Drones in high-bay warehouses as efficiency drivers in modern logistics

Logistics centres have been under considerable pressure to change for years. Increasing shipment volumes, shorter delivery times and growing demands for transparency are coming up against space, processes and personnel concepts that have remained largely stable for a long time.

Innovation often arises not from the complete rebuilding of structures, but from targeted interventions in existing processes. This is precisely the approach taken by Group7 with the use of a drone in its new logistics centre in Frankfurt, or more precisely in Kelsterbach. The company has deliberately opted for a multi-user warehouse that handles a wide variety of goods flows. It is precisely in such environments that the complexity of warehouse processes becomes apparent. High racks, narrow aisles, different items and changing customer requirements call for solutions that are faster, more precise and at the same time suitable for everyday use. The use of a drone in the high-rack narrow aisle is an expression of this thinking.

Group7 and the logistics centre in Kelsterbach

Group7 has been active as an integrated logistics service provider for many years and is increasingly focusing on technological developments in warehouse operations. The logistics centre in Kelsterbach serves as a test and reference site for new concepts. As a multi-user warehouse, it brings together different customers, types of goods and processes under one roof. It is precisely this diversity that makes traditional inventory and control processes particularly complex. High-bay warehouses with narrow aisles place high demands on personnel and technology. Inventory taking, visual inspections and documentation are time-consuming and often only possible outside of normal operating hours. Every interruption has a direct impact on throughput times and delivery capability. Against this backdrop, Group7 is looking for solutions that integrate information gathering into the daily process.

Drones in high-bay narrow aisles as a new solution

The drone used is specially designed for use in warehouses. It moves autonomously through narrow aisles and navigates along the high racks. It is controlled by a person who monitors the flight without having to intervene in the aisle themselves. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual inspections or the use of aerial work platforms. The focus is on the drone's ability to record information. A sensor is installed at the front that can capture various types of data. These include EAN codes, QR codes and image data. Pallets, cardboard boxes and individual items can thus be clearly identified without employees having to approach each shelf individually.

Collaboration with the start-up Doks. innovation

Group7 is working with the start-up Doks. innovation to implement the project. The collaboration combines logistical practice with technological development. While Group7 contributes the requirements from warehouse operations, its partner provides the technical platform and expertise for drone deployment. This collaboration is deliberately designed as a partnership. The aim is not to present an isolated technology, but to develop a solution that can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes. The use in high-bay narrow aisles serves as a real-life application scenario, not a laboratory experiment.

Real-time data for the merchandise management system

A key aspect of drone deployment is the immediate processing of the data collected. The information is fed live into the merchandise management system. This creates a continuous flow of information that reflects the current inventory at all times. This real-time capability fundamentally changes the way warehouse data is handled. Inventories no longer need to be checked manually at fixed intervals, but can be updated continuously. Deviations are detected more quickly and corrections can be made promptly. This provides a significantly more reliable data basis for operational decisions.

Advantages for inventory and day-to-day business

The effects are particularly evident in inventory management. Traditional inventory processes are labour-intensive and tie up resources that are lacking in day-to-day business. The use of drones streamlines inventory processes and allows them to be partially integrated into ongoing operations.

• Faster recording of stock levels without interrupting operations
• Reduced personnel requirements in high-bay warehouses
• Higher data quality through automated recording
• Better planning of warehousing and shipping processes

Impact on B2C logistics and delivery quality

In the B2C sector in particular, more accurate warehouse data has a direct impact on delivery quality. Availability, order picking and shipping speed depend directly on the quality of inventory information. When inventory levels are known in real time, orders can be confirmed more reliably and processed more quickly. Group7 therefore uses drones not as an end in itself, but as a means of improving processes. Faster inventories and more up-to-date data shorten response times and reduce errors. This has a direct impact on delivery speed and service quality.

Award for the use of drones

This innovative achievement has also been recognised externally. Group7 received an award for its use of drones in warehouse operations. The award recognises that this form of application is still relatively uncommon in Germany and sets new standards in the warehouse environment. For the company, the award is less an end in itself than a confirmation of the path it has chosen. It shows that technological innovation is convincing when it solves concrete problems and works in everyday life.

Drones as a building block of modern warehouse logistics

The use of drones in high-bay warehouses is not a panacea, but a targeted building block of modern logistics. It shows how existing structures can be further developed without fundamentally changing them. Group7 uses the technology where it brings real added value: in data collection, transparency and efficiency. In a logistics sector that is increasingly characterised by speed and reliability, it is precisely this capability that is crucial. The drone in the high-bay warehouse is thus an example of a pragmatic approach to innovation that sensibly combines technology and process thinking.