TGW Logistics has implemented a SmartPocket system at the Austrian mail order company Personalshop. The project in Polling marks the world premiere of this new pocket sorter in a customer environment.
SmartPocket distinguishes itself by using autonomous mobile robots instead of classic chain conveyors. These self-driving robots transport pockets of goods to their destination, which increases efficiency, reliability and scalability.
Personalshop, an international retailer of branded clothing and accessories, sells through web shops, catalogs and stores and serves more than two million customers in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The company has more than 400 employees and will achieve a turnover of 275 million euros in 2024.
Due to the strong growth in order volume, Personalshop decided to further expand its highly automated fulfillment center in Polling. With the new system, the company wants to be able to reliably process up to 70% higher order volume, without a high initial investment.
The pockets move over a 2.5 km rail network without moving parts in the rails or intersections, which limits maintenance and energy consumption. The system automatically places items in the pockets, while a camera checks whether the pocket is filled correctly.
