Colruyt operated an order picker which was still driven mechanically. In order to reduce the risk of long standstills, the customer was searching for a partner to provide a suitable retrofit solution. Since the products which are sorted by the order picker are perishable the retrofit must be done fast. 

Siemens Service experts provided a suitable retrofit solution which was completed within just two days on the weekend and during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. Within the retrofit scope, modern "standard" solutions were deployed on the existing infrastructure. 


The following devices were installed: 

• Two obsolete CPUs were replaced by new SIMATIC S7-400 controllers
• Old CNC control was replaced by a SINUMERIK 840D SL
  
• Existing drive was updated with a SINAMICS S120
  
• Control box was equipped with the compact SIMATIC ET200sp
• SINUMERIK HMI (blackline plus) were used for the panels

Furthermore, Colruyt concluded a service and assistance contract to have service experts available anytime.

The Colruyt Group is a family business that has grown over three generations into a retail group with more than 30,000 employees and a diverse portfolio of food and non-food formats in Belgium, France and Luxembourg.