, "it will also improve the ergonomics and quality of work."