HÖRMANN Intralogistics: AutoStore® system implemented at Heiderbeck GmbH
HÖRMANN Intralogistics planned, implemented and continuously expanded the system. To date, it has been expanded five times and adapted to the growing requirements for output and workplace ergonomics.
Customized automation for sensitive products
Since the stored products are sensitive, refrigerated cheese, sausage and dairy specialties, special refrigeration technology was required. The entire AutoStore® system is located in a refrigerated warehouse, ensuring optimum storage conditions. HÖRMANN Intralogistics carried out a system simulation with real data in order to perfectly match the configuration to Heiderbeck's needs.
Continuous support for the key account customer
The joint journey began in 2021 with 26 robots and 12,500 bins; to date, performance has been increased to a total of 63 robots and 16,000 bins through a total of four expansion stages.
Batch formation was implemented to optimize the picking processes. This allows employees to process several orders from one bin at the same time, reducing the number of bin movements required. The downstream put-to-light system at ergonomic workstations facilitates the correct allocation of products to the respective shipping orders.
The container conveyor technology developed by HÖRMANN Klatt Conveyors transports the picked cheese specialties to the adjacent hall for palletizing. The system is controlled by the HiLIS AS warehouse management system, which was specially developed in-house. While the AutoStore® controller coordinates the robots autonomously, HiLIS AS manages the container contents, controls the picking orders and handles the interface to Heiderbeck's HOST system. The visual display of all warehouse movements enables transparent and intuitive process control, providing an overview of the current system status at all times.
Successful collaboration and continuous optimization
The collaboration between Heiderbeck and HÖRMANN Intralogistics is characterised by close coordination and continuous development. The five expansions to date demonstrate the flexibility and scalability of the AutoStore® system. The close cooperation with HÖRMANN Klatt Conveyors, a HÖRMANN Intralogistics company, has ensured optimum quality assurance.
Peter Steding, Managing Director of Heiderbeck, summarizes: "With the AutoStore® storage system, we have made a huge leap forward in innovation, enabling us to offer our customers highly efficient and fully automated logistics solutions. The cooperation with HÖRMANN Intralogistics is always serious and ambitious. The team always goes the extra mile to implement our rapid upscaling and the many expansions."
