TGW Logistics Brings Automation to Kärcher’s Spare Parts Fulfillment System

The smart picking system consists of eight goods-to-person PickCenter workstations. Picking at these ergonomic workstations is done using two alternating source containers. Larger goods are picked in a separate area parallel to the small parts station. An energy efficient shuttle system works as an intermediate buffer to enable order consolidation–cutting shipping costs by reducing the number of packages sent to customers. The automated workstations promote higher order throughput by reducing the amount of walking required by employees. The system also allows for shorter processing times and supports order fulfillment via different channels (dealers, private customers, service installers, and shipment to international warehouses). Finally, the synchronized picking areas increase warehouse capacity, reduce transport costs through order consolidation, and reduce picking errors.