Warehousing concept for the multiple logistics award winner

In the field of turning and milling technology, Gildemeister AG in Bielefeld is one of the most important manufacturers of machine tools globally. For its integrated and innovative warehousing concepts Gildemeister has received numerous awards. The restructuring of the logistics began in 1997. An integrated logistics solution via the reorganisation of several works processes was successfully implemented in just four years.
viaLog was significantly involved in the realisation of this strategy through the sub-project »planning and implementing the production parts storage«.

The logistics requirements

The warehouse was no longer able to meet operational demands and demonstrated the »typical« problems of outdated equipment: Obsolete logistics technology, inefficient procedures, long lead times, high usage of space, long passages. The available space at this location for expansion of the production was scarce. At the same time more space was required for the assembly. This posed the question of whether logistics areas could be reduced and thus greed for production.

From »actual« situation to implementation

After the collection of the »actual« data a central workshop took place with the client to determine the planning basis and to set the targets. Concept planning, execution suggestions, bidding (for shelving units and vertical tray warehousing) followed through viaLog, culminating in the implementation.

Solution:

Less space for logistics, more space for assembly

Firstly viaLog reduced the amount of loading equipment through a new loadunit concept. The logistics advisor recommended the concentration of all storage areas (parts depot, service depot, returns depot) in an existing central depot. This resulted in considerable amounts of space becoming available for tool assembly, the core business of Gildemeister. The layout of the central storage depot was improved by utilising the complete height of the building, statistically increasing the capacity. A »very narrow aisle« storage unit was built for pallets and vertical tray warehousing was introduced for small parts.
Finally the concept optimised the internal transport operations between the areas for incoming and outgoing goods with the aid of an automatic guided vehicle system.

The new warehousing concept resulted in less logistics space and more space for assembly, thus helping to secure the long term future of the site and ensuring the optimal deployment of space and processes.

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