Elbenwald GmbH specializes in the sale of officially licensed merchandise, particularly focusing on products from popular movies, TV shows, video games, and comic book franchises. 

More than 15,000 products are stocked in the logistics center or the online store and are supplying more than 30 stores in Germany and Austria. The company also wants to drive forward its international expansion, particularly in Austria and the Netherlands. This requires more capacity in the logistics center. 

Compared systems 

Elbenwald dismantled the existing manual pallet warehouse and automated the small parts storage and picking. “After comparing systems, we chose the flexible, efficient AutoStore technology to optimize the storage, picking and multichannel order production of small parts products. As a proven competent system integrator, we commissioned Element Logic with the planning and installation”, says Dirk Wiedenhaupt, one of the co-founders and Managing Directors of Elbenwald. 

The AutoStore system is the heart of the renovated Elbenwald logistics center. The fully automated system was officially put into operation on schedule in June 2024.The compact system has significantly increased the available storage space in the Elbenwald logistics center, and the processes have been designed for the company’s further expansion.  

“In light of constantly evolving consumer requirements, cyclical or seasonal volatility and the shortage of new logistics space and personnel, Elbenwald opted for AutoStore technology as an absolutely future-proof and investment-safe system automation solution,” says Joachim Kieninger, Director Strategic Business Development Element Logic Germany.  

Software functions increase system performance 

The eManager software from Element Logic is implemented for inventory management in the AutoStore warehouse. Prioritization strategies in eManager allow the system performance to be further increased.  “We can look back on a constructive and pleasant collaboration with Element Logic during planning, installation and commissioning and are delighted that they will continue to provide after-sales support for the system,” summarizes Elbenwald Managing Director Wiedenhaupt and continues: “Overall, we have calculated a fast payback period for the investment in the system. We are very satisfied with the results.” 

AutoStore system buildt for future growth

The AutoStore system relieves the picking staff and ensures that customer orders are processed quickly and efficiently. “The robots bring the goods to the colleagues, who can then simply pack them. This saves an incredible amount of walking and is very efficient.” says Wiedenhaupt. With a view to further growth, the system layout is already designed for future gradual expansion to almost double the size and capacity. The need for more storage space was a key factor in the decision of the AutoStore system. The modular AutoStore system offers scalability, which was another factor.