Hermes Fulfilment, a Switzerland-based division of Otto Group, which manages all services along the supply chain for European distance dealers at its four logistics centers, introduced a master plan on climate protection in 2006. As part of this energy-saving program, the company replaced its conventional 400-volt technology with energy-saving, 24-volt drive technology from Interroll, Wilmington, N.C.

Initial measurements show energy savings of about 25% thanks to the Interroll drive technology.

“We installed this technology in order to save energy,” says Michael Schekatz, head of the technical services department at Hermes Fulfilment. “At the same time, however, we noticed in trials how quiet it is. This is a success we never really expected and are quite pleased about. Furthermore, we have found that maintenance has become much easier now.”

The technical service department of Hermes Fulfilment upgraded the Haldensleben logistics center step by step during operation with only four hours per day available to do so. The Interroll ConveyorControl system is easy to configure and wire, and can be installed and put into operation very quickly. The control family allows for it to be used completely without an SPS or be completely controlled by an SPS via the GatewayControl.

A system driven by RollerDrive boasts a decentralized structure, with drives installed in all of the individual conveyor zones. This means they can be switched on or off separately. Movement throughout the entire conveyor takes place only when goods are actually transported with zero pressure. Only those RollerDrive needed to transport the goods to be conveyed are actually driven, offering potential for energy savings and noise and wear reduction.

The Haldensleben logistics center entails approximately 54 hectares of surface area, and is largest and most modern site that Hermes Fulfilment operates. In addition, it moves 170 million articles per year and up to 300,000 shipments leave the center each day. Approximately 1.2 million cartons are stored in two high-bay warehouses. The length of the conveyor line that all products are transported on is 30 km from goods receipt to goods issue.

The drives play an important role because they affect the energy consumption in conveying the products. That’s why Hermes Fulfillment developed a detailed cost-benefit analysis for each project and included the initial investment, and ongoing operating costs. In the end, Hermes Fulfillment continues to fulfill orders more accurately and efficiently.