Fully automated production supply with SAP EWM

KEB Automation KG is a manufacturer of drive and automation technology based in Barntrup, Germany. The company develops and produces electric motors, generators, and transformers for a wide range of industrial applications. With around 1,550 employees, KEB Automation combines engineering expertise with innovation and reliability in advanced automation solutions.

KEB Automation KG is a leading supplier of high-quality drive and automation solutions. The company develops, manufactures, and distributes innovative electronic drive systems, especially for industrial engineering and construction. Founded in 1972 by Karl E. Brinkmann, the family-run company has grown into a global group of companies with around 1,600 employees and six production sites spread across three continents. With the redesign of its system architecture and logistics processes, KEB has taken the next step toward the digital transformation of its supply chain.

New logistics center with SAP EWM as the basis of the new system architecture

Due to the continuous growth of the company and its increasing diversity of products, the existing warehouse structure of KEB Automation KG had reached the limits of its capacity and efficiency. To meet the increasing demands and to future proof its production supply, KEB decided to build a new, central logistics center in close proximity to its production. By consolidating individual, smaller production warehouses into one modern building, the company took the opportunity to fundamentally rethink both its spatial and technical infrastructure. The aim was to make the company’s logistics processes more efficient, more transparent, and largely automated. The solution focused on the introduction of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) as a central control system. This facilitates the digital mapping and central coordination of all warehouse and material flow processes.

Smart picking: pick-by-light and put-to-light systems, AGVs, and intelligent retrieval logic

In addition to the standard functions, the implementation of SAP EWM also included the integration of an automatic container and pallet warehouse, as well as automated guided vehicle systems (AGV), and mobile devices. This resulted in a continuous, system-supported flow of goods from the warehouse to assembly. Thecentral element was the specially developed pick-by-light and put-to-light system, which was connected directly to SAP EWM. The picking process was designed so that employees can work ergonomically and with optimal guidance. This not only increases comfort, but also raises process reliability in the long term. The processes regarding labeling and traceability have also been modernized: All movements of load units and goods can be digitally tracked via QR codes and RFID chips – a further step toward paperless and fully digitalized logistics processes. The result is a sustainable, automated solution to ensure that KEB is well prepared for the future.