ODTH, a logistics provider with operations in Belgium, faced challenges in effectively managing and maximizing storage in their warehouse. By partnering with stow and implementing a semi-automated pallet shuttle system (stow Atlas), ODTH achieved significant efficiency gains in their inbound and outbound operations, improved safety for stored products, and increased their warehouse storage capacity by 50%.
How ODTH boosted warehouse efficiency with stow’s semi-automated racking solution
Introduction
ODTH is a leading logistics provider with warehouses in Willebroek, Mechelen, and Rumst, Belgium. With 85,000 sq. meters of warehouse space in Willebroek, ODTH specializes in loading and unloading containers near a major container terminal to facilitate global trade. The company is known for managing large quantities of products daily and delivering exceptional service to diverse customers.
With decades of market expertise and a focus on innovation, ODTH plays a critical role in the supply chain. However, managing storage density and operational efficiency in a high-demand environment remained a significant challenge. Enter stow, a global leader in racking products and systems, to provide a tailored, cutting-edge solution.
The Problem
ODTH needed to address two key challenges in their warehouse operations:
- Storage optimization: With a high volume of goods moving in and out daily, maximizing storage density was essential to accommodate growing demands.
- Operational efficiency and safety: The lack of an efficient racking solution made it challenging to streamline inbound and outbound operations while ensuring safe handling of products and racks.
The complexity of these challenges called for an innovative, high-performing system to ensure customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity.
The Solution
To address ODTH’s challenges, stow implemented its semi-automated pallet shuttle solution, the stow Atlas, along with state-of-the-art racking systems.
- High-density storage: stow Atlas enables ODTH to store a large volume of diverse palletized goods efficiently, even supporting multiple customers in the same environment. This solution increases storage density while maintaining flexibility.
- Enhanced operational efficiency: The pallet shuttle offers fast, reliable handling of pallets with minimal manual intervention. Its user-friendly design ensures seamless integration into daily operations.
- Cost-effective maintenance: With low maintenance requirements, the system demands only annual checks, ensuring long-term cost savings and minimal downtime.
- Quick deployment: The entire installation was operational in just eight weeks, allowing ODTH to see immediate benefits.
Implementation Process
stow collaborated closely with ODTH to assess their specific storage needs and develop a customized solution. The semi-automated Atlas system and accompanying racking structures were quickly installed with minimal disruption to ODTH’s daily operations.
According to Paul Liekens, DC manager from ODTH, this system provided “high-density storage combined with high flexibility, enabling us to handle different types of pallets with one solution.”
Results
The partnership between ODTH and stow delivered exceptional results, transforming warehouse operations and setting a new benchmark for logistics efficiency:
- Storage capacity increased by 50%: The high-density racking solution allowed ODTH to maximize their warehouse space, accommodating additional customer inventory without expanding their facility.
- Streamlined operations: The pallet shuttle system enhanced inbound and outbound operations, significantly improving turnaround times.
- Improved safety: ODTH reported no damage to racks or stored products, ensuring quality and reliability in their service offering.
- Seamless long-term collaboration: ODTH and stow enjoy an enduring partnership, realizing multiple successful projects that continue to drive business growth.
“We have efficiency gains in operations, no damages, and a 50% improvement in warehouse occupation”
Conclusion
ODTH’s partnership with stow exemplifies how innovative racking systems and semi-automated technology can solve complex warehouse storage challenges. By improving operational efficiency, increasing capacity, and enhancing safety, stow’s solutions have empowered ODTH to better serve their customers.
High-density storage combined with high flexibility, enabling us to handle different types of pallets with one solution.
We have efficiency gains in operations, no damages, and a 50% improvement in warehouse occupation
Paul Liekens, DC manager from ODTH
About stow Atlas pallet shuttle®■
The stow Atlas® pallet shuttle system is a deep lane storage and retrieval system. The heart of the system is a carrier used to move pallets within a specifically designed racking structure. This results in an optimised storage capacity. Works in temperatures from -30° C upwards.