International machine manufacturer ENGEL has centralized its spare parts logistics with cargo-partner to optimize its spare parts supply in Europe and worldwide. The innovative iLogistics Center provides the ideal conditions for this challenge.
ENGEL Austria is an international manufacturer of injection molding machines and parts-handling automation with headquarters in Schwertberg, Austria. To optimize its worldwide spare parts supply, ENGEL was looking for a competent logistics provider who could help centralize and thus streamline the company’s spare parts logistics. The newly constructed cargo-partner iLogistics Center near Vienna Airport which took up operations in June offered the ideal platform for this challenge. As of June 1, 2018, ENGEL has entrusted international transport and info-logistics provider cargo-partner with the handling of its spare parts logistics.
By transferring its spare parts logistics to a central location in immediate proximity to an important delivery hub, ENGEL enables later pick-up by transport providers as well as later order placement by clients. Shipments arriving from different production facilities can now be consolidated more efficiently, resulting in a more competitive cost structure. The reduction of short-distance transport also offers greater independence from potential service errors and delays. ENGEL intends to use the time gained in this way to provide a higher service level for the benefit of its customers.
The machine manufacturer’s main requirements included the storage of small parts, pallets as well as long and heavy goods in a UV-, dust- and dirt-protected environment with constant air humidity. In addition, the facility should enable weather-protected loading and unloading via the truck side and rear. The cargo-partner iLogistics Center in Fischamend offers a comprehensive high-bay rack system including small parts shelves, wide and narrow aisle shelving, cantilever racking, Lean-Lift and drawer cabinets. Thanks to the excellent insulation and quality of the floors as well as air locks at all truck loading bays, the warehouse hall is protected from incoming dirt and dust. Air humidity is measured in regular intervals and remains constant with a maximum of 70%. In addition, the innovative timber construction allows for a cost-effective temperature range between 15 and 26 °C (+/- 2°C). The entire facility is secured by an alarm system and video surveillance.
ENGEL’s requirements in regard to processes and process areas were assessed over the scope of several planning workshops. The machine manufacturer’s sophisticated procedures require separate areas for goods receipt and acceptance, picking and packing, outgoing goods and dispatch as well as quality control by ENGEL’s engineers. cargo-partner adapted the warehouse layout based on these standards and provides the required technical equipment. A specially assembled team of cargo-partner employees was specifically trained by ENGEL for the required processes. The skeleton crew was also defined in a separate workshop.
Harald Wegerer, Vice President Customer Service Division at ENGEL Austria GmbH, is delighted about the effective collaboration: „The cargo-partner iLogistics Center came at the right time in exactly the right place for us. In addition to the fortunate location near Vienna Airport, the comprehensive technical equipment and fine-tuned processes were decisive factors for our choice. cargo-partner has fully convinced us with its competence in warehouse logistics and its flexibility in cooperation.”
A fast and efficient exchange of information is ensured by 20 interfaces between cargo-partner’s WMS (warehouse management system) and ENGEL’s ERP (enterprise resource planning) system. cargo-partner’s IT project management team provides agility in dealing with uncertainty as well as quick adaptability to short-term changes in requirements. The go-live date of June 1 was successfully met, and the relocation of all small parts was completed three weeks before the scheduled deadline.
The cargo-partner iLogistics Center took up operations exactly one year after the ground-breaking on June 1, 2017. On a total area of 12,250 m², the modern logistics facility provides 24,500 pallet spaces as well as a small parts store with 32,000 KLT bins. The award-winning timber construction enables easy temperature and humidity control, low operating costs as well as a considerable reduction of CO₂ emissions. A total of 4,200 m³ of timber was used in this innovative project – this corresponds to 4,200 t of saved CO₂.
