In 2005, Benteler and Craus expanded their collaboration, resulting in the establishment of a logistics center on the premises of the automotive supplier in Warburg.
Since then, the logistics company at that location has been responsible for receiving goods, storing purchased parts, and subsequently supplying the customer's production.
Additionally, in 2012 Craiss implemented a new Warehouse Management System (WMS), which is now used across multiple locations.
“Our successful collaboration with Benteler in warehouse logistics began in Warburg and was later continued in Schwandorf and Kleinenberg,” says Jörg Schneider, Managing Director of Contract Logistics
at Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG. He adds: “Over the years, we have built a close and trusting partnership with the customer, which we continuously develop.”
Warehouse Management System
In 2005, the logistics company started with 20 employees at the branch, and currently, 50 people are employed there. According to Ralf Schulte, Logistics Manager at Benteler in Warburg, the location has grown over time, for example, through new production areas.
The introduction of the Warehouse Management System in 2012 was an important milestone; it is more user-friendly and offers comprehensive evaluation
functions as well as the creation of rush orders. According to Schulte, all requirements were considered during the implementation.
“When Benteler requires materials from different containers, we can pre-consolidate the items into a single load carrier to save space and document everything accurately,” says Marco Koltermann, Site Manager of the Warburg and Kleinenberg logistics centers at Craiss.
Expansion Planned
The system is also intended to enable optimal traceability: according to Koltermann, the movements of individual load carriers can be tracked, and this data can be used to increase efficiency.
Moreover, the WMS takes
different storage strategies into account and thus offers optimization potential. The system was introduced during ongoing operations.
“The successful introduction of the system in Warburg was also a test phase. Meanwhile, pL-Store is in use at six Craiss locations, and an expansion to three more is planned,” says Koltermann.
On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary, the company plans a joint reception with local employees, management, and Benteler Warburg. For the future, it is planned to further automate the processes in Warburg. Both companies are striving for a long-term collaboration, it is stated.
