Tommy Hilfiger improves productivity with new order consolidation system

The Tommy Hilfiger Group, founded in New York, USA in 1985, is one of the world’s leading apparel and retail companies. The company has expanded its reach worldwide through a select global distribution network for its core brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Hilfiger Denim and Hilfiger Sport.

The international expansion included the take-over of an automated distribution centre (originally built by Vanderlande) in Venlo, the Netherlands in the year 2006. Hilfiger asked Vanderlande to implement its VISION Warehouse Control System, interfaced with Hilfiger’s SAP ERP system. In 2009 Hilfiger and Vanderlande designed a system expansion. The expansion went into operation in December 2010, in time for Hilfiger’s Christmas peak season and Spring 2011 delivery season.

In the new consolidation process, three additional miniload AS/RS for cartons and one additional consolidation workstation were integrated. Storage capacity doubled to 13,000 locations. Main advantages are higher storage density and a simplified and more ergonomic operator process. Operator productivity in the consolidation area increased with 40%. The order consolidation system is especially beneficial in preparation for peak seasons. Products can be picked well in advance and placed in the miniloads. When the order needs to be delivered, it can be retrieved from the buffer automatically and delivered to the stores at exactly the right time.