Fiege Logistics, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands

Situated at Inundatiedok 34 in Nieuwegein, where the V&D department store once was, this distribution centre is transformed into a 24/7 fulfilment centre by new tenant: Fiege Nederland. Within the logistics service provider’s network, the DC functions as a central e-commerce centre, from which logistical operations are taken care of for a variety of clients.
‘In order to make the building suitable for its new function, owner of the property Warehouses De Pauw Nederland N.V. removed part of the mezzanine floors,’ says Niels Lindenbergh, Head of Sales & Projects at Fiege.

‘This created an indoor space of approximately 13,000 m² of floor space and 12 meters high, which we fully utilized for the installation of pallet racks and bulk storage. In the locations of the former mezzanine floors we replaced the lighting. And in the areas where the technical installations were located, we installed new lighting. In doing so, we partnered with Bever Innovations Industrial, who also fitted our new Cross Dock facility in Zaandam with LED lighting in early 2016.’

High quality, long lifespan

‘For the new building in Zaandam, we have extensively researched which lighting best suits Fiege and our objectives,” says Lindenbergh. “This showed that we not only want high quality lighting, optimum energy efficiency and a long life, with minimal depreciation, but also that the lighting must be flexible and optimally controllable. Requirements that also apply in Nieuwegein, where there is only activity for a few hours a day in part of the rack aisles. Optimum lighting control is a must here, so that no unnecessary lights are on anywhere.”

Nieuwegein uses the very latest Bever Innovations technology: SMART lighting, which allows luminaires to be switched not only individually but also in zones (wirelessly). “To generate an even light image, we mounted our special ‘Rectangular Beam’ optics for high shelves in the racking aisles”. “Fiege’s wish was to have a light output of at least 150 lux between the racks. By setting our luminaires to 60% (180 lux), we can largely meet this requirement. In addition, we offer Fiege the option of flexibly adjusting the light intensities if more or less light is required in the future.”

Even illumination, minimal energy consumption

For each 60-metre aisle four Smart luminaries were installed, and these continuously communicate information on such factors as daylight readings and motion with each other, adjusting the light output on the basis of this. ‘The sustainable outcome is optimum illumination and minimal energy consumption’, says Van Ham. ‘Compared to the old situation, Fiege is making savings of at least 74% on connection capacity.’

If no activity is detected in a pallet aisle for two minutes, the Smart luminaries automatically dim, with Smart Technology even making an extra dimming step. ‘In this case a single luminary will dim more slowly, with another half an hour of enough light for people to get their bearings in the space’, says Van Ham. ‘If people enter the aisle again within half an hour, then they won’t find themselves in the dark. What’s more, the latest version of our LS Smart luminaries features patented Emergency Lighting technology with maximum flexibility for emergencies. Customers can easily select Smart luminaries in the Bever app, which will function as emergency lights for at least half an hour (autonomy period) in case of an emergency.’ All data from the luminaries can be consulted in the Bever app. Consider in this regard the energy consumption and maintenance status of the luminaries as well as activity detected. Lindenbergh: ‘Furthermore, this data presents options in terms of predictive maintenance.’

Advantages

Flexible switching: Thanks to the Bever Smart Technology, luminaries can be (wirelessly) switched on not only individually but also in zones.

Even illumination: The ‘Rectangular Beam’ optics generate rectangular, even illumination, even at significant height.

Energy saving: The Smart luminaries are only on when and where required.