Logistics modernization: Finsterwalder Transport & Logistik introduces Datamatrix codes in its new logistics center in Türkheim – Creative image: Xpert.Digital
Logistics 2.0: How Finsterwalder optimizes processes with new technology
Increased efficiency with Datamatrix codes in the warehouse: New center in Türkheim introduces modern standards
Finsterwalder Transport & Logistik GmbH has not only significantly expanded its capacity at its new logistics center in Türkheim, but has also made a technological leap in warehouse labeling. The switch from one-dimensional to two-dimensional barcodes (Data Matrix) marks an important step toward optimizing logistics processes and increasing efficiency in goods receipt, storage, and order picking. In close cooperation with the specialist ONK GmbH, over 36,000 labels and 144 signs were implemented for the new logistics system, ensuring more precise and reliable processes through innovative labeling concepts.
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The new logistics center in Türkheim
At the headquarters of the family-owned company Finsterwalder Transport & Logistik, operating throughout Europe, in Türkheim near the A96 motorway, a modern logistics center has been built on approximately 20,000 square meters. The facility offers 35,000 additional pallet spaces in high-bay and block storage areas and also features a 1,300 m² mezzanine area for value-added services.
Mischa Heidrich, Logistics Project Manager at Finsterwalder, emphasizes that the new logistics center meets the highest security standards for the stored goods and is also state-of-the-art in terms of energy efficiency. Its equipment allows for the storage of a wide variety of goods with special requirements, including products that comply with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) standards, goods of water hazard class III, and excise goods.
Technological equipment and service portfolio
The logistics center is centrally controlled from a control room and managed via a warehouse management system to ensure precise control of all processes. "We use state-of-the-art IT equipment and manage all in-house operations paperlessly," explains Heidrich. This technological approach enables efficient and transparent logistics processing.
In addition to traditional warehousing services, Finsterwalder offers a wide range of value-added services at its new center. These include value-added services, display construction, kit assembly, and professional returns processing. This versatility makes the logistics center a comprehensive service hub in southern Germany.
The switch to Datamatrix codes
A key component of the modernization was the labeling of storage locations on shelves and floors. ONK GmbH, a specialist in the labeling and organization of warehouses, supplied and implemented a comprehensive solution for Finsterwalder.
From 1D to 2D: Technological progress in warehouse identification
In total, more than 36,000 labels in various designs and 144 signs for shelf aisles and buffer zones were produced, delivered, and installed. A key element of the upgrade was the switch from the previous one-dimensional barcodes to two-dimensional Data Matrix codes.
Heidrich explained the decision to switch as follows: "By changing from 1D to 2D, we wanted to modernize our layouts and adapt them to the current state of the art. Furthermore, 2D codes are easier to scan, even if they are incomplete, for example, if part of the code is covered or damaged. This advantage significantly increases the reliability and speed of capturing storage location coordinates."
Innovative labeling system
All labels display the 12-digit storage location coordinate in both Datamatrix code and plain text. ONK optimized the existing layout and implemented various improvements for greater efficiency.
Specific labeling solutions were developed for the different storage areas:
- ONK produced labels from PP film for the narrow aisle shelves in two versions: yellow labels with a downward-pointing arrow for the first height positions and white labels with an upward-pointing arrow for all other positions.
- Special label sets were supplied for the storage locations in the wide-aisle racking. These consist of a multi-level label for the bottom crossbeam and four corresponding individual labels for the levels above it, 03 to 06. The multi-level label displays the barcodes of all six levels, including the clearly written storage location designation.
- ONK supplied and installed an additional 144 signs to mark the storage locations in the block storage area, which serve as buffer spaces for goods receipt, goods issue and the provision of picked goods for packaging.
Color coding for optimized navigation
An innovative feature of the new system is the color coding of the different storage levels. For quick and error-free identification of the various levels, each barcode has a unique background color. The first and second height positions are indicated on the multi-level label with corresponding directional arrows.
This color-coding significantly simplifies orientation within the warehouse and minimizes picking errors. During inventory, the barcode can be scanned directly at the respective storage location, further accelerating the process.
Company-wide standardization and long-standing partnership
The new label layout was designed uniformly and implemented at all 13 Finsterwalder locations. This standardization simplifies processes throughout the company and ensures smooth operations across all branches.
Heidrich emphasizes the importance of labeling: “The labels are just as important and essential for managing our warehouse as the warehouse or the shelf itself, because they clearly identify the storage location and thus ensure the assignment to the goods.”
The collaboration between Finsterwalder and ONK has existed for more than 20 years. Heidrich values this partnership: “We greatly appreciate this long-standing collaboration with our trusted contact, as they understand our requirements and always provide us with expert support. We can always rely on the prompt processing from inquiry to quotation and from order approval to delivery.”
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Future-oriented logistics through modern technologies
The switch to Data Matrix codes at Finsterwalder Transport & Logistik's new logistics center exemplifies the ongoing digitalization and optimization in the logistics industry. The implemented solution not only improves the efficiency and reliability of identifying storage locations but also integrates seamlessly into the modern overall concept of the new logistics center.
The combination of high-performance IT infrastructure, paperless processing, and precise warehouse labeling forms the basis for future-oriented logistics. Finsterwalder summarizes this philosophy itself: "Modern barcode technology, smart processes, and a strong team – that's how we at Finsterwalder shape future-oriented logistics!"
With the new logistics center in Türkheim, Finsterwalder has further expanded its presence in southern Germany and simultaneously taken an important step towards process optimization and technological innovation. The switch to 2D barcodes underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its competitiveness and offering its customers optimized logistics solutions through the use of modern technologies.
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