Coca-Cola Femsa in Uruguay embarked on an exceptional renovation project at its distribution centre with the aim of optimising logistics operations and precisely managing the flow of goods.
In collaboration with OCME, the company successfully implemented an advanced automated system based on Auriga 30 CT laser-guided vehicles for the management of the flow of empty bottles and finished products, demonstrating great expertise and a spirit of collaboration.
The automated solution
The implementation resulted in a fully automated warehouse covering an area of 8,300 sq.m. This space is managed by 8 Auriga 30CT shuttles, equipped with masts capable of working on different types of shelves including the TWIN LOAD, which allows one or two loads to be handled simultaneously. Goods are also placed on Gravity racks to optimise space efficiency.
The handling of all goods is ensured by the Auriga 30CT counterbalanced shuttles, which are equipped with a highly flexible mast capable of extending up to 7 metres and lifting loads of up to 3,000 kg. These laser-guided vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be conveniently and automatically recharged, a feature also known as “re-charging by opportunity”.
Connectivity is also at the heart of OCME’s logistics solutions: the Integrated Warehouse Management System (WMS) uses sophisticated algorithms designed to optimise operational efficiency and better manage available space. Through a series of variable parameters, the system guides automated vehicles on specific missions, determining the load to be loaded or unloaded. This decision-making process ensures smooth and targeted logistics management, further improving the speed and efficiency of operations.
Operating process
The process starts when products arrive from external warehouses or production lines.
The OCME 4.0 System is interconnected with all production lines, interchange conveyors, barcode readers, shape check systems and the customer’s ERP system.
This interconnection enables the system to recognise the product and its shape as well as initiate the best handling process.
An important aspect is the large picking area where the OCME 4.0 System brings almost all goods together.
This picking area offers the flexibility to handle different types of products, not just the famous Coca-Cola drink. In fact, the system extends beyond the management of the bottling process, embracing a reverse logistics process that also involves finished products from other plants.
Results and impact
The implementation of Coca-Cola Femsa’s distribution centre in Uruguay led to outstanding results.
Let’s analyse them in detail:
- Operational efficiency: The LGV system handles all movements, significantly improving production rate and thus time to market.
- Precision and recognition: The advanced recognition system enables precise handling of goods, improving handling and eliminating errors.
- Versatility: Auriga shuttles, with their flexible forks and lifting capacity, allow for the handling of a wide range of products and recharge automatically without operator intervention, resulting in significant time and energy savings.
Coca-Cola Femsa's bottling and distribution centre in Uruguay, with the LGV system developed by OCME, is a great example of how technological innovation can transform logistics operations and how companies can successfully meet the challenges of the beverage industry by adopting the right state-of-the-art equipment and systems.
This implementation enabled Coca-Cola Femsa to optimise efficiency, improve accuracy and ensure smooth handling of goods, thus enabling faster and more accurate distribution.
The OCME team also demonstrated exceptional commitment to adapting to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and ensuring that the project was completed successfully.
The sincere appreciation from Coca-Cola Femsa attests to the positive impact of this effort on business operations and the partnership between the two companies.
