Route train in Herrenberg

Despite all the automation advances, the pandemic left its mark on intralogistics providers. The price of steel, in particular, is a problem, says Philipp Hahn-Woernle, CEO of the Viastore Group. However, digitalization is creating new opportunities. IT is driving increased revenue and transparency in material flows and supply chains.

The industry itself was suffering from supply bottlenecks in raw materials and intermediate products, and persistently from microchip shortages that hit premium car manufacturers hard. The steel problems also affected Viastore, as while demand for storage systems remained strong, it disrupted pricing calculations for customers, as Hahn-Woernle had to admit at the annual press conference in Stuttgart – held virtually via video conference. "Passing on the costs directly was simply not possible," said the CEO. "We had to have many discussions."

Among the obstacles that will continue to exist – with or without the pandemic – is the shortage of skilled workers. This situation is, of course, a key issue for intralogistics providers like Viastore, who can leverage their extensive automation portfolio. Given the bottlenecks experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies realized "that they need to upgrade their systems" (Hahn-Woernle).

In theory, everything is paperless.

Sustainability and digitalization are high priorities. Even locations and suppliers, which were previously often spread across the globe, are being re-evaluated. Transparency in the supply chain is desired. "Only high-quality IT can achieve this."

In 2020, Viastore was reasonably satisfied with the company's sustainable positioning, which was good for €140 million in revenue. Hahn-Woernle: "However, we didn't know how things would go in 2021. Now there is also optimism for 2022. "We expect to reach €150 million in revenue in 2022." The €200 million mark is targeted for 2024.

Interestingly, Viastore has now established a Global Project Management Office. Designated contacts can track every construction site worldwide, including construction progress, deliveries, and the performance of intralogistics and automation components in real time. Harald Göbel, head of Viastore's software subsidiary, explains: "We are increasingly delving into our customers' material flow processes," extending even to the material flow of production and assembly. "This is generating entirely new momentum in the industry." New load-handling equipment and innovative, IT-driven processes are contributing to this. But above all, the software division has "never been idle," says Hahn-Woernle. It has continued to operate actively and has experienced phenomenal growth.

Management team with H. Goebel, A. Zschernig, Ph. Hahn-Woernle, Th. Hibinger (from left to right)

Interest in automation solutions has also increased in North America. This is not to save and replace as many workers as possible in the heartland of "capitalism," but rather driven by a significant shortage of skilled workers. Automation is being pushed forward here practically out of necessity.

Viastore continues to focus on the manufacturing industry. At a process measurement technology provider, the system integrator handled the expansion, centralization, and automation of intralogistics. The Magazino Soto 2, which operates completely autonomously, was deployed for internal product transport. Long-standing customer Phoenix Contact, a manufacturer of electronic products, also benefited: Production and logistics in Herrenberg were restructured. With a new warehouse, tugger trains, and automated loading and unloading stations, both delivery performance was increased and the foundation for easy future expansion was laid. In Blomberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Phoenix relies on an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for production supply – enabling the flexible and short-term production of even small batch sizes. This resulted not only in an 85 percent reduction in work-in-process inventory but also freed up more space for additional production facilities.

Viastore has also implemented a special pilot project in Spain with one of the world's largest food producers, integrating the Atlas 2D shuttle storage system. The key feature of this pallet system is that the shuttles can move both within the storage channels and in the main aisle, independently changing direction.

Photos: Viastore/A1

Thomas Hibinger, COO of Viastore-Systems, reports on projects at Kaeser Kompressor, thyssenkrupp elevator, KSB, Varta, Electrolux, and Claas. "Many have been working with us for a very long time." Notable retrofit projects at Rettenmaier and IKEA were also successful.

At «Maison du Monde» in Heudebouville, France, a specialist in heavy furniture, Viastore ensured a 50% saving in storage space through better structuring; 30% less volume is now required for loading onto trucks because packing is more dense.

There's a touch of pride in the fact that in Detroit, at one of the world's largest automakers, the "Factory" for electric vehicle batteries is achieving "zero emissions" using Viastore equipment. Further plants are planned in Mexico and the southeastern United States.

A new storage and retrieval machine for heavier loads, featuring a new mast and hoist concept, is designed to operate at heights of 10 to 45 meters and handle payloads of up to 2,400 kg. "We previously had a gap in this area," the company stated. A channel shuttle for multi-deep pallet storage is still under development.

Nevertheless, as can be seen in presentation videos, papers still occasionally flutter around in customer companies despite all the "paperless" innovations. Goebel says this is also a matter of how the customer's employees handle things. Some simply still need a traditional form of visualization. Hahn-Woernle adds, "Some people also find it easier to work with a printed CAD drawing from time to time." The software experts say that, theoretically, no paper is needed anymore.

www.viastore.com