In the stationery sector, logistics is put to the test every year by the “back to school” season: a short but high-volume period where efficiency, precision, and speed become essential. With thousands of small-sized SKUs, multi-line orders, and growing demand across multiple channels — from retail stores to large-scale distribution (GDO) and B2B eCommerce — companies must find flexible solutions to avoid compromising either profit margins or service quality.
In this challenging scenario, Papironia — one of the leading wholesalers in central Italy — has chosen to radically revamp its logistics by introducing an ICAM vertical automation system. The goal? To ensure high responsiveness during seasonal peaks, reduce pressure on workers, and maintain full control over speed, accuracy, and costs.
Smart automation: optimized space, reduced time
The new system is based on four SILO² multi-column VLM, arranged in a pod of machine covering just 85 m². Here, Papironia stores 65–70% of its fastest-moving SKUs, freeing up space and making high-rotation items — such as pens, pencils, highlighters, and more — immediately accessible. Bulkier items, like reams of paper, backpacks, or multipacks, remain on traditional pallet racking.
One strategic element is the logic behind the placement of items within the SILO² trays: a combined pick-frequency strategy that optimizes machine paths and minimizes unnecessary movements. The result is lower energy consumption, smoother operations, and a more sustainable workflow.
Smooth operations and total bay control
Each picking and refilling station is equipped with IRIDE interactive technology, which visually guides the operator during picking. But the real game-changer is the integration of a barcode reader directly into the station, scanning every item moved — just like a supermarket checkout. This precise reading allows for real-time qualitative and quantitative verification of every order, reducing errors, rework, and margin loss — especially critical in a sector where the unit value of items is low.
Before and after: impact on seasonal peaks
During peak periods like back to school, Papironia processes around 120 orders daily, each containing an average of 200–250 items. In the past, maintaining this pace required 2–3 hours of overtime per operator per day.
Today, thanks to reorganized workflows, the automation of four SILO² multi-column VLM installed as a work station, and integration with the MEXAL ERP, orders are now fulfilled continuously, accurately, and without added strain.
Since the implementation of the SILO² units and digital integration, the hourly pick rate per operator has increased by approximately +31%, allowing the same daily volumes to be handled without overtime and with improved operational precision.
The automated system has not only boosted logistics performance but also reduced operational stress, enhancing the value of the staff, who now work in a more organized, guided, and controlled environment.
Digital integration for a responsive supply chain
Automation is paired with robust software integration. ICAM’s WMS communicates in real time with MEXAL and the B2B eCommerce portal, continuously updating stock availability, tracking item movements, and ensuring full traceability.
This integration maintains a steady flow even under high variability, preventing stockouts, optimizing restocking, and improving the final customer experience.
Logistics as a competitive lever
Papironia project demonstrates that even in seasonal, low-margin sectors, it’s possible to build high-efficiency, high-control logistics. Vertical automation, combined with smart technologies like IRIDE and bay-level barcode control, transforms operational stress points into opportunities for performance.
Papironia’s model is now a replicable best practice for any company looking to handle seasonal peaks not with emergency measures, but with a structured, sustainable, and scalable strategy.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is warehouse automation worthwhile in sectors with seasonal variations?
Yes. In fact, in seasonal sectors, automation becomes a strategic asset: it absorbs demand peaks without requiring overtime or temporary hires, while maintaining consistent service quality and profit margins.
Does it make sense to automate when the unit value of items is low?
Absolutely. In these cases, the critical factor isn’t the item’s value, but the hidden costs related to errors, rework, or downtime. Vertical storage automation drastically reduces such inefficiencies, ensuring control and traceability even across large volumes of low-cost products.
How does the management of seasonal peaks change with an automated warehouse?
An automated storage system ensures a steady order fulfillment flow even when demand spikes. In Papironia’s case, the back-to-school season is now handled without overtime, with greater precision and no slowdowns.
Does automation replace personnel?
No, it empowers them. Operators no longer need to run between aisles but instead work at ergonomic, guided, and safe stations. This reduces physical strain, improves accuracy, and allows staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
Can SILO² VLM can be integrated with existing management software?
Yes. ICON, the software for ICAM automated warehouses, communicates in real time with ERP, WMS, and third-party platforms such as eCommerce systems, ensuring continuous stock updates, traceability, and restocking optimization.
Want to find out how to optimize your seasonal logistics? Contact us