Smartlog automates Consum’s logistics platform in Murcia
Consum
Sector: Food retail
Implementation: February 2026
Location: Murcia
Solution: AutoStore robotic system, conveyors, multi-shuttle and Galys
Spain’s largest food distribution cooperative is automating the order picking of slow-moving dry goods for its shops using an AutoStore system and Smartlog’s Galys management software.
Logistics challenges
The logistics hub in Valencia had been handling the order fulfilment for shops in the Region of Murcia. To relieve pressure on Valencia and bring order fulfilment closer to the destination, Consum decided to set up a new facility in Murcia equipped with a dedicated automated system for slow-moving dry goods. As a result, the fulfilment of these products is now managed from Murcia, closer to the delivery point.
The available space had to be utilised to the full to meet three simultaneous requirements: preparing orders for multiple shops whilst maintaining sequencing by section and category; guaranteeing the traceability of each unit through weight control; and ensuring ergonomic working conditions for operators during long shifts. The solution also had to integrate with Consum’s corporate WMS, be scalable without disrupting operations, and feature its own control software to ensure service continuity in the event of any incident.
Solution
The storage core is an AutoStore system with 34,524 gross bins, housing 27,100 bins containing a range of approximately 3,000 slow-moving SKUs, operated by 60 R5 PRO robots, chosen over the standard model due to their higher loading speed and operational availability. The robots operate 18 hours a day with a capacity of 1,251 items per hour, distributed across eight carousel-style picking stations and five intake stations; the latter are equipped with a platform and lift table to adjust the pallet height, and feature weight control prior to each bin being added to the grid.
At the picking stations, each operator simultaneously processes 10 orders, guided by a ‘Put to Light’ system. The boxes undergo automatic weight checking, with a correction circuit for those that do not match, and the validated ones are sealed and strapped on a machine developed by Aurrelan, a Smartlog Group company. They then enter the Multishuttle, with 166 storage locations, which sorts and stores them according to dispatch requirements and delivers them to the palletising operator at a constant ergonomic height via gravity chutes.
Smartlog’s proprietary software, Galys Auto, coordinates the entire system, groups up to 10 orders per batch, sequences the items by section and category, and centralises inventory control, batch traceability and expiry dates.
