Optimizing intralogistics processes and the expansion of warehouse capacities are central strategic goals of the Noerpel Group – challenges that have gained particular significance in light of the increasing shortage of skilled workers. For over 140 years, Noerpel has been providing tailored solutions in the transport and logistics sector. With a warehouse area of 50,000 square meters and a warehouse length of nearly 500 meters, the Giengen site offers substantial potential for efficiency improvements.
To address these challenges, a pilot project with productive use pilot was launched, focusing on the automation of floor-to-floor transport processes. idealworks’ automation platform, AnyFleet, was used in conjunction with a fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) by Melkus Mechatronic. As part of this project, the existing warehouse management system (WMS) was seamlessly integrated into AnyFleet , leading to a significant improvement in operational efficiency.
As a company that recognized the importance of digitization and automation early on, it soon became clear that a comprehensive, yet flexible solution was needed – one that could grow with the company. Easy integration into existing WMS and the ability to integrate additional AMRs, AGVs, and other automation applications into the fleet management system in the future were therefore crucial criteria. Equally important was a user-friendly software that did not require extensive IT knowledge, in order to save internal resources.
idealworks’ solution portfolio proved to be the ideal robotics –ecosystem, enabling the automation and optimization of intralogistics processes, thereby also addressing the shortage of skilled workers.
“AnyFleet’s high degree of flexibility when it comes to zone control in warehouse adjustments allows us to make changes independently, without extensive external support. This enables us to quickly respond to changes in routes.” – Stefan Wuggazer, Branch Manager, Noerpel Giengen I
A successful implementation phase requires a holistic approach and in-depth expert knowledge: “Our customer projects always begin with a detailed needs assessment, where we conduct targeted workshops and analyses to fully understand our customers’ specific requirements and processes,” explains Timo Scholl, Account Executive at idealworks. After a thorough analysis of the individual requirements and conditions on-site, idealworks, in close collaboration with the customer, successfully implemented AnyFleet, including the integration with AMRs and WMS. During feedback sessions, challenges were openly discussed, and tailored solutions were developed.
“idealworks approaches challenges with an agile and smart methodology, which is exactly what makes their solution so innovative.” – Pascal La Delfa, Manager Operative Logistics, Noerpel Giengen I
Another key aspect of the implementation was the involvement of the employees who work with the new solution daily. Special emphasis was placed on actively involving them throughout the entire process to foster understanding and acceptance of the new technology. This included training sessions that enable employees to make changes or expansions to the system independently in the future.
As a data-driven company, Noerpel immediately observed a positive trend in increased efficiency, following the implementation of the pilot project. With a three-shift operation running seven days a week, goods can now be moved more quickly, offering customers shorter delivery times. There was also a positive development in terms of the human factor: employee motivation increased significantly. The logistics employees no longer view the AMRs as a disruption but as supportive colleagues.
“Integrating the AMRs with our WMS systems was entirely new territory for us. However, together with idealworks, we developed these interfaces in record time and got them up and running on schedule.” – Stefan Wuggazer, Branch Manager, Noerpel Giengen I