BÄHR Verpackung: Successful digitalization of warehouse logistics

Successful Digitalization of Warehouse Logistics at Bähr Verpackung

BÄHR Verpackung, a leading distributor of packaging materials based in Bremen, has taken the opportunity to fundamentally digitalize its logistics processes as part of its move to a modernized 27,000 m² warehouse. Together with Arvato Systems, the cloud-based warehouse management system platbricks® was introduced - including mobile applications, process digitization and integration of the company's own vehicle fleet. The result: more transparency, fewer manual processes and significantly more efficient logistics processes.

Customer Benefits

Intuitive mobile processes without complex masks

Better utilization of your own vehicle fleet

Transparent and efficient picking processes

Mobile goods receipts without loss of travel

SSCC standard for end-to-end traceability

Efficient inventory and replenishment processes

The intuitive usability of the mobile applications and the seamless mapping of our processes have taken our logistics to a new level.

Ulrich Bähr | Managing Director

Friedrich Bähr GmbH & Co.KG

Project Overview

Initial situation

Before the introduction of platbricks®, many processes at BÄHR Verpackung were paper-based, not very digitized and heavily dependent on manual coordination. When the company moved into a new 27,000 m² warehouse, it became clear that this way of working was reaching its limits. A modern warehouse management system was needed to ensure transparency, efficiency and stability of the processes - especially with growing volumes and a wide range of packaging materials.

Vision

BÄHR Verpackung wanted fully digitalized warehouse logistics that supported all intralogistics processes - from goods receipt to processing and goods issue - from end to end. The aim was to establish mobile processes that guide employees intuitively through tasks, reduce errors and create transparency in real time. In addition, the company's own vehicle fleet was to be more closely integrated and additional logistics services such as cutting or customization services were to be mapped digitally.

Solution

Arvato Systems implemented platbricks® WMS with all mobile solutions. The implementation was carried out in several go-lives parallel to active operations, minimizing risk. In addition to standard processes, mixed, full pallet and small parts picking as well as loose goods were integrated. A mobile goods receipt module, connection to the route planning system, value-added services and an interface to the ERP system (42 ERP) complete the solution. In addition, BÄHR Verpackung introduced the SSCC standard.

Our Services

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In the project with BÄHR Verpackung, Arvato Systems was responsible for the complete introduction of the platbricks® warehouse management system, including all mobile applications. Our services included the moderation and implementation of joint requirements workshops, the customizing of the system and the iterative handover of all process areas to the project team. We also accompanied two risk-minimized go-lives, which took place parallel to ongoing operations.

We integrated route planning for the company's own fleet of vehicles, developed an individual interface to the ERP system "42 ERP" and mapped a wide range of additional logistics services, including cutting processes, individual carton printing and the picking of loose goods. The changeover to the SSCC standard was also implemented. Thanks to the close collaboration on site, short distances and our many years of WMS expertise, we were able to modernize the process landscape of BÄHR Verpackung in the long term.

Successful Collaboration

The collaboration between BÄHR Verpackung and Arvato Systems was characterized by an open, partnership-based exchange at eye level. Due to the close proximity, many topics could be worked on together directly on site - side by side in the warehouse, directly on the system and close to the real processes. Communication was deliberately personal, which accelerated coordination and strengthened mutual trust.

BÄHR Verpackung benefited from the project team's many years of warehouse management experience: process ideas, best practices and optimization suggestions were quickly adopted by the customer and incorporated into the new processes. Even during construction phases, delays or parallel live operations, the collaboration remained constructive and solution-oriented. Challenges were addressed jointly and solved pragmatically so that a high level of delivery capability could be guaranteed at all times despite the ongoing modernization.

About BÄHR Verpackung

BÄHR Verpackung, based in Bremen, is one of the leading packaging specialists in Germany. For over 90 years, the family-run company has stood for reliable industrial quality, personal service and sophisticated packaging solutions. With more than 6,000 items in over 27,000 m² of warehouse space, a team of over 160 specialists and a daily shipping volume of more than 600 pallets, BÄHR Verpackung supplies everything from standard cardboard boxes and sustainable packaging to individually printed boxes and adhesive tapes. Fast, economical and precisely tailored to requirements. The range is complemented by additional logistics services such as cutting processes and carton customization.

BÄHR Verpackung is part of the BÄHR GRUPPE, an owner-managed group of companies from Bremen that combines expertise in packaging, production, disposal and logistics under one roof. In addition to BÄHR Verpackung, the group includes Nord-West Kartonagen as a specialist in cardboard and corrugated cardboard production, BÄHR Entsorgungsmanagement for legally compliant licensing in accordance with ElektroG, BattDG and VerpackG as well as BÄHR Logistik & Service with its own fleet of over 20 trucks for reliable transportation and individual logistics solutions. This structure enables the Group to provide customers with end-to-end support along the entire value chain, from production and shipping to disposal and licensing.

To the Bähr Packaging website