Enhancing Warehouse Efficiency

Overview

Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG), located in Tampa, FL, faced increasing product demands and operational inefficiencies. To maintain market position and meet customer needs, they needed a solution to maximize storage capacity, boost operational efficiency, and support peak production times. PBG selected Westfalia Technologies Inc. for their proven expertise in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

Westfalia’s scalable, efficient, and reliable solutions were essential for overcoming PBG’s warehousing challenges and ensuring continuous, high-level productivity and customer satisfaction. In 2010, PBG became part of PepsiCo, further enhancing their capabilities and reach in the beverage market.

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Addressing Operational Inefficiencies

Challenge

Pepsi Bottling Group (now PepsiCo) was navigating a significant operational challenge due to escalating product demands. The key issues they faced included insufficient storage capacity, operational inefficiencies, and scalability concerns. Their existing facilities could not accommodate the growing volume of products, leading to overcrowded warehouses and difficulties in managing inventory effectively.

Operational bottlenecks during peak times affected production efficiency and throughput. Increased manual labor requirements resulted in higher labor costs and a greater likelihood of errors. These inefficiencies hindered their ability to meet production targets and maintain high levels of service for their customers.

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Innovative Warehouse Automation

Solution

Westfalia provided a comprehensive solution for Pepsi Bottling Group (now PepsiCo) by implementing a High-Density AS/RS and Savanna.NET® Warehouse Execution System (WES). This high-density AS/RS optimized storage space, enabling efficient handling of peak production and preparation of various types of pallets for shipment. The Savanna.NET® WES managed all product flows throughout the facility, seamlessly integrating with existing systems to create a cohesive platform for warehouse operations.

The system featured advanced automation and robotics, including KUKA robots for layer picking and palletizing, and additional technologies such as pallet squaring stations, stretch-wrapping, and print-and-apply labeling. High-Speed Layer Picking (HSLP) and Mixed Layer Picking (MXLP) systems significantly improved efficiency, achieving rates of 3,000 and 2,000 cases per hour respectively, far surpassing traditional manual methods.

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Specifications

System Features

Table Description
Specification
Description
Size

AS/RS Footprint: 27,041 sq. ft.

Capacity

Number of aisles: 1

AS/RS pallet storage: 14,000 positions

Technology

2 Satellite® SR/Ms in 1 aisle, 13-levels high

Integrated with KUKA full layer palletizing and mixed layer palletizing robots

Software

Savanna.NET® Warehouse Execution System (WES) integrated into existing ERP and WMS

Operational Success

Results

The implementation of Westfalia’s solutions led to significant improvements and benefits for Pepsi Bottling Group (now PepsiCo). Automation streamlined operations, enabling them to handle higher volumes of products more efficiently. By automating key processes, they reduced their reliance on manual labor, leading to cost savings. Automated systems improved precision and accuracy in product handling and order fulfillment, reducing the incidence of errors. The new systems supported their commitment to sustainability by reducing energy consumption and optimizing resource use.

PepsiCo’s Gains From Automation

Benefits

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Enhanced Productivity: Streamlined operations for peak efficiency.

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Reduced Labor Costs: Automation decreases manual labor requirements.

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Minimized Errors: Precision and accuracy through automated processes.

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Eco-Friendly Operations: Sustainability achieved with innovative technology.

The Westfalia Difference

Triple Rail System

Protect your pallets from deflection and breakage with the only proven triple-rail system on the market, exclusively engineered by Westfalia for unmatched stability, increased load capacity, and efficient movement.

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