For more than two decades, bb-net media has been testing, cleaning and refurbishing devices from the notebook, PC system, TFT display, smartphone and tablet product segments using professional processes. Under the motto "Quality Creates Value", the company has established itself as one of the largest refurbishers of used hardware on the German market. The business is flourishing: Up to 100,000 devices are tested and processed at the Schweinfurt site every year. In order to bring the wide range of tasks together under one roof and to further optimize the process of professional IT refurbishment, all departments have now been brought together in one building with more than 3,000 square meters of work space. To ensure that the 65 employees are optimally equipped, the company has worked with Krieg Workflex to create a workstation system that scores points for flexibility and cost-effectiveness as well as ergonomic aspects.

Optimal use of space in the new hall
The production area comprises simultaneous processing stations - including installation benches, circulating paternoster systems, workstations for technical and optical preparation, semi-automatic packaging lines, a security area for project processing and data erasure as well as storage spaces. "We had a very specific idea of what we wanted in terms of workplace design," recalls Managing Director Michael Bleicher. The company put together all the objects itself via the Krieg Workflex website and inspected them using 3D drawings. Krieg Workflex checked the order and submitted the initial offer a few hours later.

Previously, production, storage and administration were spread across several halls at the site. The equipment consisted of inexpensive individual solutions and used systems. Some workstations had been designed and built in-house and were only suitable for a single work step. The construction of a new hall was intended to create a better and multifunctional solution. There was one overriding goal for the production and storage space now available: a well thought-out and uniform workstation system that optimally maps the entire production process.

Thanks to the modular system from KRIEG WORKFLEX, the various components were put together to achieve the optimum solution for each workstation - as here at the incoming goods department. © bb-net media/War

From incoming goods to final inspection
The value creation process at bb-net media begins after the purchase of hardware with the classic incoming goods inspection and an individual assessment. This is followed by a visual and technical inspection: If the hardware is too old or too badly damaged, it is disposed of. For old or heavily worn systems, the certified waste management company takes care of professional dismantling. Professional processing begins for all other IT products. Every day, more than 250 devices are refurbished to the highest quality standards - from thorough cleaning and optical refurbishment to technical repair and upgrading with new components. The general overhaul is followed by complete pre-installation and configuration. In between are various stages of refurbishment - such as device conversion and upgrading as well as intermediate and final tests. The quality and processing approach is also remarkable in terms of data security: the devices taken over are completely anonymized. Data carriers are overwritten multiple times and recovery is made impossible. Particularly sensitive data is automatically destroyed.

The design of the workstations had to match the company's corporate identity. The entire architecture is designed in a dark anthracite combined with a silver tone and light gray; the uniform design runs through the production hall, high racks and all fixtures. A total of around 100 meters of workstation systems were installed, as well as work tables for mobile assembly on site and trolleys to distribute the goods throughout the building.

Structured workstations for 5S
At the cleaning workstations, employees have the current device in front of them at the table and all tools, cloths and materials are placed on a console. This ensures a clean and tidy workplace at all times. bb-net media works systematically according to the 5S method. The workstations are now structured and organized in such a way that everyone can concentrate on their value-adding activities. The working environment is optimally designed, everything is labeled and has its place. Employees can find their way around even if they change workstations as part of their rotating tasks because the system is consistent throughout. After cleaning, the products move on to installation, production, control, preparation and software installation. The tables are linked to roller conveyors and the appropriate tools and materials are available. At the end of the process, the packaging machine is waiting. pb