Despite the lures of the digital world, the popularity of some traditional toys still endures. For manufacturers such as Ravensburger AG, the demand has risen during the pandemic. The increase in sale associated by an adjustment of Ravensburger distribution channel, brought new challenges for Mošnov warehouse operated by Geis. Actions required not only an increase of storage space, but also number of dispatched trucks and containers has grown.
Three years ago, when the puzzle and game manufacturer signed the contract for warehousing service with the logistics company Geis, no one had an idea that the project would triple in warehouse space within two years. Today, Geis stores goods on more than 20,000 m2. During the process of shipments preparation, the individual requirements of recipients must be taken into consideration. Thanks to the value-added service instructions that are recorded in the information system, it is possible to apply a special label on the product or to build the pallet according to the recipient's wishes. Instructions are displayed to the operators on the used media in the relevant part of the process. To the daily operation belong picking and packing of parcel and pallet shipments, printing and application of identification labels and also quality control during the inbound process or sorting of goods that is no longer intended for sale.
33,000 pallet positions and many trucks shipped daily - no wonder, when puzzles and games from here go to 58 countries around the world. Considering such a goods flow, the warehouse processes need 
to be managed efficiently. To do this, Geis runs a warehouse management system customized for Ravensburger project. It takes all the project specifics into account. The WMS LFS 400 is linked to the Ravensburger AG information system via EDI communication, which streamlines the entire process.
Technology simplifies the work of warehousemenDue to the planned growth in sale or the possibility of shipping goods to other destinations, Geis decided to make the most of the expanded space and equipped the warehouse with vary narrow aisle racks. These are operated by special VNA forklifts. Thanks to the use of induction guide, they move with absolute precision, eliminating the need for drivers to worry about difficult driving. The trucks are also equipped with the navigation, which calculates and determines the optimal route of in/out picking. This makes operator more efficient, reduces training time and also allows fewer human mistakes. Pickers and packers, in turn, are supported by an algorithm prepared by Geis that selects the appropriate carton before the picking process begins. They don't have to think about suitable carton size and in addition less filling material is used.
