Executive summary
SPAR Austria partnered with KNAPP to implement an advanced automated system for its distribution center in Ebergassing. The goal was to optimize store deliveries by improving efficiency, reducing manual handling, and ensuring better product protection. As part of the solution, SPAR adopted plastic trays from Utz, designed specifically for automation. These trays met all operational requirements, allowing for seamless integration into the automated logistics system. The project resulted in faster order fulfillment, optimized storage, and enhanced accuracy in store deliveries.
Client overview
SPAR is a leading retail chain in Austria, operating an extensive network of supermarkets that require frequent and precise replenishment. To maintain high service levels, SPAR continuously seeks innovative logistics solutions that improve efficiency and ensure fresh products reach stores on time. The Ebergassing distribution center plays a crucial role in this process, handling a vast range of goods destined for multiple retail locations.
Challenges
SPAR faced several key challenges in its logistics operations. The increasing demand for faster and more accurate store deliveries put pressure on existing manual processes. Order fulfillment relied heavily on labor-intensive picking methods, which limited efficiency and scalability. Additionally, ensuring the integrity of goods during transport was a priority, as traditional handling methods posed risks of damage or misplacement. Managing diverse product categories with different storage and transport requirements further complicated logistics, necessitating a flexible and reliable solution.
The solution
Automated logistics system
To address these challenges, SPAR implemented a state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval system in collaboration with KNAPP. The solution introduced:
- Central belt picking technology for streamlined order processing.
- Automated handling and sorting to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Plastic trays from Utz, designed for automation, ensuring secure and stable product transport.
These innovations enabled seamless integration of automation into the supply chain, significantly enhancing operational performance.
Integration of Utz plastic trays
A key component of the solution was the adoption of plastic trays from Utz, which played a crucial role in optimizing logistics. These trays were specifically designed to meet automation requirements, offering:
- Standardized dimensions for compatibility with automated systems.
- Durable construction to protect goods during storage and transport.
- Efficient stacking features to maximize space utilization.
By using these trays, SPAR ensured smooth operations within its automated distribution center, reducing handling errors and improving overall efficiency.
SPAR | Ebergassing, Austria
The technologies used in the SPAR logistics center in Ebergassing provide the ideal conditions for ensuring timely delivery to the 202 stores it supplies. Together with KNAPP and Utz, SPAR has created a distribution center that can react flexibly to all the demands of the food retail industry.
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The results
The implementation of the automated system, combined with Utz plastic trays, led to significant improvements in SPAR’s logistics operations. Order fulfillment speed increased, allowing stores to receive goods more quickly and reliably. Automation reduced the reliance on manual labor, enhancing efficiency while lowering operational costs. Additionally, the standardized plastic trays improved product protection, minimizing damage and ensuring that goods arrived in perfect condition.
With optimized workflows and increased throughput, SPAR successfully enhanced its supply chain, setting a new benchmark for automated store deliveries in the retail industry.
20
% more items with the same number of employees
900000
km of truck transport saved
600
large pack units per hour
50000
food and non-food items
The advantage of the extension we put into operation last year is that we can now handle many more goods. In fact, we can process around 20% more items with the same number of employees. Our main goal was to make our employees’ work less strenuous. The ergonomic workstations and processes made that happen.
Conclusion and takeaways
The collaboration between SPAR, KNAPP, and Utz demonstrates the transformative impact of automation and smart packaging solutions in retail logistics. This case study highlights:
- Challenges solved: Improved efficiency, reduced manual handling, and enhanced product protection.
- Solution provided: Advanced automation with optimized plastic trays for seamless integration.
- Results achieved: Faster deliveries, improved accuracy, and cost savings.
By leveraging automation and specialized packaging, SPAR has successfully optimized its logistics operations, ensuring a more efficient and reliable supply chain.
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