Geek+ and K&V Elektro Modernize Distribution with Shelf-to-Person Robotics

The Customer

K&V Elektro is a prominent distributor of electrical installation materials in the Czech Republic. Known for its modern approach to logistics and emphasis on operational efficiency, the company serves a wide range of customers with a constantly expanding product portfolio.  To maintain its competitive edge and meet growing customer demands, K&V Elektro sought to modernize its distribution infrastructure with advanced automation.

The Challenge

K&V Elektro needed to address several key challenges to improve its warehouse operations:

• Increase warehouse capacity to store more than 14,000 SKUs.
• Speed up the order picking process to handle up to 7,700 lines/day.
• Automate goods handling operations to reduce reliance on manual labor.
• Improve picking accuracy and operational safety.
• Optimize the use of storage space.
• Seamlessly integrate with the company’s existing SAP ERP system.

These challenges were compounded by a long-term shortage of human resources in the labor market, making automation a critical priority.

Our Solution

Geek+ implemented a Shelf-to-Person robotic warehouse system tailored to K&V Elektro’s needs. The solution included:

• Racking System:
  Shelving racks 2.8 m high with 6 shelves per rack, each capable of holding up to 1,000 kg. The design allowed transport robots to pass under the first shelf for efficient operations.

• 25x Geek+ Mobile Robots:
  The warehouse was equipped with 25 Geek+ P800 transport AMR robots, which transported racks to inbound and outbound stations. The robots navigated using QR codes on the floor, ensuring precise and efficient movement.

• Inbound Workstations:
  Two inbound workstations were used for placing goods on racks. Once goods were confirmed, robots transported the racks to designated storage locations. The receiving capacity was up to 153 items per hour.

• Outbound Workstations:
  Three outbound workstations were equipped with Put-to-Wall racks and Pick-to-Light technology. Operators were guided by panels displaying item details, optical pointers, and other tools to ensure accuracy. The system achieved a daily picking performance of 6,020 order lines, with a peak capacity of 7,700 lines/day.

The Geekplus impact

The implementation of Geek+ robotics brought significant improvements to K&V Elektro’s operations:

• Increased Throughput: Enhanced warehouse capacity and daily picking performance, with up to 7,700 lines/day during seasonal peaks.
• Improved Accuracy: Automation minimized errors in goods storage and picking.
• Labor Optimization: Reduced dependency on manual labor, addressing workforce shortages.
• Operational Flexibility: The system easily adapted to fluctuations in demand, such as seasonal peaks.
• Enhanced Transparency: Integration with SAP BW enabled accurate monitoring of performance and deviations.
• Optimized Space Utilization: Efficient use of available warehouse space supported K&V Elektro’s modernization strategy.

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