After an intensive planning and implementation phase, Coop's new distribution center in Eskilstuna, Sweden, is now fully operational. This automated distribution center covers an area of 77,000 square meters. In this new central warehouse, SSI Schäfer supports Coop with intelligent logistics software – thereby enabling a system in which 95 percent of picking processes run automatically, the intralogistics provider announced in a press release on September 4. With the help of this solution, the Swedish grocery retailer supplies more than 800 of its own stores.
Before the project began, Coop's logistics in Sweden were heavily manual – a model that, according to SSI Schäfer, no longer met the rising demands for efficiency, reliability and economic growth. To meet these challenges, Coop decided to build a central, highly automated distribution center.
In the distribution center, goods handling is performed almost entirely automatically – using modern technologies: From receiving through storage to store-appropriate palletizing with robots, all processes run efficiently according to the intralogistics service provider – both in ambient and chilled areas.
The use of intelligent robotics and smart software is intended not only to increase productivity but also to improve ergonomics and safety at the workplace.
“By automating key processes, we are increasing our overall productivity, ensuring high and consistent quality, and improving our ability to deliver on time,” said Ulf Axelsson, Managing Director at Coop Terminals. “At the same time, we are reducing our environmental impact: with a higher fill rate of our pallets compared to a manual warehouse, the solution lowers our transport costs and our overall environmental footprint. We are very satisfied with the result and the collaborative partnership with SSI Schäfer.”
A central element of the highly automated facility is the System “SSI Case Picking” for efficient order processing, which is responsible for the store-friendly formation of mixed pallets. Almost all process steps run automatically:
After the pallets are stored in the high-bay warehouse by a total of 25 pallet rack handling devices “SSI Exyz” in the ambient and chilled areas, depalletizing is performed by ten robots. The
individual bundles are then transferred into two automatic small-parts warehouses, which together have more than 600,000 container and tray storage positions and are connected by about 280 lifters.
Approximately 700 “SSI Flexi Shuttles” operate the storage locations, which triple-deep load and unload the cases. The “3D-MATRIX Solution” enables storage, buffering and sequencing in a single system and is intended to guarantee 100-percent sequencing at high speed. The required order is defined and controlled by the in-house SSI Schäfer logistics software “WAMAS”. In total, 34 palletizing robots assemble the trading units into ready-to-ship mixed pallets.
The “SSI Pack Pattern Generator”, as part of the WAMAS software, focuses on stability, volumetric efficiency and store-friendly pallet design. The system handles a wide product range and, according to SSI Schäfer, thanks to the high level of automation enables efficient and error-free picking – suitable for the requirements of a high-volume grocer like Coop. After intermediate storage in the shipping buffer, the pallets are transported to the outbound area in the correct loading sequence and loaded
for further transport.
The entire facility is controlled by the WAMAS logistics software. This central information platform provides data-supported monitoring and control of all processes – from incoming goods inspection to the shipping-ready pallet. Additionally, a resident maintenance team of around 80 technicians is deployed daily in shifts. The team monitors, maintains and optimizes the highly automated facility on site – from IT infrastructure to the mechanical system components. Through preventive maintenance and rapid response times, the experts aim to ensure a high availability of the facility – around the clock, in multi-shift operation seven days a week.
The distribution center is also intended to make a decisive contribution to Coop's sustainability strategy. The measures include:
- Electric trains for goods transport that significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
- A large roof-mounted photovoltaic system is expected to cover around 50 percent of the distribution center's annual electricity consumption, while also reducing its CO2 footprint. The remaining electricity demand is sourced from other renewable energy sources.
- Ergonomic workplaces that promote employees' health and create a
