Overview of Rtech's Warehouse Automation Journey
When cycling began to take off in Finland, Rtech was well-positioned. The company already had a strong reputation as a specialist retailer for mountain biking, offering everything from bikes and spare parts to clothing and accessories.
But popularity comes with pressure.
As their sales grew, so did the strain on the operations within their warehouse. With more stock, more orders, and more to manage, Rtech needed to find a way to keep up, without compromising on accuracy or efficiency.
Rtech’s Growing Pains with Manual Picking and Limited Space
Rtech’s existing warehouse setup was no longer fit for purpose.
Picking orders was becoming slower, stock control was difficult, and there simply wasn’t enough room to grow. They needed a smarter storage system that would help them handle more volume, improve accuracy, and make better use of their available space.
To solve the problem, they turned to their trusted local partner, Niparmi.
Introducing Tornado VLMs and TCPlus, A Smarter Way to Store and Pick
Niparmi recommended the Tornado Vertical Lift Module (VLM) - a compact, automated storage solution designed to maximise vertical space and streamline picking processes.
Installation of the first machine was straightforward, despite space constraints. Thanks to thorough planning and close coordination between Rtech and Niparmi, the process went smoothly.
To enhance the system further, TCPlus, a warehouse management system, was introduced. It provided real-time visibility of stock levels, improved reporting capabilities, and allowed staff to pick multiple orders at once.
The positive results were clear. Within six months, Rtech decided to add a second Tornado VLM. Both machines were connected using TCPlus, creating an integrated system that could also communicate with Rtech’s ERP platform.
Faster Picking, Fewer Errors, Better Inventory Control
With the two Tornado machines and TCPlus in place, Rtech transformed the way they manage their inventory.
The key benefits included:
- Faster and more accurate picking.
- Fewer errors.
- Better space utilisation.
- Seamless integration with existing systems.
- Improved workflow across the team.
What Rtech Says About Working with Niparmi and Dexion
“The biggest benefit? We’ve managed to keep picking errors to an absolute minimum,” says Ville Julin of Rtech.
“That’s made a real difference to the business. On top of that, we’re saving time. The goods come directly to the picker, rather than them needing to search for items.”
The Tornado system's user-friendly nature allowed staff to adapt quickly with minimal training. The entire operation became more efficient, allowing Rtech to keep pace with its growth without additional stress.
Why Rtech Chose Tornado VLM's
Rtech’s successful transformation was the result of three key factors:
- Future-proof: They chose a solution that could grow with the business.
- Expert support: Their partnership with Niparmi ensured everything was planned and implemented correctly.
- Scalable technology: Starting with one machine allowed them to prove the concept before expanding further.
“The most surprising thing has been how few errors we’ve had. That’s been the standout result for us,” says Julin. “The system works so well that scaling up felt like the natural next step.”