In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, efficiency and speed are critical to success. That’s why Kitch’n and Tilbords, Norway’s largest kitchenware retail chains, have built their operations around streamlined intralogistics. With 225 stores across the country and a strong direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, their distribution center on Norway’s west coast plays a vital role in meeting customer demand.

We hold about 65% of the Norwegian kitchen and homewares segment” states Petter Grålumstuen, CTO and Logistics Manager for Kitch’n, Tilbords, & Cervera. He continues: “Our distribution center handled about 650,00 packages in 2024, and we have an assumed growth rate of 35% for 2025. With this growth we had no choice but to automate.” 

Our distribution center handled about 650,00 packages in 2024, and we have an assumed growth rate of 35% for 2025. With this growth we had no choice but to automate.

Petter Grålumstuen, CTO and Logistics Manager for Kitch’n, Tilbords, & Cervera

In 2021, Kitch’n and Tilbords implemented an AutoStore solution from Element Logic into their existing warehouse. This solution allowed them to automate the storage and picking process of the majority of their stock. With impressive growth since then, their manual outbound operations could no longer keep up, and Kitch’n and Tilbords once again turned to Element Logic to help them automate. 

“Kitch’n and Tilbords were looking for an automated solution which could transport articles away from the AutoStore ports during peaks. Our aim was to allow for an efficient downstream process that included packaging at pack stations before being sorted and distributed to the correct distributor.”  says Grålumstuen.

New Technology 

During the initial design and concept phase, various conveyor and sorter technologies were considered.  After analyzing Kitch’n’ and Tilbords’ data with expected growth, the new technology OmniMod empowered by Element Logic, was chosen as the ultimate solution for their needs. One of the key benefits of the OmniMod system is its capability to convey, sort, and buffer goods within a smaller footprint, compared to traditional conveyor technologies.  

Brendon Wolk, Product Manager at Element Logic explained, “OmniMod is a newly developed modular system from a Norwegian startup empowered by Element Logic, that uses computer vision and AI to track and move items. It differs from existing technology as items are free to move over the entire surface of the system. This enables it to not only conveyor and sort items, but additionally to buffer, group and sequence them.” 

This enables it to not only conveyor and sort items, but additionally to buffer, group and sequence them.

Brendon Wolk, Product Manager at Element Logic

“After an in-depth evaluation, we recognized that OmniMod was the perfect fit for our distribution center. In fact, the OmniMod design truly sets Element Logic apart. Their commitment to understanding the complexities of our operations—and their proactive, collaborative approach to finding the right solution—gave us great confidence. It was clear they were not just a vendor, but a true partner in this project” says Grålumstuen.

It was clear they were not just a vendor, but a true partner in this project

Petter Grålumstuen, CTO and Logistics Manager for Kitch’n, Tilbords, & Cervera

The automated outbound system designed includes conveyor, an OmniMod system, packing/value-add stations, and an outbound sorter. To keep the AutoStore as efficient as possible, items are picked first at the AutoStore ports and then packed downstream.

After an order is picked from the AutoStore, it is transferred via conveyor to the OmniMod system. Upon entry, each item is buffered into a pool of orders awaiting their next commands. Orders are then assigned to a packing station based on capacity and other customer-defined criteria. 

From there, the system diverts the orders to the appropriate packing stations, where fragile goods are carefully packed in bubble wrap and any value-added services are carried out. The operator then places the order back onto OmniMod, where it is automatically sorted toward the correct outbound shipping lanes. 

Throughout the entire process, every item is tracked in real time while on the OmniMod system. 

Robust Software 

Today over 2000 orders per hour can be picked, packed, and sorted over the system. This success relies heavily on the robust software from Element Logic which manages and integrates the various components seamlessly. Element Logic’s software ensures that all parts of the process, from the starting order at the AutoStore, to the final palletizing of goods for dispatch, work together efficiently. 

The Results

The standout benefits of the automated outbound process from Element Logic are  

Reduced footprint by over 20%:

• OmniMod’s ability to convey, sort, and buffer goods, within one system, reduces the overall system footprint by over 20% compared to traditional technologies.  

Increased throughput capacity:

• The system significantly enhances throughput by processing over 2000 orders per hour, which is over twice the original capacity, enabling Kitch’n to grow their e-commerce business and handle higher volumes of orders. 

Speed:

• The complete automated outbound process is now 4-5 times faster than the original time required for picking, packing, and sorting, allowing Kitch’n and Tilbords to handle higher volumes of orders in a shorter time window  

Scalability:

• The system is extremely flexible and can be easily extended to grow with the business’ needs. Any extensions can be up and running within 6 months of purchase order. 

Seamless integration:

• The Element Logic software is critical for coordination across all stages of the outbound process, from order receipt to final delivery. The result is a streamlined operation that minimizes errors, reduces manual intervention, and maximizes overall productivity. This reduced complexity resulted in a total installation time of under 1 month, which is significantly shorter compared to traditional technologies. 

Overcoming Space Constraints 

Elements Logic’s automated outbound system and software have proven to be the ideal solution for Kitch’n and Tilbords. By overcoming space constraints, and automating the outbound process, the system is enabling growing business demands and ensuring they can continue to satisfy their customers’ needs well into the future. 

“Our future is looking very bright. Our new state-of-the-art facility from Element Logic, including the OmniMod system, has far exceeded our expectations. We are so impressed that we are already planning to expand the system by doubling the current capacity. This investment shows our commitment to technology that will improve our service level to our customers.”, says Grålumstuen.

Element Logic’s expertise in delivering systems like this demonstrates our technical capabilities and commitment to our customers.  Our ability to integrate and optimize state-of-the-art technologies like OmniMod not only showcases our relentless drive for innovation but also reinforces our position as a leader in the industry.

Brendon Wolk, Product Manager at Element Logic