Unmanned Warehouse Saves Time and Reduces Costs

Field technicians responsible for installing and replacing electricity meters work across various locations within four provinces in northwestern Poland. However, they are still required to collect new meters and return used ones to a central warehouse. Commuting to the central facility in Poznań was time-consuming and costly. The solution came in the form of a network of eleven compact, fully automated warehouses.

Second Life for Shipping Containers

These warehouses are built inside decommissioned shipping containers that were previously used in maritime transport. Now, they are being repurposed and equipped with entirely new functionalities. What remains unchanged is their portability – they can be easily relocated to wherever they are needed.

Inside the container is a state-of-the-art, fully automated warehouse. It is easy to operate and safe for the user - says Norbert Szczepaniak, Head of the Electronic Devices Research Group at the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology.

Warehouse Layout and Technology

The warehouse is divided into two compartments. In the first, technicians return used meters, which are automatically identified via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Each device is then photographed, and its recorded energy usage is captured. The second compartment serves as storage for both new and returned meters.

Thanks to the use of various identification technologies, the technician’s visit to the warehouse is reduced to an absolute minimum. There is no need to manually read or input any data – everything is processed automatically. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of human error - explains Norbert Szczepaniak.

The container-based warehouse is climate-controlled and fully secured. It features video surveillance and access control to prevent unauthorized entry.

Time-Saving and Seamless Integration

Each warehouse is fully integrated with Enea Operator’s IT systems and warehouse management software. It also communicates with mobile devices used by both warehouse staff and field technicians. For the latter, operating the new warehouses is extremely straightforward – the process has been designed to be as intuitive as possible, requiring no additional training.

Researchers from the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology conducted a process analysis to determine the optimal locations for deploying the new warehouses. As a result, technicians can now save up to one full workday per week – time that was previously spent commuting to the central warehouse. The company, in turn, benefits from reduced fuel consumption, lower vehicle wear and tear, and a decreased carbon footprint.

Scalable Solution for Various Sectors

These containerized warehouses can be used not only for electricity meters but also for many other types of equipment. They offer an ideal solution for companies with large operational areas where employees frequently collect and return tools or devices.