Puma, one of the world's leading sporting goods manufacturers for sport shoes, clothing and accessories, has invested in a new central European Distribution Centre in Geiselwind, Germany. The objective was to bundle multiple B2C/B2B distribution centres into one fulfilment centre. The new omni-channel DC serves all channels (retail/wholesale, direct) from one location and fulfils orders from throughout Europe.
CENTRALISATION Consolidating the European distribution centres into a central fulfilment centre in Geiselwind, Germany
OMNI-CHANNEL Fulfilment of retail/wholesale and direct order from one distribution centre
AUTOMATION A high degree of automation ensures a consistent output level - even when there are drastic peaks
In the goods receiving area, Puma processes returns, cartons and large goods. If the reuse criteria are fulfilled, they are repackaged and stored, as are goods in the shuttle system (713,000 storage locations). Large goods are put into storage in the large parts warehouse.
The order picking process is covered by the standardised FlashPick® order fulfilment system. FlashPick® is the modular Goods-to-Person (GTP) system for single-piece picking. Particularly omni-channel business models allow the system to truly shine, because it responds flexibly to order structures and transacts orders individually and independently of each other.
The shuttle system retrieves the goods fully automatically and supplies 27 manual order picking workstations (PickCenter One). There, the operator picks the goods directly into cartons or totes for further processing. The "One Source. One Target."approach means that the system features maximum accuracy with unbeatable speed.
After the pick, the goods are returned to storage in the shuttle, while the order is sent either directly to goods issue or to packaging.
At goods issue, the goods are either sent directly to the lorries using outbound sorters or stored intermediately in a shuttle buffer for shop orders. The shuttle buffer is connected directly to palletising robots (Autostax) which make the mixed cartons available on pallets fully automatically.
FlashPick® - as the core of the solution - was the ideal choice for Puma due to the single management approach. Orders fulfilment is customised and flexible. This enables the sporting goods manufacturer to fulfil both large and small orders regardless of any fluctuations in the order structures. This makes it possible to have later acceptance times and earlier deliveries at the same time. Another step forward for Puma in its "FOREVER FASTER" strategy.
A 10-year service contract ensures maximum system availability with transparent and predictable costs. The sporting goods manufacturer can concentrate on its core processes while 30 onsite TGW technicians work proactively on maintenance and continuous improvement of the system. Puma benefits from cost transparency and low Total Cost of Ownership.
Raffaele Destro, Valentina Vivarelli, Berta Giramé
TGW Global Strategic Business Development Fashion
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