Written by Bjorn Hutgens, Manager sales
Estimated reading time 5 minutes
From capacity limits to scalable success
Elektramat is one of the largest online electrical wholesalers in the Netherlands. The company supplies distribution boxes, cables, lighting, charging stations, and installation materials to private individuals and professionals. Due to annual growth of 60%, the old facility quickly reached its limits, resulting in longer lead times. Together with ARCO and AutoStore, Eelektramat took a radical step: the transition to a fully automated intralogistics process.
We spoke with Tim Heijlond, process optimization manager Elektramat.
Customer: Elektramat
Industry:Electrical engineering online wholesaler
Challenge:Annual growth of 60% leading to capacity issues
Solution:Automated intralogistics with ARCO WCS software
Result:Capacity of 16,000 orders per day – from 14 FTE to 4 FTE – full process control
“Thanks to ARCO and AutoStore, we can process 16,000 orders per day”
The heart of the operation consists of automated intralogistics, seamlessly integrated with ARCO’s own WCS software. As soon as an order comes in, the system immediately activates the correct bin. The operator removes the products from the bin and sends the box through the automated line for processing: weighing, filling, sealing, labeling, and sorting to the correct carrier.
The big advantage of a linked WCS? With ARCO’s WCS system, Elektramat tracks every package from order to delivery. This provides more control over the process through data and generates profits through efficiency. For Tim, this is the ideal solution: “We use the data to analyze errors and make processes smarter. This allows us to speed up delivery times and reduce error margins. It gives us the space to continue to grow and expand into neighboring countries.”
Big savings, big impact
The investment in automation has paid off immediately for Elektramat. Not only did it increase capacity, but it also saved hours in various areas. “This allowed us to reduce 14 FTEs to 4 FTEs per day,” explains Tim Heijlond.
Ready for the next step
“In collaboration with ARCO, we have built a very attractive production line that will take us at least 10 years forward. We can maintain our growth curve of 60% and conquer new markets,” Tim concludes.
Will you challenge our team?
Our technical experts are always ready to take on your challenges. Do you face issues for which there seems to be no solution yet? At ARCO we are known for developing innovative, customized systems that keep your logistics moving.
- 24/7 support from our experts
- Tailor-made solutions for every challenge
- Continuous improvement built into every system
What our customers say about us
“With our 60% annual growth, our old facility soon reached its limits. Thanks to ARCO’s automated logistics process, we now handle 16,000 orders a day and have room to keep expanding.”
“ARCO’s experience in the mushroom industry helps us open new markets worldwide with our LED2D technology. The partnership creates a very unique combination of knowledge and technology.”
“We saw great commitment and determination. ARCO didn’t leave until the system was running. That shared drive made the cooperation truly enjoyable.”
“ARCO delivered an automated solution that integrates seamlessly with our pick line. Their dedicated approach and smooth execution made it a partnership worth repeating.”
‘When you both believe in solutions, great results come naturally.’
‘ARCO has simplified our production process. Thanks to the comprehensive package of services and the customized solutions, ARCO is the ideal supplier for us.’
“Our cooperation with ARCO was excellent. Where we previously relied on manual and labour-intensive processes, we now have a fully automated system that makes our production far more efficient.”
“ARCO responded quickly and showed great creativity in the design and test setups. Our close cooperation made the successful implementation of the new packaging line possible.”
“ARCO is a no-nonsense partner that thinks in practical, affordable solutions. With their expertise, they build strong and efficient intralogistics systems. We look forward to working together again.”
‘ARCO’s weighing line has had a major impact on our production. Our new system cuts product losses by up to 6%. It was a successful project and a rewarding collaboration.’
