Millions of loading units are being transported around the globe every day. Harmonized standards ensure that they can pass through different points in the process chain without any obstacles. This is backed up by a complex logistical system - Efficient Unit Loads. 
How does METRO Group use Efficient Unit Loads?
Many of the EUL Recommendations issued by the GS1 Germany have already been implemented by manufacturers and retailers. METRO Group was involved in defining these recommendations. Pallet stacking is already standardized to a large degree around the world. Many retail groups, including METRO Group, no longer accept one way pallets. They are only being used in electronics and DIY divisions to move large items such as washing machines and refrigerators.
METRO Group has already recorded successes with its suppliers in implementing the GS1 Germany Recommendations in regards to one way shipping packaging. Optimizing goods handling in line with EUL has not only cut logistics costs, but has also had a positive effect on the retailing group’s sustainability management.
METRO Group has already recorded successes with its suppliers in implementing the GS1 Germany Recommendations in regards to one way shipping packaging. Optimizing goods handling in line with EUL has not only cut logistics costs, but has also had a positive effect on the retailing group’s sustainability management.
Efficient Unit Loads Depend on Company Needs
As the sales divisions METRO Cash & Carry and Real have similar demands to packaging and shipping units, the Efficient Unit Load system has been implemented there to the largest degree. This is in contrast to the sales divisions Galeria Kaufhof, Media Markt and Saturn: in-company demands have a greater influence. Galeria Kaufhof requires superior brand presentation compared to food retailing. As a result, tray displays – i.e. selling goods from the box – would contravene the Kaufhof sales concept. Galeria Kaufhof is backing its on proprietary reusable transport packaging solution called the Kaufhof ‘dispatch tower’. It consists of stackable, grey, wheel containers. Kaufhof staff packs merchandize into these containers on delivery and roll these into the sales room to stack the articles onto the shelves or stock clothes pegs.
Similar to Kaufhof electronics stores such as Media Markt and Saturn have specific demands to their merchandize packaging. Attention is paid to protecting premium products such as DVD players or digital cameras. These Sales divisions expect their suppliers to deliver goods in protective packaging.
Similar to Kaufhof electronics stores such as Media Markt and Saturn have specific demands to their merchandize packaging. Attention is paid to protecting premium products such as DVD players or digital cameras. These Sales divisions expect their suppliers to deliver goods in protective packaging.
Working for a "European Specifications Catalog"
Due to the increasing internationalization in retailing METRO Group is going to continue to contribute intensively to the proliferation of the Efficient Unit Loads system. The retailing group is particularly keen to develop a European Specifications Catalog for one way shipping packaging. Installing harmonized packaging standards in the logistic chain of cross-border goods shipments between manufacturers and retailing companies, would further boost efficiency.
Connected to RFID Technology
METRO Group is expecting the subject of Efficient Unit Loads to gain further momentum in the wake of the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This technology facilitates the hands-off transmission of product and process data using radio frequencies. Products, product packaging and shipping units are fitted with RFID transponders, which store data and product information and transmit them to the retailing group’s merchandize management system wirelessly. RFID will be a contribution to further tapping into the saving potentials in the process chain which Efficient Unit Loads provides. This would automate a whole range of manual tasks which are still needed today to input and transmit product and shipment data as well as in the picking process. METRO Group has initiated a number of projects to analyze the potential of RFID Technology and its implementation to boost the efficiency of business processes between manufacturers and retailers.
