10 years of business partnership between api and psb: growth achieved together
This year, IT distributor api GmbH and psb intralogistics are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their business partnership. In the year 2014, api decided on implementing psb’s state-of-the-art solutions for its new logistics centre in Baesweiler near Aachen. The requirements were clear: the new system had to be flexible and scalable to meet the dynamic needs of a growing business. Finally, a Multi Access Warehouse (WMS) shuttle system by psb was installed, which convinces with its flexible expandability both in terms of storage volume and throughput.
Since the warehousing system was taken into operation in 2016, api has benefitted from the most efficient automated warehouse on the market. The original configuration of the WMS with an aisle length of 140 metres, 26 metres in height and a throughput capacity of more than 2 000 double cycles per hour and aisle represents a highly efficient solution for automated warehousing.
Meanwhile, api has become one of the leading IT distributors and achieves an impressive annual turnover of over 1.4 billion Euros with a team of more than 800 employees. The high expertise of api’s staff and the wide-ranging network of more than 450 manufacturers and suppliers are the basis for the company’s long-term success. Under the leadership of sales expert Achim Heyne, api recorded continuous growth and was able to triple its annual turnover.
This growth in turnover also means increasing requirements for the intralogistics system. This is why a highly flexible concept was developed right at the start of the cooperation, enabling api to successfully manage this significant increase in turnover and the associated demands on the despatch logistics. The automated warehouse has grown from two to four aisles with over 120 000 storage locations for small parts. A state-of-the art pick & pack system ensures efficient handling of the despatch process. The automated carton handling, from erection to volume optimisation and closing of the shipping cartons, maximises the use of resources in terms of both material usage and workforce capacity.
With its four aisles, the high-performance Multi Access Warehouse achieves a total storage capacity of up to 12 000 double cycles per hour. In total 222 shuttles can access 128 000 tote storage locations. At the picking workstations, also supplied by psb, up to 2 200 orders can be picked per hour.
Thanks to clever planning, the compact layout design and the efficient use of the available space, all expansions could be realised without erecting new buildings.
The trust-based cooperation between api and psb is the foundation of this success story. Throughout the years, a close, friendship-based relationship has developed which benefits both companies. This anniversary is an inspiration for both partners to continue working on innovative solutions to support and boost future growth.
The partnership between api and psb is without doubt a success story that will continue in the future.