REWE is combining warehouse automation with employee training and specialist technical support at its fresh and chilled goods centre in Oranienburg, Germany. The approach is intended to reduce the pressure of physically demanding work while ensuring that staff can manage the automated system in daily operations.
The facility usually handles more than 650,000 units per day and supplies over 370 supermarkets and 580 stores. Because fresh-food deliveries operate within tight time windows, reliable technical support is essential to prevent disruptions from placing additional pressure on warehouse teams.
Training backed by specialist support
REWE has dedicated technicians who are trained to oversee the system. They work alongside Cimcorp’s preventive maintenance and support teams, escalating problems when they cannot be resolved internally. Regular inspections, carried out twice a year, also give employees the opportunity to work with external specialists on maintenance practices and system condition.
Remote assistance is available for technical problems that require specialist diagnosis. When an issue needs physical intervention, on-site technicians provide repairs and corrective maintenance. Coverage is arranged for six days each week, with additional availability on Sundays and public holidays when required.
The support model covers the IT environment as well as the physical equipment. Remote system management includes network administration, antivirus protection and database oversight. This means employees responsible for the automated conveyors have support across both operational and digital aspects of their work.
For REWE, automation is therefore linked to workforce sustainability rather than treated as a replacement for human capability. It can reduce exposure to strenuous tasks, while training keeps operational knowledge within the site. Cimcorp’s role is to remain ready for escalation, allowing the local team to work independently in normal conditions and call on additional expertise during complex incidents.