Having a trusted automation partner is paramount in the face of a constantly changing operating environment. For nearly two decades, Cimcorp has accompanied Olvi, the Finnish brewery, in its growth and in its numerous milestones. This innovative partnership strengthens Olvi’s competitive edge and contributes to achieving its strategic goals.
Increasing demands for faster deliveries and an expanding product range have heightened frantic activity among beverage manufacturers. In Olvi, market changes and stiff competition lead to constantly evolving demands that are often satisfied with automation.
In 2005, Olvi pioneered the use of an automated order picking system supplied by automation partner Cimcorp. “Automating was a leap into the unknown. There were not many references or benchmarks to follow. It took a lot of courage, but it is clear now that we made the right choice”, says Timo Miettinen, Olvi’s Logistics Manager.
A reliable automation partner for growth
Originally designed for crates, the picking system was soon replaced by modern beverage trays. When the size of the machines grew along with the business, new needs arose for applying cutting-edge technology.
Cimcorp made a positive impression on us, so naturally we continued our collaboration, Miettinen explains. Since Olvi’s first big leap, automation has been a strategic driver, and Cimcorp has played a central role in implementing the strategy. A high-bay warehouse, robots, conveyors, and a voice picking system are all examples of intelligent automation that has enhanced efficiency and flexibility in operations. Cimcorp’s Warehouse Control Software (WCS) covers the entire intralogistics at the distribution center and operates seamlessly with the sales system.
Whether launching brand-new products or mapping alternative picking methods, Cimcorp has contributed to the development of change through innovation. Cimcorp has helped us grow, sums up Ilkka Heikkilä, Olvi’s Logistics Supervisor.
Inspiration from end-customer experience
As a back-office automation operator, Cimcorp is largely invisible to Olvi’s customers. However, their satisfaction is what determines whether the partnership is a success. Our mission is to provide complete reliability during peak and off-peak seasons. Our customers can clearly see and feel a tangible benefit here: are the shelves empty or full?
With regards to reliability, Cimcorp has proven results in serving both Olvi and its customers. Production has always run at maximum capacity or beyond. As a pleasant surprise, we have always achieved a little more than we expected. Heikkilä says that not only have we met but exceeded our capacity targets.
Innovative collaboration in every form and size
Positive experiences have nourished the partnership and fostered innovative development. When a new demand arises, Olvi’s experts turn to Cimcorp’s automation team for assistance.
“Having recently redesigned the existing order picking system so it can handle kegs exemplifies our innovative cross-company collaboration. Initially, it seemed too complex to handle round shapes. We brainstormed together, looked at what we had, what was already invented, and which features could be developed further,” Miettinen describes.
Cross-industry expertise benefits automation partnership
Cimcorp’s automation partnering expertise in the tire industry proved pivotal. Together, the companies benchmarked tire and gas bottle handling and developed a successful solution.
We had a mutually successful case!
Creativity thrives when people work together
Timo Miettinen values good service and direct contact with Cimcorpers who help to find the answers as soon as possible without a doubt. It saves time when you know who to contact for more detailed technical questions. He identifies another success factor that creates genuine value for them: employee retention.
“Being able to communicate with the same experts from year to year is a huge advantage. When you know and trust the people you are talking to, it is easy to bring up brand-new ideas,” shares Timo Miettinen.
About Olvi plc
Olvi Brewery is a beverage company that seeks to offer beverage enjoyment for its consumers. Olvi has produced beverages since 1878 in Iisalmi, Finland, with subsidiaries in Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. For nearly two decades, Olvi and Cimcorp have worked together and have reached a number of milestones already – not just increasing capacity, but also preparing for future changes in the industry.
