The planning of materials handling and warehousing systems is one of the central components in the development of a new or modernised logistics centre and in the implementation of efficiency improvement measures in the internal logistics. The main cost factors of a logistics or distribution centre are the size and layout of the building, the technology used and the personnel employed. These aspects must be taken into account in the planning and optimised in a way that ultimately achieves a cost-efficient system.

The requirements placed on modern logistics centres have increased significantly over recent years. They must be able to adapt quickly to individual customer requirements and react flexibly to challenges such as fluctuating throughput volumes, changes in the number of articles stocked or small-part order structures. The “perfect” warehouse system must be capable of cushioning peak loads and guaranteeing continuous and smooth operations. It must also keep the responsible personnel informed of the current performance and the warehouse status at all times.

When planning intralogistics, the most important consideration is the demand for maximum utilisation and the capability of the warehouse and material handling equipment to adapt to different requirements, while still maintaining a high level of system reliability and stability. Our principle is: The goods must flow, i.e. they must be transported to the planned destination without obstacles interrupting the flow, junctions or other interfering factors. Warehouse systems should be modular in design, so that they can be expanded as required in modular steps and additional warehouse modules can be easily integrated.

Planning the material flow of a logistics centre gives rise to a substantial need for coordination between warehouse equipment, materials handling equipment and the building itself – a factor which must be taken into account early on the concept and design phase. The schedules and responsibilities for all parties and tasks involved must therefore be closely and reliably coordinated. It is also extremely important to integrate the operator and other responsible persons in a communicative way right from the very beginning, in order to avoid coordination problems and information gaps. With its experienced project teams comprised of business managers, engineers and architects, METROPLAN ENGINEERING ensures that the most economically efficient and most flexible solution is realised for builders, investors and logistics managers.