Improving Accuracy and Working Conditions in Frozen Logistics
The first step in modernizing the Ebetsu Logistics Center was the launch of the Ebetsu Frozen Center in April 2024. Dedicated to frozen products for Coop Sapporo’s Todock home delivery service, the facility processes orders for approximately 250,000 customers and handles around 1,500 SKUs each week. To reduce the workload associated with operating in frozen environments while improving shipping accuracy and efficiency, the center introduced automated storage and picking systems designed for low-temperature applications. By balancing product quality with operational efficiency, the Ebetsu Frozen Center has become a key hub supporting frozen logistics throughout Hokkaido.
Solutions
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Mobile Rack: Opens aisles only where needed, reducing required floor space by approximately 50% and enabling high-density storage.
Shuttle Rack M: Provides high-density storage for low-frequency items in temperatures as low as -30°C and automatically delivers them to goods-to-person stations outside the freezer for efficient picking.
eye-navi: A picking system that combines wireless displays and RFID technology. By continuously conveying picking containers without interruption, it helps maximize operator productivity.
Projection Picking System: Projectors indicate the target pick location, while sensor detection automatically confirms task completion, eliminating the need for operators to press a confirmation button after picking. Clear visual guidance helps improve picking speed.
Spotlight Picking System: Ceiling-mounted spotlights illuminate the target item, while voice guidance indicates the required quantity. Eliminating shelf-mounted displays and confirmation button operations helps reduce both operating and maintenance costs.
Modernizing the Omnichannel Distribution Center Without Interruptions
The Omnichannel Distribution Center has served as a key hub for supplying products to Coop Sapporo stores and home delivery customers across Hokkaido for many years. In 2023, a major modernization project was launched to upgrade the facility’s material handling systems. To keep shipments moving throughout the project, portions of the existing equipment were removed, operations were temporarily transferred to interim systems, and the transition to new equipment was carried out in phases. Through close collaboration between the construction and operations teams, the project was successfully completed over a period of approximately 20 months without disrupting daily distribution activities.
Solutions
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Shuttle Rack M: Stores, consolidates, and sequences case goods, piece items, and completed totes for each stage of the fulfillment process.
Ergonomic Loading System: Cases supplied from the Shuttle Rack are palletized according to on-screen instructions. The system helps ensure accurate loading while improving load efficiency.
Piece Picking & Order Consolidation Station: Product trays and totes are automatically delivered to operators and conveyed to the next process. Fixed-position work helps reduce operator travel and physical workload.
Tote Loader: After order consolidation, completed totes are sequenced in the Shuttle Rack and automatically loaded onto roll box pallets.
