More ease in logistics

At ENO telecom, heavy lifting work and high time pressure were part of everyday life for a long time until modern lifting technology made the decisive difference. With the quickLift vacuum tube lifter from Timmer, the company has not only accelerated processes, but also invested in health, motivation and employer attractiveness.

In addition to smartphones and tablets, the Nordhorn-based wholesaler ENO telecom's portfolio now also includes large-volume products such as large-screen televisions and sound systems as well as electronic appliances such as deep fryers and fully automatic coffee machines. This has significantly increased the demands on logistics in the electronics warehouse. In outgoing goods, the physical strain increased noticeably, especially during order peaks: many heavy parcels had to be lifted, often under time pressure.

High cycle rates as a load factor

"Individual boxes weighing 30 kilograms can perhaps be carried a few times, but not a hundred times," says Rainer Büter, authorized signatory at ENO. Especially at the end of the working day, numerous parcels have to be moved in a short space of time. Despite roller conveyors and work tables, the manual handling of these loads at high cycle rates represents an enormous physical strain. "It was increasingly difficult to keep the employees' motivation for the outgoing goods area high. Working there was rather unpopular," reports Büter.

From analysis to practical solutions

In order to find the right solution for the challenges at outgoing goods, ENO called in the logistics planner Logistik Conzept Klette. Project assistant Sven Ludewig explains his approach: "Our aim was to find a solution for ENO that was both flexible and efficient and would really take the pressure off the employees." It was crucial to integrate the lever solution precisely into the existing workflow. The company Timmer from Neuenkirchen was shortlisted. At Timmer's premises, the ENO team tested which lifting system would best meet the requirements of outgoing goods. They chose the quickLift vacuum tube lifter with a rail system measuring 5 by 7 meters. Büter and his team were impressed by the uncomplicated operation, the flexibility of use and the ability to move different loads quickly and safely.

Fast integration, tangible benefits

Tim Kaldeweide, sales technician at Timmer, explains: "The lifting system could be integrated perfectly into the existing conveyor technology at the outgoing goods area." The installation was completed within a few days. The project also left a thoroughly positive impression on ENO telecom. Rainer Büter is particularly impressed by the expertise of the lifting experts: "The fitters from Timmer were very well prepared and minor adjustments were made immediately." The training of the employees went just as smoothly. "The system is intuitive to use - our colleagues got the hang of it very quickly," continues Büter.

The flexible lifting solution supports ergonomic parcel handling and contributes to the attractiveness of the workstation at the goods issue area. © Timmer

Since then, quickLift has been helping employees to lift, move and lower boxes weighing up to 32 kilograms every day, which the manufacturer says is an acceptable maximum weight. Lighter parcels are still picked up by the employees themselves, while heavy or unwieldy consignments are moved easily with the tube lifter. "We use the system hundreds of times a day. Outgoing goods has become much more attractive as a result," reports Büter. Initial evaluations also show fewer absences due to illness. "By investing in modern lifting technology, we want to make our employees' day-to-day work easier and at the same time express our appreciation for their work," emphasizes Büter. "The lifting technology prevents fatigue, reduces sick leave and strengthens our position as an attractive employer."

Lifting technology, individually adapted

It is also clear to the Timmer team that the use of modern lifting technology is a sign of appreciation towards the employees and at the same time strengthens the company's reputation as an employer. Kaldeweide summarizes: "The use at ENO shows very clearly how a lifting aid not only improves the

health of employees, but also increases the attractiveness of the workplace." It is crucial to plan the solution in close consultation with the customer according to the individual needs on site. Acceptance is then high right from the start and the benefits are immediately noticeable. He also rates the close coordination with the planning office Logistik Conzept Klette, which brought ENO and Timmer together, as positive: "By exchanging ideas with customers and planners at an early stage, we develop practical solutions that are optimally tailored to real processes."