About Sunny Europe

For years, Sunny Europe has been active as a duty-free supplier for the maritime sector in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. In order to expand their activities to e-commerce for private customers, the logistics processes had to be thoroughly reviewed.

The expansion required higher speed, error-free processing and more storage capacity — within the same building.

The logistical challenge

The existing warehouse layout was not designed for e-commerce volumes and individual order processing. Orders were previously processed by ship, leading to longer lead times and limited flexibility.

Sunny Europe was looking for a solution that:

• was able to process individual orders faster
• worked flawlessly, even at higher volumes
• offered maximum storage capacity within the same footprint
• was fully integrated with ERP and customs processes

Vanas's solution

Vanas realized an overall concept in which hardware and software work together in a fully integrated way. The core of the solution consists of eight Modula vertical lifts, linked to an automated receiving area with roller conveyors from Pacoma Systems and an automatic packaging machine from Neopost.

The Gigasoft.Extended Warehouse Management System was fully integrated according to Sunny Europe's specific needs. Not only the automated zone, but also the traditional racks and the showroom with high-quality products are centrally controlled from one system.

In addition, a link was established with Infor ERP LN, so that all necessary customs and logistical data are automatically exchanged. As a result, both inbound and outbound are fully controlled and paperless.

Results and impact

Save space

• Van 550 m² to 215 m² storage area
• Eight Modula elevators replace a two-story warehouse

Quickness

• Lead time halved
• average 150 order lines per hour per warehousekeeper
• Peaks up to 220 order lines per hour

Work flawlessly

• From ± 10% errors to 0% errors
• Extra checkpoints are unnecessary

Stock accuracy & administration

• Real-time inventory management
• No need for an annual inventory
• Completely paperless process

Ergonomics

• Products always at an ergonomic height
• Automatic movement of bins via roller conveyors

Why Sunny Europe chose Vanas

Sunny Europe chose Vanas because of its combination of logistical engineering, software integration and experience with complex e-commerce and customs processes.

Ready for the next step

Thanks to this comprehensive solution, Sunny Europe has a scalable logistics platform that effortlessly supports further e-commerce growth.

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