Poland’s First Fully Functional Warehouse with Skypod® Robots
- Oprac. M.K.
- Kategoria: English zone
Modern automation, intelligent management, and maximum efficiency - this is the future of warehousing, and ILS Logistics has just brought it to life. In Zakroczym, Poland's first warehouse equipped with the Skypod® system by Exotec has been established, radically transforming the way goods are picked and stored.
This advanced solution encompasses 61,500 bins and a fleet of 205 autonomous robots. It was successfully launched into full production as scheduled in Q3 2024. It marks one of the most technologically advanced implementations in Poland, opening a new chapter in logistics.
Three key companies were responsible for the successful implementation:
- ILS Logistics - a logistics leader within the Inter Cars Group and the first company in Poland to implement Skypod®
- Asseco Business Solutions - provider of the WMS and ERP systems that serve as the "brain" of warehouse operation
- A1 Sorter - a Polish manufacturer of warehouse automation and the official distributor of Exotec’s Skypod® technology for Poland and Central and Eastern Europe
The project required the involvement of many people and the definition of principles and methods for integrating various IT systems. One of its key goals was to increase warehouse productivity and maximize the use of warehouse space
– said Rafał Tomaszewski, Director of Logistics Systems Development at ILS Logistics
Cutting-Edge Technology for the Warehouse of the Future
The Skypod® system by Exotec is an advanced technological solution that dramatically enhances warehouse efficiency. Its key feature is the use of robots that move in three dimensions to transport goods. This innovation significantly reduces space usage, shortens order fulfillment times, and eliminates picking errors.
Skypod® enables goods to be stored on racks up to 12 meters high, allowing maximum utilization of vertical space. The system achieves a technical throughput of up to 450 picks per hour per station - a major improvement over traditional solutions. It offers:
- Multiple times greater warehouse throughput compared to manual operations
- Delivery of goods to a picking station in under 2 minutes, regardless of item location
- Easy system scalability by adding robots, racks, or picking stations without interrupting operations
- Increased worker safety by eliminating manual material handling and reducing injury risks
Globally, the Skypod® system is already used by industry giants such as Decathlon, Uniqlo, and Carrefour.
Integration of Skypod®, WMS, and ERP Systems
One of the most critical aspects of the project was the integration of the Skypod® system with the WMS and ERP systems provided by Asseco Business Solutions. ILS manages key warehouse data - such as product locations, stock levels, and wave picking schedules - through Asseco’s Warehouse Management System (WMS). Acting as the central coordinator, the WMS ensures seamless cooperation between Skypod® and other automation systems, such as conveyors and sorters, enabling the entire warehouse process to function as one cohesive, integrated mechanism.
The WMS communicates with Exotec’s system to call for the correct items, which Skypod® robots then deliver directly to warehouse staff fulfilling orders. Meanwhile, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system integrates company-wide data - including orders and deliveries - ensuring complete synchronization of warehouse and logistics processes.
This smooth interaction between systems provides:
- Real-time data synchronization - Information such as product locations and stock changes is instantly updated across all systems, eliminating the risk of errors
- Order picking optimization - Skypod® robots receive precise instructions, enabling fast and accurate product retrieval
- Improved operational efficiency - Exotec’s solution, when integrated with ERP, aligns logistics processes with the company’s other operations, including sales and procurement
- Better customer service - Automation and precision in warehouse operations shorten order processing times, significantly boosting both efficiency and delivery speed
The integration of Skypod®, WMS, and ERP was both a major challenge and a breakthrough for Poland’s logistics sector. Thanks to the client’s high awareness, the automation provider’s professionalism, and our experience and dedication, we achieved shared success.
– said Mariusz Żelazny, Head of the ERP Sales and Implementation Division at Asseco Business Solutions.
As the integrator of Exotec’s Skypod® system for Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, we leveraged our expertise in warehouse automation to ensure a smooth and seamless deployment of this innovative technology. A key aspect of our work was connecting the autonomous Skypod® robots to the picking stations and the existing logistics infrastructure, which enabled optimized goods flow and increased operational efficiency. Our close cooperation with Exotec, the French manufacturer, ensured the highest implementation standards and full technical support for Asseco Business Solutions.
– commented Krzysztof Skiba, Commercial Director at A1 Sorter.
A Blueprint for Future Implementations
The success of the first Skypod® system implementation in Poland serves as an excellent example for other companies considering modernization of their logistics processes. Both A1 Sorter and Asseco Business Solutions have proven themselves as leaders in their fields, capable of delivering complex integration projects. The deployment of Exotec’s autonomous Skypod® robots not only enhances operations at ILS’s warehouse but also sets a new benchmark for the logistics industry in Poland.
Source: Asseco Business Solutions S.A.