Geschreven door Giel Boonen, Sales Accountmanager
Geschatte leestijd: 5 minuten
Manual processes slow down Wasco
Wasco has been the leading wholesaler in heating, plumbing, air conditioning, ventilation, and parts for more than 50 years. But with a product range of over 500,000 items, capacity issues started to arise in the existing warehouse. Many processes, such as order picking and packing, were still largely manual. This created a strong dependency on FTEs, a higher risk of errors, longer lead times, and limited room for growth.
As Wasco continues to grow, warehouse complexity increases. The solution? One scalable intralogistics system built for what comes next.
We spoke with Gary Knight, Logistics Process Manager at Wasco.
Customer:Wasco
Industry: Technical wholesale / installation materials
Challenge: Rapid business growth in a largely manual warehouse process
Solution: Automated intralogistics with AutoStore, pick-to-light, and ARCO WCS (Warehouse Control System)
Result: 1,000 boxes per hour, full process control, and growth capacity without extra staff
One integrated system as the engine for growth
The real gain in production and processes does not come from automation alone, but from intelligent control. Coordination makes the difference: systems work together, decisions are made automatically, and data drives continuous improvement.
ARCO delivered a fully automated ecosystem for Wasco, where hardware and software work together as one. Instead of separate processes, we created a central engine for growth.
The solution is built around three core components:
WCS (Warehouse Control System)
The intelligent heart of the installation, coordinating and controlling every machine, from AutoStore to conveyor, in real time.
Automated storage
An AutoStore system for fast and error-free order picking on a minimal footprint.
High-speed pick zone
An integrated pick-to-light zone for the 150 fastest-moving items, making manual actions fast and error-free as well.
The result?
Not separate systems, but one integrated solution. Wasco now has full process reliability and the flexibility to scale immediately when the market demands it.
Smart and error-free order processing
Automation eliminates human errors from the process. Where success used to depend on employee knowledge, the system now controls the process. What does that process look like? AutoStore automatically sends the right goods to the operator. This saves time because the operator no longer has to search for the right products. The operators then pack the products in one of three available box sizes. In the pick-to-light zone, light signals tell the operator exactly what needs to happen. This makes the process virtually error-free and enables new employees to become fully productive within minutes.
The system immediately selects the right box size. After an automatic quality check, the box is closed and labeled without manual intervention.
Growing without extra staff
Where peak loads used to lead to stress, overtime, and errors, ARCO’s system now handles these fluctuations with ease. Wasco processes 1,000 boxes per hour with exactly the same number of employees. This not only keeps costs under control, but also creates a future-ready foundation for the next five years.
“We can keep growing with confidence, because we know our logistics can easily handle the acceleration,” says Gary Knight.
Want to know more?
Feel free to get in touch – we are more than happy to discuss all the possibilities, together.
Malfunction? Please, contact us
Will you challenge us?
Our technical experts are always looking for a new challenge. Has your company encountered problems for which there is currently no solution? Here at ARCO, we are known for delivering innovative, customized solutions.
- Our knowledge is your knowledge
- We never stand still
- Going beyond the best solution
Wat onze klanten markt over ons zeggen
“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.”
“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’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.’
“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.”
