DHL with Fully Automated Small Parts Warehouse for 1-2-3.tv

The omnichannel auction platform 1-2-3.tv is consistently focusing on the digitization of its supply chains and warehouse logistics. On behalf of the broadcaster, DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group and long-standing logistics partner of 1-2-3.tv, has now implemented its first fully automated Autostore logistics system in Braunschweig, Europe-wide.

(Bonn) This compact storage and retrieval system allows for extremely space-saving small parts storage and fully automated order picking of up to 18 million items per year. In conjunction with the on-site employees, the system increases the processing speed of each individual order, optimizes workflows for the staff, and improves operational efficiency.

“Our company has already invested heavily in lean processes and sustainable automation in the past. With the introduction of the flexible and modular robotics solution from Autostore, we are building on the strong growth of recent years, sustainably optimizing our logistics processes, and thus are well-prepared for future growth,” explains Eberhard Kuom, Executive Vice President Finance and Operations at 1-2-3.tv. This way, the wide variety of offerings can be represented even better, and the capacity of the warehouse location can be maximally utilized.

AutoStore Solution from Element Logic

The Autostore solution from provider Element Logic consists of an aluminum frame in which the current stock is stacked and stored in more than 40,000 plastic containers across 16 levels. The top level serves as a travel route for the robots, of which 26 are in operation in the 1-2-3.tv warehouse in Braunschweig, to automatically pick the ordered goods and assemble them for further processing by the employees. The goods are placed on a shipping and transport system into the respective package for the customer order, automatically sealed, and shipped. After 1-2-3.tv recently invested in order acceptance and the digitization of the entire supply chain, the company is now implementing a third optimization along its process chain with this solution.

Continuous Inventory Control

“We are pleased that through this automated solution we can further strengthen our trusting collaboration with our long-standing customer 1-2-3.tv and invest together in a successful future. With the Autostore system, we have continuous inventory control and achieve high efficiency in the inbound and outbound processes, allowing customer orders to be processed quickly and reliably. Additionally, the logistics solution provides relief for our employees in the warehouse by shortening walking distances. Most importantly, they can take on more demanding tasks in other areas of the warehouse,” says Andreas Bicking, Business Unit Director e-Commerce DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps.

Important Building Block in the Digitalization Strategy

For DHL Supply Chain, this implementation is another important building block in the consistent execution of the automation and digitalization strategy for continuous improvement in operational operations. As part of a broader, commercially deployable technology portfolio, these “Goods-to-Person” robots play an increasingly important role in the strategy of the contract logistics provider. “We are pleased to have DHL Supply Chain as a highly professional partner by our side, who has integrated the Autostore solution into the existing infrastructure during ongoing high operations – an enormous achievement,” praises Kuom the successful implementation process.

Photo: © DHL