Best Practices Magazine

Issue 27 - December 2022

More and more businesses are digitising and automating their supply chain operations to adapt to market changes. Issue No. 27 of Best Practices magazine features projects of companies that have implemented Mecalux technology solutions to optimise their logistics operations in countries such as Germany, Italy, the UK, France and Spain. Aluminium tin producer Blechwarenfabrik, for instance, automated its 63,000 m² centre in Germany to adeptly manufacture 100 million product units a year.

The magazine also includes an interview with the Director of the Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems (UK) on the impact of digital technologies on logistics. Likewise, it showcases motorcycle helmet and clothing brand LS2 Helmets as an example of warehouse digitisation. The company deployed Mecalux’s Easy WMS software in its warehouse in Spain to be able to distribute 4,500 items a day.

This issue of Best Practices magazine contains technical articles that delve into complex logistics issues, such as returns management and the potential of big data as a strategic improvement tool for decision-making.

Download Best Practices magazine to stay on top of the latest news from the logistics industry.

Issue 26 - Sept 2022

Welcome to the new issue of Best Practices magazine, where you’ll find a broad range of specialised articles, interviews and case studies. In this issue, we present two new technology solutions that will boost companies’ logistics operations: autonomous mobile robots to speed up warehouse productivity and an advanced software program capable of managing up to 10 million items a day.

Software stands as an extremely effective solution for businesses to strictly control their processes. This issue’s article on predictive analytics explains how data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning can help companies adapt to changing environments.

“We’ll see a wide range of different technologies and different types of warehousing in the future, and not just one solution that fits all,” says Nils Boysen, Chair of Operations Management at Germany’s Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Ultimately, the best solution for companies is the one that matches their particular characteristics and logistics needs.

We travel to many countries to find out how businesses from several industries are implementing automated and digital solutions in their facilities to meet changing market challenges. In the UK, for example, British Sugar has relied on technology to supply about half the country's sugar demand. In France, canned foods producer Sabarot has automated its logistics processes to store up to 20,000 tonnes of finished product a year.

Download the magazine to keep up with the latest news in logistics.

Issue 25 - July 2022

In the new issue of Best Practices, we analyse how Mecalux software has helped businesses in multiple sectors improve their logistics processes. Digitisation stands out as an ideal solution for achieving maximum logistics efficiency and gaining greater goods control. You’ll see how online shop Gibon in Slovenia has boosted its warehouse productivity by 30% thanks to Easy WMS. Similarly, agricultural company De Prado has set out to triple its production in Portugal by digitising all its processes with Mecalux software.

In this issue of Best Practices, we also delve into projects of businesses that have incorporated automation in their facilities. For example, in France, FPT Industrial turned to automation to ensure the just-in-time supply of its production lines. Meanwhile, in Spain, 3PL provider Logiscor automated its logistics operations to ensure the continuous movement of over 400 boxes a day.

The magazine includes an interview with Rotterdam School of Management Professor René De Koster on what drives businesses to automate their warehouses. It also features an interview with Mikel Jaureguizar, General Manager of Spanish electrical equipment company Normagrup, in which he explains why the business chose automation to efficiently coordinate its warehouse with the production lines.

This issue of Best Practices also contains a number of specialised articles: an analysis on the potential of the metaverse in logistics, an article on the advantages of automating temperature-controlled cold stores, and a report on the characteristics and applications of the automated Pallet Shuttle system.

Download Best Practices magazine to find out how automation and digitisation have become key solutions for improving business competitiveness.

Issue 24 - March 2022

Did you know that the Global E-Commerce Outlook study, prepared by the US consulting firm CBRE, forecasts that over the next five years e-commerce will require an additional 138 million square metres of warehousing worldwide?

In issue 24 of our magazine Best Practices, we analyse how Mecalux’s logistics solutions have helped e-commerce companies to boost their business. In Poland, the Mecalux technical team has managed to increase the usable storage area by 300% for a leading global e-commerce company. In France, the fashion company Stand-Privé.com has achieved an agile and error-free operation using Mecalux’s logistics management software: the digitalisation of the warehouse has made it possible to control 100,000 SKUs in real time and dispatch 2,600 online orders per day. Likewise, as a result of Mecalux technology, Harcour e-commerce has reduced the time spent identifying and storing items by 65%.

The magazine also includes analytical articles on new trends in logistics. For example, Joakim Kembro, associate professor at Lund University, highlights in an interview how the new generation of automated systems with artificial intelligence is changing the ground rules in warehouses. In addition, Ludwik Wicki, Professor of Economics at the University of Warsaw, explains that a warehouse management system leads to a steady increase in productivity. Finally, Luca Urciuoli, Associate Professor at the MIT-Zaragoza International Logistics Programme, delves into how technology also allows to efficiently face the multiple challenges in supply chain management.

Download the Best Practices magazine now if you would like to keep up to date with the latest trends in digitalisation and warehouse automation.

Issue 23 - December 2021

Welcome to Issue 23 of Best Practices magazine, featuring a brand-new design as well as new content. In our case studies, you’ll see how Polish company EcoWipes has boosted its productivity by 30%, how Decathlon continues to adapt its warehouses to omnichannel and how Würth Modyf has digitised management of its logistics facility to cope with a 550% increase in turnover. The magazine also includes news, interviews, in-depth reports and a White Paper, among other content.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led many companies to reassess their business strategies, especially in terms of logistics. We interview Yossi Sheffi, Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, who explains how the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated warehouse automation. We also talk with Martynas Tamosiunas, Group Supply Chain Manager at Intersurgical, about health logistics challenges that his company has overcome during the pandemic.

The magazine also presents a research study conducted by Lund University in Sweden that reveals that the success of any omnichannel strategy depends on the right warehouse configuration. Likewise, we showcase the Easy Mecalux Education module, a program designed for future professionals in the logistics sector to learn how to instal, configure and operate warehouse management software in a real-world environment.

Stay ahead of the curve — download your copy of Best Practices magazine now!

Issue 22 - August 2021

Want to know how to store 60% of your SKUs in just 5% of your total warehouse surface area? Interested in finding out how to automate an e-commerce facility? The 22nd edition of Best Practices magazine will give you the answers these questions and bring you up to speed on the latest trends in the world of logistics.

The magazine highlights 11 of the Mecalux Group’s customer projects in different sectors and countries, including Incarlopsa’s automated warehouses in Spain for storing frozen meat as well as the facility of 3PL provider Pfeifer in Slovenia. Also showcased is the Producers Dairy warehouse in Fresno, California; equipped with the semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system, this facility has doubled its storage capacity.

The Easy WMS warehouse management system also plays a major role in this issue. More and more companies — multinational BASF, for one — are digitising their logistics operations to obtain total traceability of SKUs, increase operational throughput and eliminate errors.

In addition to news relating to new projects the Mecalux Group is working on around the world, the magazine includes three featured articles: artificial intelligence in logistics, solutions for automating e-commerce facilities, and software for managing stock between warehouses and bricks-and-mortar shops.

Issue 21 - June 2021

Welcome to the 21st edition of Best Practices magazine, featuring 12 case studies of businesses that have boosted their supply-chain efficiency and competitiveness thanks to Mecalux’s personalized storage systems.

Inside, you will discover how Groupe Lorca was able to accommodate all its SKUs occupying 80% less surface area by automating its facility. You will also find out how Aghasa Turis has tripled its storage capacity and increased the orders it prepares by 27% with a comprehensive logistics solution. Additionally, you will see how Hacienda la Albuera has grown by 85% since it installed an automated warehouse that operates at two different temperatures.

This issue also includes projects of customers that have streamlined operations in their facilities with the Easy WMS warehouse management system. This is the case of Spain’s Motos Bordoy, which can now manage 160% more SKUs. Also illustrating this is Yamazen in the US, which now has an optimized supply chain with total product traceability.

Likewise, you can read all about new projects we are working on throughout the world. Finally, our featured article is devoted to the Marketplaces & Ecommerce Platforms Integration module, an extension of Easy WMS that is ideal for companies that sell their products via one or more online channels.

Issue 20 - March 2021

We are pleased to announce that we have just launched the 20th issue of Best Practices magazine. Inside, you will find 10 examples of businesses that have modernised their logistics systems by working with Mecalux. Companies in a variety of sectors such as Elaborados Cárnicos Medina (food), Natura Bissé (cosmetics) and TAL (electronics) have turned to automation to improve the quality of their service and eliminate errors

Additionally, you will see how fashion accessory distributor Pacomartinez and Intersurgical, the multinational specialising in respiratory care, have completely transformed their goods management processes with the help of Mecalux’s Easy WMS warehouse management system. Intersurgical was able to successfully handle the rise in orders due to COVID-19 by means of digital, modern and effective operations, thanks to Easy WMS.

Of course, the magazine includes the latest on new projects in which Mecalux is involved. And, lastly, it contains a featured article on Multi Carrier Shipping Software, the Easy WMS module dedicated specifically to organising the order packaging, labelling and dispatch processes.

Issue 19 - January 2021

We are pleased to announce that the 19th issue of Best Practices magazine is now available for download. It includes 11 projects from customers who have relied on Mecalux’s storage and management solutions to improve their supply chains.

Find out how Easy WMS was implemented in Espace des Marques’ warehouse remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. See how Groupe Bert obtained the same storage capacity while occupying 73% less surface area. And learn how Industrias Yuk and Intersurgical have centralised their logistics processes by consolidating goods distributed among various installations into a single, highly automated centre.

On the other hand, we’ll show you how the Easy WMS warehouse management system continues helping companies streamline their installations. For example, this software has enabled Cimasa to boost its productivity by 25%, while e-commerce firm Global Freaks has tripled the number of orders it dispatches every day.

As always, Best Practices magazine also includes news about the latest projects Mecalux is working on around the world. Lastly, you can read an article analysing the Easy WMS module WMS for Ecommerce. With this feature, you’ll optimise picking tasks and simplify operations in an omnichannel warehouse.

Issue 18 - September 2020

Welcome to the 18th edition of the Best Practices magazine, featuring 10 projects Mecalux has carried out for leading companies in their respective sectors. These firms are all characterised by the drive to renovate their logistics systems. Accordingly, Mecalux has equipped them with storage solutions personalised for each specific need.

Find out about the workings of a completely automated storage aisle operating at two temperatures, with three types of products and three different unit loads. See how Finieco automatically manages the 1.5 million paper bags it manufactures every day. Automation of logistics processes is the key to success, as reflected in the installations of Cosmopak, Finieco, Surplus Moto, Pons Químicas and Luca Cuccolini.

Likewise, automated management via our warehouse management system, Easy WMS, plays a starring role in this new edition. We analyse, among other projects, the way in which Easy WMS has sped up management at the installation of wine company Viñas Familia Gil. We also illustrate how Maison François Cholat provides total traceability of the 1,800 SKUs it handles.

The magazine also includes news related to other projects Mecalux is currently working on around the world, in addition to two very interesting featured articles. On the one hand, we explain how to move to more advanced warehouse management with Easy WMS modules. On the other hand, we answer the most common questions about the Movirack mobile pallet racking system, the ideal solution for optimising surface area without forfeiting direct access.

Issue 17 - May 2020

We are pleased to present the 17th edition of the Best Practices. In this issue, you will find out how Miguélez manages the 35,000 tonnes of cable it manufactures every year. You will also see how Motocard has efficiently tackled the challenge of omnichannel retailing. In addition, we will give you all the particulars on the automated warehouses of Lantmännen Unibake in Poland, Zbeda in Israel and La Piamontesa in Argentina, all equipped with latest-generation technology.

Our warehouse management system Easy WMS also plays a major role in this issue; it has helped companies such as furniture manufacturer Forma 5, baked goods producer Nicopan and 3PL operator Casintra to streamline and enhance their entire supply chain. Productivity, traceability, safety and agility are some of the most significant advantages provided by a WMS.

As always, the magazine also includes news on the new projects Mecalux is working on around the world.

Issue 16 - February 2020

Welcome to the 16th edition of Mecalux’s Best Practices magazine. In this issue, you will learn about twelve new projects of customers who have relied on technology to modernise their businesses and raise their supply chain performance.

Inside, you will see how Nestlé has optimised its warehouse space in Argentina and how Decathlon has transformed its logistics centre in the UK to meet the challenges of the omnichannel strategy. In addition, you will see how companies such as Nupik International, Cistér and SAM have chosen to automate their operations with highly technological solutions, while other firms, such as Créations Dani, WISAG and Heidelberg, have benefited from Easy WMS without incorporating an automated warehouse.

Last, but by no means least, this issue features news related to the new projects Mecalux is working on around the world. Be sure to download your copy of the Best Practices magazine!

Issue 15 - October 2019

The fifteenth issue of our Best Practices magazine contains thirteen projects by companies whose supply chains have benefited from Mecalux's collaboration. Among these ventures, the new Luís Simões centre stands out, where more than 100,000 pallets are stored and around 4,000 orders are prepared daily thanks to an automatic warehouse that acts as an order sequencer. HAVI, on the other hand, runs a warehouse in Portugal split into three areas and which operates at ambient and refrigerated temperatures, or down to -20 ºC.

In the field of non-automated warehouses, discover how Adidas can now store 16 million boxes and prepare 150,000 daily orders for online and retail sales. Likewise, three case studies show that, despite not being equipped with automated solutions, various companies have successfully rolled out Easy WMS, Mecalux's management software. The ongoing aim is to optimise their logistical processes and provide an efficient service to their customers.

The magazine also includes news about brand new projects we are working on, as well as an article explaining how Mecalux Software Solutions has been recognised in the Gartner Europe Context: ‘Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems’ report, published in July 2019 by the world's leading research and advisory company.

Issue 14 - July 2019

Download the fourteenth issue of the Best Practices magazine today and discover thirteen projects by companies that lead their sector and are reaping the benefits of Mecalux's storage and management solutions. On its pages, you can read how the Rossignol Group has tailored its warehouse in France to its omnichannel business strategy or how Danone manages its complex supply chain operations with the Easy WMS warehouse management system.

You will also discover details on what warehousing solutions have been installed at the Coca-Cola Refrescos Bandeirantes distribution centre in Brazil. Plus, you will gain insight into the most efficient systems deployed in e-commerce shops such as TopTex (clothing and accessories), Deguisetoi.fr (costumes and party supplies) and Eobuwie.pl (shoes and accessories).

The magazine also contains the most important news in the industry, as well as an extensive report analysing the functionality, benefits, features and applications of the semi-automatic and automatic Pallet Shuttle system.

Issue 13 - April 2019

Are you curious about how Decathlon's warehouse in Poland has streamlined online order preparation? Plus, discover how Tadim introduced Industry 4.0 operations by automating all its logistics centre's operations in Turkey.

Don’t miss out on the thirteenth issue of the Best Practices magazine since it comes with eleven amazing examples of customer success stories. These are about leading companies in their sector that, thanks to the collaboration of Mecalux, have renovated and improved their supply chain to adapt to the emerging needs of the market.

Among the articles, you will also see how Mecalux has tailored the spare parts automated warehouse of multinational GKN Driveline, meaning it can now handle boxes weighing up to 200 kg. Likewise, discover how Grupo Alainé has reached high-performance levels and a top storage capacity in its new installations in France, equipped with up to 43 m deep channels.

Best Practices 13 includes a compilation of some of the newest projects that Mecalux is working on and that will be up and running in the next few months, as well as the most relevant sector news.

Issue 12 - January 2019

Enjoy the twelfth edition of Best Practices, a magazine that features eight case studies about projects Mecalux has provided for customers in all types of industrial sectors, and from various countries such as Brazil, Chile, Spain, Mexico or Poland.

Get the details on Nestlé Purina’s modern production plant that it owns and operates in Chile or how Hero, a foods multinational, has benefited from updating it old warehouse management system with the new Easy WMS of Mecalux in its facilities in Spain. Plus, discover how simulations were used to make sure Chiggiato Trasporti’s warehouse in Italy got earthquake-proof racks that would handle any tremor the region could send its way. Likewise, find out how Benco Dental boosted efficiency and optimised space-purposing in its US warehouse through diverse picking solutions. As usual, Best Practices also includes news on the latest projects we have in the works at Mecalux over the next few months.

Issue 11 - October 2018

The eleventh featured edition of Best Practices rolls out seven customer projects from well-known companies like Decathlon, Michelin and Novartis who have made Mecalux their number one pick for supply chain optimising solutions. Our industry advice will show you how to streamline picking of your online orders, the benefits of connecting your warehouse to production areas or the advantages of setting up the Mecalux Easy WMS.

Plus, the magazine includes breaking news on the sector, as well as a feature article that takes an in-depth look at how to run an omnichannel business model, a trend that is transforming logistics centres around the world. Mecalux has its finger on the pulse of today’s e-tailing logistics and has stepped up to offer software solutions that will make all the difference in your business when adapting to these market trends.

Issue 10 - July 2018

Best Practices proudly presents a tenth digital edition ready for download. This issue is packed with exclusive reports on customer projects by Mecalux, which deliver made-to-measure storage solutions built for businesses from diverse sectors such as food and beverage, automotive and pharmaceuticals. Innovation in warehousing and supply chain is this month’s main focus.

Famous household names, such as Würth, have stepped up to the plate and automated all its logistics processes. Another established leader, Renault, is reaping the benefits of the Easy WMS warehouse management system in their manufacturing warehouse. The case study about online supermarket giant Super Nosso, in Brazil, showcases how it can now prepare 3,000 orders daily.

Loaded with professional colour photography about Mecalux storage systems and the latest industry news, BP 10 gives you the big picture to help you get serious about optimising your business’s supply chain or warehouse. Our feature article about warehouse simulation hits the mark with its in-depth examination of logistics management and monitoring. In the planning stages of a new or expanding storage system, it shows how simulation can benefit your business, helping it run at full strength from day one.

Issue 9 - April 2018

Find out how Nestlé connects the dots between its production centre and its warehouse. And, how does Grégoire-Besson keep a tight grip on more than 10,000 SKUs? This edition of Best Practices includes six customer-focused solutions that showcase companies from different sectors that leveraged upgrades and improved their logistics centres. In most of these cases, automation has been the driving force behind increased productivity across the board.

Do not miss out on our news section, featuring last trimester's top projects by Mecalux. Our new, more modern and attractive design makes this issue a must-have download.

Issue 8 - January 2018

Best Practices rings in the New Year with 8 case studies that take an in-depth look at how some cutting-edge businesses have improved their logistics processes by working with Mecalux. Reduced logistics overhead, optimised picking and more storage capacity are some of the aims fulfilled by the solutions set up in each facility.

Our company magazine, as in previous issues, also includes the latest sector news, and a featured article about the benefits of electrified monorail systems (EMS) –one of the fastest goods transport systems a warehouse can run. An interview with Xavier Pascual, Director of Hispack 2018, tops things off, with an extensive look at what the seventeenth edition of this benchmark event has in store for sector professionals with regards to logistics in packaging.

Issue 7 - November 2017

Do you run an e-commerce business but don’t know how to speed up order picking? Do you want to save on electrical costs in your frozen storage installation? Do you need to make the most of your warehouse space? Best Practices issue 7 includes 10 case studies that explain how the different installed storage solutions were tailored to each customer to achieve high logistics efficiency.

Inside, it features an automated warehouse with 140 m long aisles, an installation that combines various warehouse fulfilment solutions to house more than 73,000 pallets and how a leading e-tailer topped out its warehouse’s product throughput. In addition, the magazine includes the latest sector news and an in-depth article from our experts in which you will gain knowledge about the types, advantages and features of pallet conveyors.

Issue 6 – June 2017

Do you need to streamline picking operations, expand storage capacity, adapt a supply chain to e-commerce tasks, earthquake-proof your racks? Look no further. The 6th issue of Best Practices features diverse examples of installations, with solutions for all kinds of logistics workflows.

In-depth articles from sector experts round out this quarter’s content, per usual. In this instance, the issue delves into the advantages of cloud-based software; the systems that best provide thermal insulation in cold storage installations; as well as the seismic calculations of racks in Europe.

Issue 5 - March 2017

From large automated installations looking for top storage capacity, to warehouses using pallet racking and conveyor circuits to streamline order preparation, Best Practices 5 offers up 16 case studies with examples of all kinds of solutions for supply chain optimisation.

The magazine also includes two new in-depth articles: one scrutinises advances in the structural behaviour of racks during earthquakes, focusing in particular on Chile; while the other explains some keys to reducing energy consumption in automated warehouses.

Issue 4 - December 2016

The final 2016 issue includes 18 case studies, which illustrate a wide variety of projects adapted to the constraints of leading companies in the following sectors: food and beverage; transport and logistics operators; plastics; health care; chemical and cosmetic products; and hardware and industrial supply.

All this is rounded off with the most important quarterly news and two new articles from our experts, with an in-depth analysis of the benefits of new batteries and supercapacitors for automatic handling equipment, and a closer look at the various types of existing finishes in the market to protect metal racking from corrosion.

Issue 3 - September 2016

This third's edition includes 15 new case studies with different types of storage projects implement around the world. Each of the presented examples shows the best solution for each specific need.

From custom pallet racking to locate and maintain 50,000 rolls of cloth, or the design of a "warehouse model" for all the Renfe maintenance centres, and even a massive picking installation with conveyors to streamline the online sale of shoes, the featured storage projects in this quarterly edition encompass all sorts of logistics operations.

Issue 2 - June 2016

This edition includes 18 case studies showing different challenges and the storage solutions adopted to resolve them in the most efficient way.

The companies represented (such as Cepsa, Bodegas Protos or Schneider Electric) belong to diverse sectors: food and beverage, chemical and cosmetic products, transport and logistics operators, construction, paper and derivatives, electricity and electronics, etc.

The issue is complemented by two interesting articles written by our experts: "Choosing the ideal system for storing pallets", and "The advantages of intelligent warehouse management".

Issue 1 - March 2016

The Best Practices magazine was created to show the actual implementation of Mecalux storage solutions and warehouse management software in selected projects. In this way, companies from any industry or of any size can follow these success stories to solve their own logistics needs.

The case studies included in this first issue range from the spectacular 46 m high clad-rack automated warehouse built for Hayat Kimya, to the installation of a high-density automated warehouse with Pallet Shuttle and stacker crane for the meat company Hemosa.