Migros Again Banks on Fully Automatic Solution for Store Delivery with SAP® EWM by KNAPP

KNAPP developed a space-effective solution for handling mixed standard containers automatically for Migros Cooperative Aare in Schönbühl. An integrated end-to-end SAP^® software solution, SAP^® EWM including MFS by KNAPP, is responsible for central control as well as the expert formation of pallets by store. The fully automatic interplay of all processes from goods-in to goods-out delivers efficient, economical order fulfillment for fresh foods and gives Migros a maximum performance of 8,400 containers per hour.

From their distribution center in Schönbühl, Migros Cooperative Aare supplies more than 150 stores with fresh foods, including meats, sausages, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and convenience foods. The aim was to provide economical, reliable order fulfillment and a high supply quality to the stores, which vary in size and layout, making needs-based supply an absolute must. To make processes in Schönbühl as efficient and economical as possible, Migros Aare opted for a fully automated FAST solution featuring SAP® EWM by KNAPP.

Automation solution by KNAPP for economical store deliveries

The space-effective solution by KNAPP automatically depalletizes, unstacks, puts away and sequences the standard containers used by Migros, and later stacks and palletizes them to go out to the stores. Mixed incoming pallets are processed with the help of innovative image processing technology from KNAPP’s Vision series. Even before depalletizing begins, the Vision technology analyzes the containers on the pallet before transmitting the information to the software. The packing pattern is precisely analyzed to facilitate efficient but gentle depalletizing and unstacking for fresh food items. After being put away in one of the 37,400 storage locations of the central storage system Evo Shuttle or in one of the 2,000 storage locations in the high-bay warehouse, the orders are sequenced rapidly and precisely in one of the 14 Fastboxes. They then arrive at the downstream stacking and palletizing robots in the right sequence for the fully automatic formation of store-friendly pallets.

“With the new platform, we can continue to fulfill our supply mandate in the future and ensure that our customers can find fresh products in the best quality every day. Thanks to modern technologies, we are equipped to track our goods end-to-end from the supplier to customer systematically. This is a big step forwards.”

Bernard Gruhl, Head of Operations, Migros Aare.

Migros relies on SAP^® EWM expertise by KNAPP

Migros Aare in Schönbühl has chosen the all-in-one software solution SAP® EWM by KNAPP to handle all of the core processes. As a combined warehouse management system (WMS) and warehouse control system (WCS), the solution controls the automation and connects all the warehouse areas. SAP® EWM by KNAPP is also indirectly involved in container handling: SAP^® EWM processes the information gathered by the Vision technology for the putaway process and uses it – thanks to a specially developed pallet configuration calculator – for efficient order assembly according to the requirements of individual stores. Various dynamic rules pertaining to food laws, stocking processes and transport efficiency are all factored into loading. Integrated 3D visualization allows continuous monitoring and tracking of pallet formation while on the dashboard, the palletizing progress and putaway status in the Evo Shuttle are clearly displayed.

Migros and KNAPP: A shared history of successes

Migros and KNAPP have been working together in partnership for around 19 years. The largest retailer in Switzerland, Migros already has a total of nine locations using KNAPP solutions. For example, the Migros Cooperative and their customers benefit in particular from FAST solutions for efficient store delivery and from e-commerce fulfillment solutions developed to optimize online food retail.

“We have been at Migros’ side for over 19 years. During this time, their business has developed, and we have been their first point of contact when the market changes.”

Bernhard Rottenbücher, Executive Vice President, KNAPP.

About the Migros Cooperative Aare

Migros Aare is one of ten cooperatives in the Federation of Migros Cooperatives. With about half a million cooperative members, it covers the Cantons of Aargau, Bern and Solothurn. Under their performance mandate, Migros Aare plays a central role in supplying the population’s day to day food requirements. Their goal for the supply chain and their cooperatives is to act responsibly with respect to humans and the natural world. Migros Aare ensures supply security, value creation for the region and is gentle on the environment, the climate and resources. With their Culture Percentage program and sponsorships, the cooperative demonstrates their commitment to society, education, culture and sport in the region. Finally, Migros Aare provides employment for around 8,000 people from 150 nations and is a reliable employer with attractive conditions to provide a good work-life balance.