- The major project at the Heidenheim site is now operating at full capacity.
- Automated order picking for up to 12,000 shipments per day.
- The full HARTMANN Homecare product range is available in stock.
- Integrated B2C logistics and groupage transport solution from a single source
The Noerpel Group has successfully implemented a new logistics project at its Heidenheim site. The logistics service provider now handles all B2C shipping logistics for HARTMANN Germany's Homecare division. In order to process up to 12,000 orders per day automatically, Noerpel has installed a 2,000-square-metre automated picking system.
HARTMANN is one of Europe's leading providers of medical and healthcare solutions. Noerpel's Heidenheim facility now stocks the entire Homecare product portfolio, ranging from disinfectants to incontinence products. Private customers can place orders online, which HARTMANN then transfers to the Noerpel warehouse several times a day.
This latest project builds on the long-standing partnership between the two companies. "We have been supporting the HARTMANN Group with transport and logistics services for many years," says Frank Rudat, Head of Logistics Sales at the Noerpel Group and a leading member of the project team. "We are delighted to expand our cooperation through this highly exciting project while significantly strengthening our B2C capabilities."
Extensive preparation
Planning and concept development began at the end of 2020. By summer 2021, the first HARTMANN orders were moving through the system. The facility is now operating at full capacity. "The project was delivered within a very ambitious timeframe. Alongside the complex installation of the large-scale system, the significant order volume required intensive preparation of every process step. We are pleased that the Noerpel team is now ensuring a reliable supply for our customers," says Achim Sinn, HARTMANN GROUP's Senior Vice President of Supply Chain.
Automated processes
Orders are processed via an automated picking system installed by Noerpel in close cooperation with HEBER Fördertechnik at the Heidenheim terminal. The 2,000-square-metre facility revolves around a 100-metre-long conveyor system featuring ten digital picking stations equipped with pick-by-light technology. The installation also includes 14 packing stations for standard and special parcels, as well as a cardboard compactor.
The system can erect and feed up to 1,000 cartons per hour into the process flow. Working across two shifts, Noerpel can pick and dispatch up to 12,000 orders per day for HARTMANN. "A high-performance IT infrastructure is essential for managing these processes," explains Arnold Ottenbreit, Noerpel Group's IT Managing Director. "Among other measures, we implemented a higher-level material flow control system and developed the interfaces required for online shipping orders."
HARTMANN's shipping orders are transmitted directly to the warehouse in Heidenheim via these IT interfaces, where the Noerpel team prepares them for dispatch. Parcel and courier service providers then handle delivery to private customers throughout Germany.
Groupage transport for healthcare professionals
Orders from large-volume customers, including care facilities, hospitals and pharmacies, are distributed as groupage shipments via the logistics centre in Herbrechtingen, among others. The Noerpel team acts on behalf of IDS Logistik GmbH to manage transport operations for western and southern Germany. Around 20 direct routes and five consolidation services collect palletised orders daily.
For direct transport, Noerpel delivers consignments to the relevant IDS depot, which then makes the final delivery to the customer. Shipments collected through consolidation services are first transferred to the IDS depot at Noerpel Ulm, before being distributed through the IDS network.
"Working alongside the HARTMANN team, we developed a comprehensive B2C solution for our Heidenheim site in a relatively short timeframe. Additionally, we organised the German groupage transport network for major customers through IDS," says Stefan Noerpel-Schneider, Managing Partner of the Noerpel Group. "It was a major undertaking. Seeing the entire operation running successfully today makes all of us extremely proud."
About the HARTMANN GROUP
The HARTMANN GROUP is a leading European provider of medical and healthcare solutions. Every day, healthcare professionals and patients rely on HARTMANN brands in the fields of incontinence management (MoliCare®), wound care (Zetuvit®) and infection management (Sterillium®). The company's brand promise is 'Helps. Cares. Protects', reflects this commitment. In 2021, HARTMANN generated revenue of EUR 2.3 billion. Founded in 1818, HARTMANN has a presence in over 130 countries with its products and solutions.