Automation

We offer automation to all our customers, no matter the size! Have you outgrown your current solution and need to scale up? Do you need automation but find the investment too large? Whatever your challenge, we’re here to help. We automate for our customers!

Let’s start by clarifying the concept of automation

For our customers, automation means speed, flexibility, and customer value. With our extensive experience in automation, we help clients primarily by ensuring faster and more secure order fulfillment. For us, automation isn’t just a word. It’s about creating the best customer-specific solution. In other words, we don’t develop one solution and then adapt it for everyone.

Automation can be difficult to grasp or visualize, which is why the best way to understand it is to visit us and see how everything works.

There’s a lot of talk about automation, and you’ve probably heard terms like fully automated warehouses and companies investing in automation. But before we go further, let’s define: What does automation mean in logistics?

Put simply, automation means using automated solutions instead of manual labor. This could include robots retrieving goods or machines packing orders.

Let’s start by clarifying the concept of automation

Our automation solutions

We offer a wide range of automated solutions to our customers. Each of our sites is tailored to specific logistics flows, which is why they feature different automation setups. This breadth allows us to place our customers’ goods where they fit best, without forcing them into a solution that doesn’t suit their business.

We divide our automation into four categories:
- Picking
- Packing
- Sorting
- Intelligent Peripheral Automation

Picking

Picking is determined first by the type of order, then by the products involved. Based on this, we handle orders in various ways. It’s common for customers to use multiple picking methods to optimize their flow.

Autostore

Autostore is an automation solution that uses innovative robotics for warehouse management. It offers high speed, capacity, and flexibility. It handles large volumes and reduces manual labor. Suitable for both small and large items across many industries.

KNAPP Shuttle OSR

Our shuttle system is the most advanced automation we offer. It combines storage, picking, and partial packing. Thousands of bins are divided into storage locations for customer goods. When an order arrives, the correct bin is sent to a picking station. The system can process up to 500 order lines per station per hour, an exceptionally high rate.

Roboplock

Using our proprietary WMS and custom-developed Roboplocks (hand scanners), we control picking rounds, single picks, multi-picks, DiPa, batch picking, and more. This makes manual picking more automated and digital, resulting in highly efficient flows. In fact, Roboplock often achieves higher output than both Autostore and Shuttle systems.

Vertical Lifts

In collaboration with our supplier, we’ve developed a highly effective system. Bins are delivered to picking stations, and items are picked using pick-to-light technology. The choice to use this method depends on product type, SKU structure, and inventory composition.

KNAPP Flowrack

A conveyor system that automatically dispatches picking bins per order. Bins circulate in a closed loop, stopping in zones where picking occurs, guided by pick-to-light. After picking, bins return to the start for manual or automated packing. Ideal for customers with fewer SKUs but high order volume.

Packing

We offer a range of packing solutions tailored to customer needs, from compact setups to machines over 40 meters long that 3D scan orders and create packaging in real time. The combination of solutions is key, and it’s common for customers to use multiple packing methods.

During Black Friday, our systems packed one order every second.

Examples of our packing automation:
- B+
- Autobag
- Carton wrap
- Semi-automated packing lines
- Bag packing machines
- Box sealers

Sorting

Automated sorting is a vital part of the flow. Using sorting machines and digital solutions, we increase speed and efficiency while reducing errors and manual handling.

Benefits include:
- Faster processing of high volumes
- Reduced staffing needs and lower risk of injury
- More accurate sorting and fewer delivery errors
- Improved traceability and delivery security
- Valuable data insights for our customers

Beyond sorting, we focus heavily on addressing, not just labeling, but intelligent routing. Our WMS, combined with data from ERP systems, e-commerce platforms, or other sources, determines the optimal carrier. It handles all TA processes and uses automated addressing to ensure customers can access all our shipping agreements. Carrier selection can also be based on value, weight, volume, parcels, recipient, country, customs, and more.

Intelligent peripheral automation

This includes all automation integrated with our WMS and systems. It covers specialized customer flows, high-demand processes requiring unique handling, semi-automated optimizations, and more—developed in-house. Why? Because we can. Because we’re good at it. And because it helps our customers.

Why automation?

Put simply, it comes down to two key factors - time and money. One reason to automate is the lack of time. For example, manual processes may take too long, making it difficult to meet cut-off times or manage large flows without creating bottlenecks. Automation helps streamline operations and ensures that tasks are completed faster and more reliably.

The second reason is cost savings. In many cases, the cost of an automation solution is lower than paying wages for manual labor to perform the same tasks. Ideally, automation is both more time-efficient and more cost-effective, delivering greater value across the board.

Benefits of automated processes

There are many advantages to automating warehouse operations. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improved efficiency

By automating tasks, companies can reduce the time required to complete operations, minimize human error, and increase precision and quality. This leads to better resource utilization and higher productivity.

2. Faster processing times

Automation helps shorten processing times by handling tasks that would otherwise take longer manually. This improves order handling speed and reduces delivery times.

3. Increased flexibility

Automation allows businesses to scale operations up or down as needed. Companies can easily manage growing order volumes while maintaining top-tier quality and efficiency.

4. Better data management

Automated systems enable more effective data handling, supporting smarter decision-making. Data can be used to analyze performance, identify patterns and trends, and optimize processes.

5. Reduced costs

Automation lowers costs by reducing the need for manual labor and eliminating errors that can lead to expensive consequences. It also decreases the need for training and resources associated with manual tasks.

6. Enhanced customer satisfaction

Automation improves processing speed, reduces errors, and boosts execution quality, all of which contribute to greater customer satisfaction, loyalty, and a better overall experience.

Skip the headache

While automation offers countless advantages, it also demands an organization capable of handling it. That’s where we come in. Leave the responsibility to us and avoid the hassle. With Shelfless, you won’t have to worry about:

Automation costs

We cover all fixed costs related to purchasing and implementing our automation systems. No need to stress about financing or calls from your bank. With Shelfless, large fixed costs become flexible.

Complexity

Implementing automation can be a complex process requiring specialized technical expertise. Let our experts handle it. We’ll ensure you have a fully functional logistics solution without the headache.

Maintenance and updates

Automated systems require regular maintenance and updates, which can take time and resources. We manage all of this internally, keeping our automation systems running smoothly and reliably.

Integration and IT

Our in-house IT and service teams take care of all integrations, both for automated solutions and our proprietary WMS. You get seamless connectivity without lifting a finger. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your business.