ZF Aftermarket adopts new technology in its Distribution Center in Itu, SP, focusing on logistics optimization

In order to provide more agility in deliveries to the spare parts sector in Brazil, ZF Aftermarket has started installing a new sorting conveyor, 100% automated, at its Distribution Centre located in Itu, SP.The equipment, also called sort, is used to classify and separate products on the basis of specific criteria, as destination, route or customer requests. The main function of the new selector belt is to speed up and optimize the flow of parts, ensuring that the right products are directed to the right destinations more efficiently and 30% faster. ⁇ This technology will provide a significant improvement in the speed and accuracy of the part distribution process, contributing to a more efficient operation for our customers , Bruno Silva says, Senior operations manager of ZF Aftermarket

According to the executive, The new facility is undergoing a gradual expansion of capacity and is expected to reach its full operating potential by the end of this year.

The new equipment is installed in an area of 300 square metres and its application is intended for 85% of the parts stored in the CD – Distribution centre, whereas parts of larger sizes and over 11 kg are not included in this process;, such as, Transmissions and axles. Currently Itu's CD stores a total of 23,000 items of the ZF brands, The Lemförder, Sachs, please., Varga and TRW. The company has one of the largest operations in the Brazilian aftermarket, Moving about five million auto parts a month. It is important to mention, that this number does not include the volume handled by the WABCO brand, also owned by ZF Aftermarket, whose parts CD is installed in Campinas, SP

The new sorter was completely developed in Brazil after months of research. These surveys were based on the largest logistics players operating in the country.. After the evaluation of the equipment in operation, ZF decided to import part of the equipment to prevent the parts from accumulating when passing through the curve of the selection conveyor, correcting the imperfections of existing conveyor belts in the country and making the process even more agile.  

For the operation, four tugs are used to feed the sorter. When it reaches its full capacity, a nova esteira seletora poderá classificar três mil volumes/hora, meeting a daily need to handle 20 000 volumes in one shift, which will go entirely to the spare parts market. With that, the operation will be optimised by more than 30% to meet the growing demand for parts, both internal and external market

The entire movement of the sorter is guided by product barcodes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. According to Bruno, all employees have been trained to operate the new system. ⁇ The new line is flexible and allows adjustments to meet different logistics requirements. There is complete reliability in the new process, including two types of automated conferencing, in addition to being integrated into the RFID system – Radio Frequency Identification, explain the executive. With that, the labels affixed to the packaging allow the products to be traced throughout the replacement chain

Digitalisation is profoundly transforming ZF Aftermarket's logistics operation and beyond agility, I brought intelligence., operational efficiency and increased ability to respond quickly to market challenges and changes;, concludes