German retailer Rewe has opened a new “ultra-fast, error-free” automated fulfilment centre for fresh produce near Berlin.
The facility is located just to the north of the capital in Oranienburg, and will serve more than 370 supermarkets and 580 shops in the greater Berlin area.
It is described by the group’s technology partner Cimcorp as “a leap forward in logistics innovation” and promises to help the retailer achieve new levels of efficiency and reliability.
“In fresh food logistics, every minute counts and every delivery is critical,” comments Matthias Menzel, the centre’s general manager. “Missing the delivery window means a significant financial loss. That’s why we invested in automation that delivers absolute reliability, real-time control and the capacity to serve Berlin and the surrounding regions.”
Each day, around 29,000 units are handled and distributed by Cimcorp’s automated order-picking and warehouse control systems.
“Together with Rewe, our teams have created a solution that fits seamlessly into their existing operations, backed by round-the-clock service and training,” explains Riku Puska, Sales Manager at Cimcorp Group. “That’s how we deliver not just performance today, but peace of mind for the future.”
Everything covered
The centre’s advanced software is designed to manage everything from inbound barcode scanning and depalletising, through inventory and picking, to precise outbound labelling and shipping.
“Our customers expect that our reliability increases every year,” says Menzel. “As stores learn that they can trust our deliveries, it brings improvement not just to our logistics, but right through to the customer experience in the store. We’re no longer fighting to fill overtime hours; instead, our staff are excited to work with new technology and see the benefits of automation in their daily roles.”
The facility’s high level of automation helps Rewe to address a lack of available labour, which has become a significant challenge for all retailers.
“Finding employees for the physically demanding jobs in warehouses, especially when it comes to the heavy lifting needed for fruit and vegetables, is getting harder every year,” Menzel confirms.
“Cimcorp automation removes the daily strain from our teams. With this solution, our people can focus on work that is safer, more rewarding and less exhausting. Automation both addresses real ergonomic and labor challenges for warehouse staff and creates a modern, attractive workplace with more sustainable jobs and less physical strain.”
