Unide automates high-turnover operations at its Valdemoro platform with Smartlog’s smartpallet system
Unide, a food distribution cooperative with more than 90 years of experience and a network of over 600 stores in Spain, has commissioned an automated Smartpallet system at its Valdemoro logistics center. The system, developed by Smartlog, is aimed at optimizing the storage and order preparation of high-turnover SKUs. The cooperative has named this system SARA (Automated High-Turnover System).
The solution manages 96 high-turnover references end-to-end using robotic technology that combines automated storage and order preparation in a single system. Smartpallet integrates the Galys logistics software, connected to Unide’s own system, enabling the coordination of inbound flows, replenishment, and outbound movements, with full traceability and dynamic stock control in an environment with marked demand peaks.
The project is based on a detailed analysis of real operational flows, receipts, dispatches, replenishments, and stock, in order to size a solution capable of absorbing operational peaks with stability, reliability, and maximum space efficiency. As a result, the platform has increased its storage capacity by 37%, adding 1,200 pallets to reach a total of 4,500.
The installation is structured as a 4-level system with a height of 8 meters, with capacity for 4,500 pallets plus 300 pallets in gravity outbound lanes. It includes 6 shuttle robots, 2 lifts, and 6 integrated chargers. Its multidirectional architecture allows any robot to access any pallet, eliminating single points of failure and delivering high operational robustness.
Smartpallet concentrates high-turnover operations within a continuous circuit. The automated system currently handles approximately one third of all cases in the platform and more than 50% of the full pallets shipped. In addition, it automatically feeds 84 ground-level picking positions, eliminating operator travel and enabling a direct 30% increase in order-picking productivity.
Automation has also strengthened the platform’s flexibility during demand peaks, providing an additional 40% of effective operational margin in maximum activity scenarios. The system operates 16 hours a day in order preparation and 8 hours in receiving, maintaining a stable flow even on days of high operational pressure.
From a business perspective, the implementation of Smartpallet in Valdemoro reinforces Unide’s ability to sustain a consistent service level across its store network, with greater predictability during peak time slots. Automating the highest-turnover SKUs reduces handling, minimizes inventory incidents, and improves delivery-time reliability.
The system has enabled us to strengthen storage capacity and organize the high-turnover flow. As a cooperative, this is key to maintaining a stable and consistent service level for our entire store network.
This project confirms the strong fit of this technology in high-demand grocery operations. The solution provides capacity, flow stability, and a clear margin for evolution to support future growth.
The system has been designed with an immediate scalability approach, allowing capacity to be expanded through the addition of new robots or independent rack extensions. At this stage, Unide and Smartlog are now entering a consolidation phase based on the use of operational data and continuous improvement, with the aim of further increasing long-term efficiency and platform stability.