Hartmann - dedicated to B2C excellence

For service providers such as the Noerpel Group, delivering even the most complex customer requirements is a core priority. A recent example of this is the major new project at our Heidenheim location, where Noerpel built the complete B2C shipping operation for HARTMANN Germany’s Homecare division. 

 

 

Ordering products online and receiving them quickly may seem straightforward, but it requires highly sophisticated logistics processes. HARTMANN Germany, a leading provider of medical and healthcare system solutions, entrusted the Heidenheim branch of the Noerpel Group with designing and implementing its e-commerce fulfilment operation. 'The requirements were certainly ambitious,' says Berthold Bernecker, Noerpel Group's Managing Director of Logistics. 'After all, we are talking about several thousand shipments every day.' 

 

 

To meet these demands, Noerpel installed an automated order-picking system in its new logistics facility in Heidenheim. Spanning 2,000 square metres, it is the first installation of its kind within the company. The system includes a 100-metre conveyor line with ten digital picking stations. There are also 14 packing stations for standard parcels and special-size shipments, as well as an integrated cardboard baler. ‘Alongside installing the picking system, we built flow racks and pallet storage locations, implemented the material flow system, and developed the IT interfaces required for online order processing,’ explains Frank Rudat, Head of Logistics Sales at the Noerpel Group and a leading member of the project team.

The Heidenheim warehouse stocks the full range of HARTMANN Homecare products, including disinfectants, incontinence products and care items. Private customers can order these items online or receive them through their health insurance agreements. “Ensuring reliable and fast delivery for our customers is our top priority,” says Achim Sinn, HARTMANN GROUP's Senior Vice President of Supply Chain. 

 

 

From Zero to Full Speed 

 HARTMANN transmits orders directly to the warehouse in Heidenheim several times each day. Noerpel then picks, packs and prepares the shipments for dispatch, handling up to 12,000 consignments per day across two shifts during peak periods. How is this achieved? “Thanks to the automated picking system, most processes are highly automated, enabling exceptionally efficient workflows,” says Frank Rudat. 

 

The system can erect up to 1,000 cartons per hour and feed them into the conveyor network. Each carton is automatically labelled and routed to the correct picking station based on information from the warehouse control system. There, employees use Pick-by-Light technology to compile the required products for each customer order. The parcels then pass over a scale that verifies order completeness. At the packing stations, the packages are securely filled with protective materials and sealed. Finally, shipping labels and, where required, hazardous goods labels are applied automatically. 

 

 

Achieving success through teamwork 

Every day, several thousand shipments leave the Heidenheim warehouse, with final delivery carried out by parcel and express service providers. 'The entire project was a major challenge for everyone involved, with an ambitious timeframe and extensive preparations,' says Achim Sinn. 'We are delighted that we were able to make it a success together with the Noerpel Group.' 

The Noerpel Group also draws a highly positive conclusion: 'This was an outstanding team effort, with everyone working hand in hand,' says Berthold Bernecker. ‘Together, we successfully launched a remarkable B2C project and established a whole new logistics business segment within the Noerpel Group.’