EURONICS gets clear product identification and increased efficiency in their dispatch thanks to ZetesMedea ImageID

EURONICS Deutschland uses ZetesMedea ImageID, based on Machine Vision, for automated barcode reading and SAP data reconciliation, enhancing speed, accuracy and transparency in dispatch.

Mobile phones, headphones, TVs, fitness watches, and much more - EURONICS Deutschland eG offers a gigantic range of consumer electronics and home appliances products. Most of these products are stocked at the logistics centre in Ditzingen. From there, the products are supplied to approximately 1,200 retailers nationwide, who, as Members of the Cooperative, utilise the purchasing, marketing, and logistics services of the headquarters.

Approximately 2,500 orders are dispatched daily in Ditzingen. Approximately 1,000 packages, each containing around 7,000 items, originate from the small parts warehouse, where smartphones, headphones, USB sticks, and similar products are stored. For order preparation, operators pick and scan items at fourteen packing tables, matching them with the order data, and then pack and label them for shipping. The scanning process, on the one hand, controls the work of the pickers and, on the other hand, provides the basis for calculating the dealers' commissions.

Small labels and complex data

For this, the dispatched items must be correctly assigned to each retailer. In the case of smartphones, this involves not only the model but also the serial and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers, which are affixed in mini format on packaging that is sometimes only 25 mm high, making the scanning difficult. Particularly challenging are dual-SIM smartphones with two IMEI numbers, of which only one is relevant. "Manually scanning the correct barcodes without errors was something our employees had to learn and apply for each product," recalls Logistics Manager Karsten Esbach about the training-intensive past. Additionally, the approximately 1,500 items in the small parts warehouse are frequently updated. A single iPhone, available in all sizes and colours, results in 60 to 70 new products.

"In the course of transitioning from SAP WM to EWM, we considered where else we could optimise our warehouse," reports Daniela Keim from the SAP logistics team. "It was an obvious step to simplify the complex scanning processes and capture multiple barcodes simultaneously," said Keim.

Precise capture and decoding of objects

In the search for suitable suppliers, EURONICS came across Zetes and its solution based on Machine Vision, ZetesMedea ImageID. It quickly and intelligently recognises and correlates information from consecutive images, enabling precise capture and decoding of objects at rest or in motion. Each label is guaranteed to be recorded once. Shortly after the initial contact, Zetes presented the system in Ditzingen. "It was all very straightforward, and the solution also immediately convinced us," explains Esbach.

As part of a pilot phase, Zetes delivered the first of five ZetesMedea ImageID systems. For this purpose, the components of ZetesMedea ImageID, such as the camera and reading field, were integrated into a compact unit. "The project went smoothly and the collaboration with Zetes was exemplary - with short response times and valuable ideas," emphasises Keim.

Capturing relatively small codes requires a consistent distance between the camera and the labels. To achieve this, the articles are placed on the reading field with the labels or barcodes facing downwards.

"Through the templates, even less experienced employees can perform the scans, which helps us manage workforce planning, particularly during peak times," said Logistics Manager Karsten Esbach

Processing time reduced by 10 to 15%

The compact unit is recessed into the packing table, allowing items to be recorded and moved directly from the work surface onto the glass reading field with the camera positioned underneath. In this way, all commissioned items are photographed. "Depending on the size of the item and the positioning of the barcodes, we can position up to 30 items on the reading field, which are then captured error-free in three to four seconds," reports Logistics Team Leader Keven Laupheimer, adding: "Compared to the previous solution, we are thus 10 to 15 percent faster." Following the successful pilot phase in spring 2025, four more units were ordered and installed.

The system relies on templates for ZetesMedea ImageID to recognise the required barcodes, serial numbers, and IMEI numbers. These must be created once for each item. Using a packaging photo, all relevant barcodes are assigned with ZetesMedea ImageID. "Through the templates, even less experienced employees can perform the scans, which helps us manage workforce planning, particularly during peak times," said Logistics Manager Esbach.

The solution recognises and reads the relevant labels and compares the scanned information with the order data stored in SAP. It checks whether the scanned item is part of the order and whether the quantities are correct. Additionally, it verifies whether the recorded serial and IMEI numbers have already been registered and whether the master data record is present. In the event of errors and discrepancies, a red indicator lamp illuminates, and the corresponding barcode is highlighted in red on the control monitor. If everything checks out correctly, the articles are marked in green, and the indicator lamp lights up green.

Visual time-stamped real-time verification for quality assurance

"For communication with the leading SAP system, Zetes has developed an interface that worked almost flawlessly right from the first test," emphasises SAP expert Keim. Images of the recorded items, along with their serial and IMEI numbers, are also stored in a database for quality assurance purposes. "With the comprehensive photo documentation, we have an optimal starting position for any future cases of damage and complaints," explains Logistics Manager Esbach. Now it is possible to prove that the item was undamaged from the outside at the time of dispatch. Furthermore, the entire scanning process is consistently carried out with high quality.

“We’re proud to support EURONICS with our ZetesMedea ImageID solution. Helping such a forward-thinking retail leader optimise their logistics with cutting-edge Machine Vision and seamless SAP integration is both exciting and rewarding”, reports Holger Schmidt, General Manager Zetes Germany.

In the future, EURONICS would like to utilise these advantages in other storage areas as well. In any case, ZetesMedea ImageID offers EURONICS further potential for faster, transparent, and error-free processes.

About EURONICS

Always close to the customer: With personal advice and the best service at over 1,200 locations and with more than 1,000 members throughout Germany. This is what EURONICS Deutschland eG stands for with its brand promise “Just right”. Thanks to its broadly networked infrastructure, EURONICS offers not only an extensive portfolio of consumer electronics and home appliances, but also the highest level of service and support - on-site in stationary shops, at customers' homes and online at www.euronics.de

Their brand DNA includes deep market experience, expert consultation as regional ties, an innovative multi-channel concept and a consistently pursued future strategy. In the 2023/2024 financial year, EURONICS Deutschland eG generated central sales of 1.35 billion euros. EURONICS Germany is part of the EURONICS International purchasing and marketing network based in Amsterdam. With more than 8,500 locations in 36 countries, the group achieved annual sales of 23.1 billion euros in 2023, making it the number one in the industry in Europe.