DSV implements KNAPP omnichannel solution for Fashion & Sports

The international logistics provider DSV is taking another step towards automation and has commissioned KNAPP with an omnichannel fulfilment solution for their new distribution centre in Venlo, the Netherlands. Equipped with this solution, DSV is ready to satisfy the increasing demand for e-commerce and B2B business placed on their customers in the textile and sports sectors.

Ever-shortening product life cycles, enticing global brands, the rise of social media, and multiple sales channels challenge fashion retail to offer market-appropriate and agile solutions for the supply chain. With outstanding logistics solutions, DSV brings exactly this to the table, helping their customers from the textile and sports sector gain a competitive advantage. DSV opted for KNAPP AG to provide the automation technology and warehouse logistics software they need for their new construction at the DSV campus in Venlo in the Netherlands.

Omnichannel solution featuring shuttle technology

The omnichannel solution consists of a warehouse system based on OSR Shuttle Evo technology, which serves to process orders made in shops and online. The shuttle system brings the required items to the employees working at the picking station who then fulfil customer orders according to the goods-to-person principle. The work stations of the Pick-it-Easy series are ergonomically designed, with each work station having access to every item in the warehouse. At value-added service stations, individual customer orders receive the finishing touches before the dispatch cartons are automatically sealed for delivery and take the fastest route to their recipients.

Over 200 warehouses for retail and fashion worldwide

DSV has more than 200 warehouse locations for different sectors around the globe. The high degree of automation and the trust in the combination of KNAPP technology and software were determining factors for placing the order with KNAPP. “In our new warehousing setup, we are utilising state-of-the-art storage and innovative warehouse automation elements to meet the specific requirements and needs of our customer and their customers. By including the new automated processes and ‘goods-to-person’ methods we increase efficiency, especially by being able to dedicate the resources of our professional staff to the most complex tasks at the warehouse and letting the automated solutions take care of the simple ones,” says Peter van der Maas, Executive Vice President, DSV.

Johannes Holas, Vice President Fashion Solutions, KNAPP AG, adds: “Together with DSV we developed the most flexible design to perfectly suit the requirements of omnichannel fulfilment. The system had to be resilient to changes in the sales channels and ensure maximum efficiency at the same time. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the DSV and KNAPP project teams, we could implement this project in due time despite the pandemic.” The system has started its operation in October 2021.

KNAPP is the partner for omnichannel logistics

In logistics, fulfilling shop orders as well as online business is a special challenge since many different processes, such as storage, picking, returns, value-added services, packaging, and dispatch, must mesh perfectly with each other. With the seamless integration of software and leading-edge material handling technology, the KNAPP group enables companies to make a difference in the service level to their clients.

About KNAPP

KNAPP is a leading technological company and provides intelligent solutions for the entire value chain. Together with their subsidiary Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH in Bielefeld, the KNAPP group’s customers include renowned fashion brands such as Hugo Boss, Olymp, Zalando, Parfum Christian Dior, Esprit and Marc Cain.

About DSV Global Transport and Logistics

DSV provides and manages supply chain solutions for thousands of companies every day – from the small family run business to the large global corporation. DSV’s reach is global, yet the presence is local and close to their customers. 75,000 employees in more than 90 countries work passionately to deliver great customer experiences and high-quality services.