Together with Bleckmann, Vanderlande further tested the system, which works as follows: at the manual sortation area, a light pointer mounted on the ceiling highlights the desired location slot in the putwall. The operator then places the item at the right location and the 3D camera on top of the putwall confirms the ‘put action’.
Vanderlande recognises that involving customers in the innovation process is crucial. The company has a dedicated group within R&D that focuses on identifying and exploring new solutions, and determining the value of individual technologies. In this way, Vanderlande is able to create innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the competitive positions of its customers.
Bleckmann was eager to investigate how this new solution could positively impact its warehouse processes and the results look highly promising. With this new innovation, it is possible to increase operator performance by up to 70%, when compared to traditional manual sort-to-order systems.
“The teamwork between Vanderlande and Bleckmann has been excellent,” says Bleckmann’s Project Manager Stefan Schepers. “Vanderlande’s commitment to both innovation as well as our individual needs has been impressive, and I really enjoyed being part of this journey to take operator performance to the next level.”
Vanderlande’s Jeroen van Nistelrooij, Executive Director Innovation, adds: “On reflection, we’ve come up with a ‘win-win’ concept – Vanderlande has had the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from Bleckmann, and they will potentially continue to benefit from such a unique solution. The project also highlights the importance we place on cooperation, as well as our strong drive to innovate.”