Industry
Distribution and logistics
Pet food distribution: 4 RIGO systems for automated picking in a 2.5 m low-clearance basement
- Distribution and Logistics
- RIGO
- Finished products
Fast, organised and automated even where vertical systems cannot fit
In e-commerce pet food fulfilment, picking speed is critical: growing volumes, diverse SKUs and tight shipping deadlines require a process that eliminates unnecessary travel and prevents picking errors.
An additional constraint was the installation environment: a basement with a 2.5-metre ceiling height, which ruled out conventional automation systems. Designed specifically for low-height environments, the RIGO horizontal automated system transformed the available space into a high-productivity picking area.
Product
RIGO
Key result
128 m³ of goods accessible within a very small footprint
Key feature
RIGO height: 2.4 metres
Pet food distribution across retail and e-commerce
The company distributes a wide range of pet products, including food, accessories and specialised items, through a physical store and a steadily growing e-commerce channel.
With more than 400 SKUs processed daily across both channels, speed and accuracy in picking are essential to ensure operational continuity and maintain a high level of perceived service quality, both in-store and online.
With more than 400 SKUs processed daily across both channels, speed and accuracy in picking are essential to ensure operational continuity and maintain a high level of perceived service quality, both in-store and online.
The logistical challenges
As orders increased, the need for a more structured warehouse became clear. The available space, however, imposed strict constraints: a low-ceiling, below-ground warehouse area with a maximum height of 2.4 meters, load-bearing columns and partition walls, which ruled out any vertical storage system.
The main operational challenges included:
• goods stored on pallets at floor level
• long searching and picking times
• continuous operator travel
• inefficient use of available space
A solution designed specifically for low-ceiling environments was required not a compromise but a system purpose built for this type of space.
4 RIGO systems installed side by side in a 2.4 metre low height environment fully maximising available space
The four RIGO horizontal automated systems are arranged one behind the other, making full use of the available height. Installed in a basement with a 2.5 metre ceiling, they deliver 2.4 metres of vertical storage with no wasted space.
The layout was designed to incorporate existing structural columns without affecting operational flow, turning a structurally complex space into a continuous and highly functional storage area.
Each RIGO system is made up of 17 storage columns, delivering a total of 128 m³ of storage capacity within a single horizontal system.
The layout was designed to incorporate existing structural columns without affecting operational flow, turning a structurally complex space into a continuous and highly functional storage area.
Each RIGO system is made up of 17 storage columns, delivering a total of 128 m³ of storage capacity within a single horizontal system.
Picking stations at both ends, operators in the centre: full productivity within 10–15 m²
Equipped with IRIDE, the picking and refilling stations are located at both ends of the four side by side RIGO systems, turning the horizontal layout into a compact operating zone. In just 10–15 m², operators access the entire range without walking through the warehouse, working from a fixed ergonomic position while the system brings the goods directly to them.
IRIDE provides light-based guidance for every picking operation, eliminating errors even when dealing with products with similar packaging.
IRIDE provides light-based guidance for every picking operation, eliminating errors even when dealing with products with similar packaging.
Key results
An automated storage system that works even where other solutions cannot
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+100% picking productivity
same workforce, double operational capacity thanks to a goods-to-person principle that brings materials directly to the operator.
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128 m³ of storage within 2.2 m height
all stock managed in a basement space that traditional automated storage systems would not have been able to utilise
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Travel time eliminated
operators access the entire stock without moving through the warehouse, from a single fixed workstation.
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Fewer errors
complete inventory traceability with no costs associated with order errors or returns
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Same workforce, zero overtime
doubled productivity was absorbed by the existing workforce without increasing headcount or introducing additional shifts
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Reduced search and shipping times
The system automatically identifies and delivers the required item, accelerating every order fulfilment cycle.
Find out how we optimized the pet food distributor’s logistics at every stage of the process.
Discover the product
RIGO: the automated horizontal storage system
Configurable from 2 to 20 storage columns, the system adapts to the exact geometry of the available space. Native integration with WMS and ERP through ICON. Every space with at least 2.2 metres of height holds more potential than you think.
Explore RIGO
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