Victorinox streamlines global distribution with cutting-edge automation

Case study

Executive summary

Victorinox, renowned for its iconic Swiss Army Knife, centralized its global distribution by consolidating operations from 17 locations into a single, highly automated distribution center. This strategic move aimed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability across their supply chain.

Client overview

Victorinox, a Swiss company with a rich heritage, produces a diverse range of products, including Swiss Army Knives, kitchen knives, perfumes, watches, and travel gear. With a global customer base spanning over 120 countries, the company sought to streamline its distribution processes to better serve its markets.

Challenges

Victorinox faced significant logistical challenges due to its decentralized distribution system. With 17 warehouses spread across different locations, managing inventory efficiently was becoming increasingly complex. The company needed a more streamlined approach to optimize order fulfillment and improve stock visibility across its global supply chain.

Safety and ergonomics were also concerns, as employees were required to handle products manually in a way that was not only time-consuming but also physically demanding. Extensive use of packaging materials and labeling added unnecessary costs and waste to the process.

The Solution

To address these challenges, Victorinox implemented a fully automated central distribution center designed for maximum efficiency and scalability. The new facility integrates cutting-edge robotic and material handling technologies, streamlining order fulfillment while optimizing warehouse space.

A key component of the solution is an advanced storage and retrieval system (ASRS), which automates the handling of goods, reducing reliance on manual labor. Robotic systems equipped with intelligent vision technology efficiently sort, store, and retrieve items, ensuring precise inventory management.

For seamless integration with the automation system, Victorinox selected EUROTEC containers from Utz, which are specifically designed for automated warehouses. These containers met all the client’s requirements, offering high durability, precise dimensions, and smooth surfaces for optimal performance in robotic handling and conveyor transport. Their standardized design ensured compatibility with automated systems while maximizing storage density.

By centralizing distribution and integrating automation with EUROTEC containers, Victorinox has transformed its logistics operations, achieving faster deliveries, lower operational costs, and a more sustainable approach to inventory management.

KNAPP's shuttles at Victorinox warehouse

KNAPP & Utz – Victorinox | Ibach, Switzerland

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Implementation process

Collaborative planning: Conducted workshops between Victorinox and KNAPP to define project goals, requirements, and business cases.
Process design: Modeled warehouse processes and software functions based on the analyzed business cases.
Technology selection: Chose appropriate automation technologies and scaled them according to Victorinox's specific needs.

Data consolidation: Merged material data from all 17 locations to create a unified material flow system.
System implementation: Installed the OSR Shuttle™ Evo system and integrated the KiSoft One software to manage operations.
Employee training: Provided comprehensive training to staff to ensure smooth transition and effective use of the new systems.

The results

The implementation of the automated central distribution center brought significant improvements to Victorinox’s logistics operations. One of the most notable achievements was the expansion of storage capacity. By optimizing warehouse space with an advanced storage and retrieval system, the facility can now handle a much higher volume of products, ensuring efficient stock management and reducing congestion in distribution processes.

Efficiency gains were another key outcome of the project. The integration of robotic handling and conveyor systems drastically reduced manual labor requirements, streamlining order fulfillment and increasing processing speed. With automation handling sorting, retrieval, and transport, the warehouse can process more orders in less time while maintaining high levels of accuracy.

38500

EUROTEC containers

115000

orders per year

40

million products

9500

pallet spaces

Project outcomes

Cost savings and sustainability benefits further enhanced the overall success of the project. The automated system optimized resource usage, reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste associated with manual errors and inefficient workflows. Additionally, the use of EUROTEC containers from Utz, specifically designed for automation, ensured smooth handling and long-term durability, lowering operational costs and maintenance needs.

Overall, the transformation of Victorinox’s distribution center into a fully automated facility has positioned the company for long-term success. With improved storage, faster processing times, enhanced safety, and greater cost efficiency, the new system supports Victorinox’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

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