Novità

Sanistål invests in new warehouse management system

18.12.2007

Sanistål is introducing a new, ultra-modern Warehouse Management System (WMS) from Consafe Logistics

The Danish wholesaler and growth comet Sanistål is reducing its warehousing structure from 24 locations to two massive central warehouses that will be among the biggest in Europe. In conjunction with this, Sanistål is introducing a new, ultra-modern Warehouse Management System (WMS) from Consafe Logistics. The system will support Lean-inspired logistics that will result in long-term reductions in logistics costs of more than Euro 20 million per year.

"The new system, with its automated advanced IT management features, means that our two new central warehouses will be able to boost future growth without a matching increase in logistics costs – and at a better quality than today," comments director Ole Graversen.

"We decided to go for a specialised warehouse management system rather than a new ERP system with add-on warehouse modules,"explains Ole Graversen, "because warehouses of this size and complexity, and the qualitative requirements entailed, require the very best warehouse management solutions."

"Following an exhaustive selection procedure involving bids from German, Swedish, Danish and British suppliers of WMS, we decided in favour of Astro from Consafe Logistics. We did so because, in our opinion, Consafe Logistics has the best system for our requirements and can provide us with the best support. Consafe Logistics is a Nordic player with a Danish organisation, and the company knows our sector from numerous similar implementations in Norway and Sweden."

The new system consists of two setups in Taulov and Billund, which will result in significantly greater efficiency and automation of warehouse operations. In connection with the implementation of the two setups in mid-2008, Sanistål will go from paper-based picking to real-time picking in so-called picking waves. This means that Sanistål will no longer pick just one order at a time, but will pick multiple orders simultaneously. This gives better utilisation of the picking resources and greater picking quality.

With the new system, Sanistål will be able to pick directly into the shipping unit. The warehouse management system automatically calculates the volume and weight of the order and selects the correct type of shipping carton. This is just one example of the way in which Sanistål has thought Lean into all its business processes in its efforts to optimise flow and minimise waste processes. Sanistål is also to introduce voice-directed picking in those parts of its warehousing operations where it is practical.

Managing director Dan Hellström from Consafe Logistics A/S adds: "We are very pleased to be awarded this order, as it confirms our position as the leading supplier of warehouse management systems to wholesalers within plumbing, kitchenware, electric power engineering, tools etc., as well as in numerous other sectors."

Consafe Logistics A/S has supplied systems to Elektroskandia, Oninnen, Ahlsell, Arvid Nilsson, El-Giganten, Brd. Dahl, Bahco Group. K.W. Bruun and many others.