BMW has improved the storage and distribution of spare parts. Using modern transport systems, automated storage of small parts with manoeuvrable shuttles and ergonomic, customised order picking stations, Inther Group has realised a new concept, ensuring timely delivery of spare parts with improved quality and reliability.
BMW commissioned Inther's German branch to implement a total concept with an automated ASRS warehouse for small parts, intelligent material flows and integration of the latest transport technology. The goal: optimisation and expansion of the parts warehouse in Dingolfing to meet the growing order volume.
The Dutch headquarters in Venray supported the comprehensive analysis, design and system planning in advance, as well as the project implementation in Dingolfing. In addition, the Heidelberg-based consulting and planning company io supervised the project from tendering and awarding of contracts to implementation and final delivery.
Shuttle warehouse
As the heart of the logistics facility, Inther has set up a new, highly automated small parts shuttle warehouse with four aisles. With multi-deep storage areas on 200 levels, the shuttle system accommodates 80,000 bins of spare parts.
"The shuttles were specially developed for the requirements of current and future small parts warehouses," explains Stefan Weisshap, CEO of Inther Group Germany. "The shuttle system offers enormous capacity and high density, and the automation of bin transport speeds up the delivery of goods to the picking workstations."
Order picking
Workstations have been set up for the order picking and packaging process. In addition, three workstations for inbound parts have been installed in the goods reception area. To link the shuttle system with the height-adjustable workstations, Inther implemented an intelligent, dynamic conveyor system.
"The entire transport technology was developed according to a bypass concept," explains Weisshap. "This means that the shuttle system and all stations can use each other if necessary, for example to carry out replenishment faster or to avoid or bypass congestion or short-term component failures on the system."
Controlled by SAP
Inther also seamlessly connected the new automated storage and transport technology to the existing system technology. The transport technology is visualised using Zenon software, which Inther configured to meet BMW's existing requirements. Incoming goods processing, picking and packing, and workplace dialogues are driven by SAP. This also applies to the shuttle system and document printing for shipping boxes and containers.
With agreed after-sales services for system support and maintenance, Inther Group guarantees long-term, reliable system availability. "A powerful automation solution that ensures fast delivery of spare parts with enormous storage capacity, efficient processes and reliable picking quality," sums up Weisshap, CEO of Inther Germany.
