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The main characteristic of the Zeeman textile Supermarketformula, is a high level of product uniformity and very low prices. Being cost-conscious, the group likes to keep key activities in house. Purchasing, logistics, outlet site acquisition, IT and advertising are controlled in-house, reducing the overall business cost. The consumer enjoys the benefits of discount prices, while Zeeman is able to return a healthy profit. A flat organization structure, short communication lines and a small-scale internal support operation, all contribute to improve the efficiency and flexibility of Zeeman. The Zeeman textile Supermarket is a unique type of outlet, with a capable and motivated work force. In 2001 the goal was to increase the number ofsupermarket outlets to 1000, with a corresponding increase in warehousing capacity, both in storage area and throughput. The Dutch based engineering group DENC carried out a study with the aim of upgrading the existing warehouse, and identified the need for the introduction of a sophisticated materials handling system. CSi was chosen to supply a completely integrated solution including automatic carton handling conveyors, palletisers and an extensive pallet handling system.The second phase of this exciting project involvedautomatic layer picking and unscrambling of the individual cartons, together with the integration of the carton out- feed conveyor into an existing tilt tray sorter.

Universal catalogue - 15678 Self Programming Palletising systemProject principles

The Zeeman Group operates more than 670 textilesupermarkets in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France. The group's head office and distribution center is in the Dutch town of Alphen aan den Rijn, from where all the outlets receive stock, supplied several times a week. The group's product range consists mainly of textiles and basic family clothing; the business is therefore not particularly sensitive to seasonal or economic fluctuations. In addition to its basic product range, Zeeman stocks a variety of non-textile products. The popularity of the group's discount pricing strategy with consumers is evident from its trading performance, attracting thirty-nine million customers a year. Zeeman are also constantly introducing new products, each supported by eye-catching instore advertising campaigns.

At Zeeman in Alphen aan den Rijn in the Netherlands, CSi has delivered a revolutionarynew system for automatically palletising cartons, straight from the sea container. Alsoincluded in the design is an extensive range of carton and pallet conveyors, accurate cartonmeasuring stations and the latest palletisers and system software.The unique aspect of this project is that as the carton dimensions are scanned, the averageis calculated and this information passed to the palletiser. The palletiser softwareimmediately calculates the best layer and stack pattern for the particular carton beingunloaded, ensuring the highest possible levels of stability and pallet board utilisation. Thepalletiser quickly makes the necessary adjustments before the first cartons reach the in-feedconveyor to the palletiser.

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