Cimcorp Automates Fresh Food Supply Chain for REWE Supermarkets

[Erkan Teskancan]

## Cimcorp Automates Fresh Food Supply Chain for REWE Supermarkets

REWE, one of Germany's leading supermarket chains, has automated critical fresh food operations at its Oranienburg logistics center in collaboration with Cimcorp. This move has ensured high speed and reliability in fresh fruit and vegetable distribution.

The new automated supply center in Oranienburg is designed to provide seamless, error-free product distribution to over 370 supermarkets and 580 stores in the Berlin region. Through this collaboration, REWE has transformed the core of its fresh produce supply chain, achieving significant improvements in efficiency and employee satisfaction.

### Timely and Reliable Deliveries

Approximately 29,000 units are processed daily by Cimcorp's automated order picking system. Cimcorp's Warehouse Control System (WCS) manages barcode scanning, depalletization, inventory management, and shipping processes in real-time. This software maximizes transparency, security, and system uptime in warehousing operations.

### REWE's Operational Success

Matthias Menzel, General Manager of REWE Oranienburg Logistics Center, stated, "Every minute is precious in fresh food logistics. Thanks to automation, we don't miss delivery windows, thereby preventing financial losses." He also emphasized that employees are happy to work with new technologies and that the reduced workload has increased motivation.

### Technical Infrastructure and System Features

• Robots, conveyors, and inventory management work in full integration with Cimcorp WCS.
• FIFO (First-In, First-Out) and FEFO (First-Expiry, First-Out) principles are applied.
• Products are stacked ergonomically, considering workload balance.
• Each case, stack, and pallet is uniquely identified and tracked.
• The system operates redundantly against failures thanks to two robot cells and transfer vehicles.

### Solutions for Labor Challenges and Working Conditions

The physical strain of heavy lifting and labor shortages have become major problems for retailers. Cimcorp's automation solutions reduce the physical burden on employees, offering a safer and more sustainable working environment.

### Future Collaboration

The Oranienburg facility serves as an example in REWE's logistics transformation, supporting fresh food supply year-round in one of Europe's most demanding retail environments. Cimcorp and REWE are setting new standards in supply chain logistics through innovation and collaboration.

REWE and Cimcorp ensure confidence not only for today but also for the future through rapid adaptation and continuous improvement.

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### About Cimcorp

Simplifying material flows since 1975, Cimcorp is a global system integrator offering unique automation solutions in food retail and tire industries. With user-friendly software and a lifetime service guarantee, it increases its customers' profitability. As part of Murata Machinery Ltd., Cimcorp provides worldwide support.