Trade & E-Commerce
E-commerce automation solutions for fulfilment, order picking and high-volume distribution operations
Whether you're a wholesaler or retailer, long-term success relies on staying on top of demand and staying ahead of the competition. E-commerce warehouse automation is essential for businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. By automating key processes, companies can scale seamlessly, cut costs, and meet the growing expectations of today's consumers.
Essential Technologies for E-commerce Automation
Automation comes in many different forms and can suit a variety of internal processes. With bespoke solution design, these technologies can be tailored to suit any building space.
Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems are a tried and tested solution for moving goods. They can be installed in any work area to transport units quickly and securely. There are many different types of conveyor sections available to create the ideal, streamlined workflow. These include turntables, transfer units, vertical conveyors and stackers. Conveyors can carry various units such as totes, trays, cartons, euro pallets and mesh pallets.
Sortation Systems
Sortation systems are solutions that can convey and sort goods at high speeds. They use barcode scanners to identify items, an ejection mechanism (such as a cross-belt) to redirect them, and chutes to gather goods. Sorters take away the need to check and cross-reference every item, instead grouping them automatically. Goods can be sorted by any criteria stored in order notes, commonly delivery destination or by the courier provider assigned to handle the delivery.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are solutions that consist of a storage and retrieval device (shuttles, cranes), high-density racking, connecting conveyor system and warehouse management system (WMS). Some ASRS may utilise a shuttle or unit lift. They can optimise the storage of goods (e.g. prioritising fast movers) and support inventory management by tracking available locations.
Warehouse Management Systems
A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that integrates with other warehouse automation technologies to optimise the movement of goods. It uses real-time data to guide operations, track inventory, and provide valuable insights that can be used to improve efficiency.
Omnichannel
Omnichannel Fulfillment is characterised by huge variations in the size of orders. On the one hand, orders are picked for e-commerce, which typically comprise a few items. On the other hand, bulk buyers, such as the company's own branches, have to be kept supplied with the goods they need. Here, the order quantities are significantly larger. In addition, retail outlets wish to be supplied in such a way that the use of local resources is kept as low as possible. It is crucial to be able to process the different types of orders in a cost-optimised way and to optimise the customer journey at all times. Ideally, you connect the business of your retail outlets with e-commerce through the right omnichannel logistics solution.
Case Study: INTERSPORT’s Omnichannel Fulfilment Upgrade
In this case study, discover how INTERSPORT overcame major omnichannel fulfilment challenges using GEBHARDT solutions.
INTERSPORT faced classic omnichannel challenges: fast ecommerce fulfilment, large store orders, limited space and outdated systems. GEBHARDT delivered a fully automated solution with a high-speed miniload warehouse, 4.3 km of conveyors and pick-by-light workstations. The result: up to 1,800 containers/hour, faster multi-SKU picking, higher accuracy and increased capacity - all without expanding the building.
Watch the video to see our omnichannel automation in action or read on below.
E-commerce
Digital processes are a real hobby-horse for those in e-commerce. This needs to be extended to intralogistics to provide your customers with a perfect shopping experience. Automation helps you meet customer expectations for short delivery lead times, even at peak periods. The processing of returns can be greatly shortened through automation. At the same time, you tackle the problem of a shortage of labour. Take advantage of the high stock density that automation solutions bring and enjoy the benefit of being able to control and adjust your stocks even at times of uncertainty. Our solutions can start small and can then expand as you grow.
Case Study: Fully Automated Shuttle Solution at 11teamsports
Together with GEBHARDT Fördertechnik from Sinsheim, the football outfitter and sporting goods retailer 11teamsports completely reorganised their logistics at the new headquarters in Satteldorf in February. With the installation of a high-performance shuttle warehouse and the implementation of the “goods-to-man” principle, the company is well equipped for the growing challenges of the omni-channel business. As a result, 11teamsports is ideally equipped for the growing dynamics of the multi-channel business and can process both B2B / branch orders from the automatic mini-load warehouse, as well as B2C and individual orders from the online shop.
B2B Wholesale
It is crucial for wholesalers to maintain their own competitiveness, even in the face of new competitors, without losing their own identity and orientation. As prices come under increasing pressure from online platforms, the company's own processes must be highly efficient. The core here is logistics, which is increasingly becoming the focus of customers who transfer their expectations from private purchases to the B2B sector and who expect a high level of service. Wholesalers face a variety of challenges such as supplying ever larger geographical regions, labour shortages, customer demands for fast delivery times for big product ranges, inventory management between branch and head office, as well as changing distribution and logistics strategies of manufacturers.
Case Study: Ultra-modern Logistics Centre at REISSER
The GEBHARDT Intralogistics Group established a state-of-the-art central warehouse for REISSER, a renowned specialist retailer for bathroom equipment, installation and heating technology at its Böblingen head office location to enhance the delivery capability of all its branches and the various warehouses. The goal was to implement a sustainable intralogistics solution that would provide optimum support to the company in its further growth, especially as a partner between industry and trade.
How to Get Started with E-Commerce Automation
Getting started with e-commerce automation is straightforward. Here’s how we typically approach new automation projects for warehouses and distribution centres:
Initial consultation
We discuss your short- and long-term operational objectives, as well as any specific requirements for your warehouse or distribution centre operations.
Requirements analysis
Our team reviews your existing processes, systems and operational constraints to develop an automation concept tailored to your facility.
Implementation and scaling
After selecting the solution, we support implementation and ensure the automation system integrates seamlessly and can scale as your business evolves.
View More Case Studies
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