Swift order picking and ergonomic work can be done economically with the right lifting technology. With its fully automated logistics enhancement for edging specialist Rudolf Ostermann, FIPA has put into operation a very flexible solution for handling different package sizes.
Rudolf Ostermann GmbH, with headquarters in Bocholt, Germany, is a leading European wholesaler for edges and accessories, dispatching up to 6,000 positions daily. The buyers are craftsmen, such as carpenters, joiners, and those in the furniture industry – a clientele that places the highest value on fast delivery.
Ostermann therefore offers a delivery service within 24 hours for all stock items and ships edgings in minimum quantities from one metre. Thanks to just-in-time delivery, craftsmen across Europe can rely on receiving their missing material without delaying current customer projects. Since warehousing is complex and expensive, more and more craftsmen are using Ostermann as an external warehouse and seldom store any edging material themselves. All this, of course, requires perfectly functioning – and above all, efficient – logistics in the German headquarters of the Ostermann Group.
Searching for a flexible lifting solution
Until now, the edgings were machine-wrapped in foil. A robot then lifted the packaged goods from a conveyor belt and stacked them onto a pallet. This, however, proved very inflexible. In addition, the plastic packaging was neither environmentally friendly nor representative.
Ostermann searched for a solution that could be used to process the various orders and react to the different packaging requirements quickly. At the same time, the solution had to relieve staff of heavy physical work and guarantee occupational safety over the long term.
At a trade show, an encounter quickly developed into a partnership.
Christof Wauters, responsible for the logistics of the family business: “From the first meeting with Mr. Bendrat, my point of contact, I learned to appreciate the skills of FIPA. FIPA knows what they’re talking about. From initial suggestions, we were able to quickly work out an optimum solution together.”
Tube lifters allow for a clean material flow
The handling solution consists of two FIPALIFT Smart tube lifters with fourfold cross beams fitted with Varioflex® bellows vacuum cups. The particularly ergonomic FIPALIFT Smart tube lifter is very frequently used for repositioning and picking of packages. The Smart is easily applied to any side of the cardboard box and lifts it. For precise placement, the lifting unit or load can be easily turned by 360°. Thanks to the elongated controller, the work can be done quickly and smoothly. The Varioflex® vacuum cups, made of a dimensionally stable body and soft sealing lip, ensure a firm grip on the cardboard boxes. Slight unevenness is compensated for by the soft sealing lip.
In the logistics department, the solution has proven itself from day one. “Flexibility is very important to us. With both tube lifters, we order-pick several thousand different shipments each day,” explains Christof Wauters.
The edgings are packed into cartons as rolled goods and can weigh up to 32 kg. The FIPALIFT systems can also reposition packages of different sizes and weights from the conveyor to pallets. The two tube lifters at Ostermann are designed for up to 40 kg.
Christof Wauters exudes enthusiasm: “During the project, we were particularly impressed by the personal on-site consultation and the smooth implementation of the lifting solution. FIPA convinced us with their particularly quick reaction times.”
Meanwhile, the success story continues. Ostermann is expanding the logistics department with further FIPALIFT systems for handling packages and sacks.
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