INTERVIEW BUSINESS FORUM
THE FUTURE OF WAREHOUSING
For more than two decades, SIBA System Integration GmbH has been at the forefront of the times with its focus on fully automated high-bay warehouses. But in an era of globalisation and just-in-time production, large inventories were long considered uneconomical. However, this view is increasingly changing as more and more customers recognise the many benefits of modern, customised automated warehouses. This realisation has brought SIBA growth rates of 50% in recent years.
‘There are various factors behind our current strong growth,’ emphasises Managing Director Alfred Altmann. ‘However, the massive increase in property prices in recent years is undoubtedly the most important of these. While warehousing was still considered a financial burden 20 years ago, the financial argument in favour of our solutions is no longer decisive today in view of the rapidly rising prices.’
EFFICIENCY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
The warehouse of the future is back in demand as companies seek to stabilise their supply chains after the disruptions of the recent past. Companies are looking to maximise the efficiency of their investments. According to Alfred Altmann, the balance has shifted heavily in favour of the solutions offered by SIBA. ‘A manual warehouse with space for 10,000 pallets requires an area of at least 6,500 m2. With our automation technology, the same pallets can be stored on just 2,500 m2. We save space by using narrower aisles and building upwards. The smaller footprint means the costs are the same as a manual warehouse, so amortisation is no longer an issue.’
INNOVATION AND PRECISION
The storage and retrieval machines, which are SIBA’s core technology, move quickly and efficiently through the narrow aisles. Mounted on rails, they are responsible for storing and retrieving goods. Unlike human labour, they work independently of temperature and lighting conditions. ‘We can fully utilise the advantages of the automated warehouse. If we only have to heat the room to six degrees and can do without lighting, we can reduce costs considerably,’ explains Alfred Altmann. Thanks to continuous further developments, the storage and retrieval machines have become increasingly powerful. ‘They can move a payload of up to 24 tonnes,’ adds the Managing Director. ‘This is standard today, but was unthinkable 20 years ago.’
TARGET GROUP-ORIENTATED STRATEGIES
The company traditionally serves markets in the food and beverage trade with a focus on dry goods. ‘We have established a strong position as a solution provider for long-life products,’ explains Alfred Altmann. ‘Recently, we have seen growth in the frozen sector, which reflects the rise of the convenience sector over the last ten years.’ The Managing Director expects further automation of the product range in the supermarket sector, which will lead to further growth.
A LEADER IN INNOVATION
‘Our solutions for fully automated and AI-controlled warehouses have put us at the forefront worldwide,’ says Alfred Altmann proudly. ‘We secure our technological lead by investing heavily in research and development. Equally important is our ability to respond to customer needs and offer customised solutions.’ The strategy is to specialise in fewer products. ‘This applies to all industries,’ the Managing Director is certain. ‘This is the only way for companies to become more efficient and counteract the shortage of skilled labour. That’s why our focus remains on speeding up in-house order picking processes.’
PERSONAL EXCHANGE DESPITE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
Personal contact with customers is important to the company. ‘We will be exhibiting at LogiMAT again this year,’ says Alfred Altmann. ‘However, this year we are focussing on a picture and video presentation due to the increased costs. We are looking forward to exchanging ideas with customers.’
