Central airport logistics: Eurotrade relies on warehouse management by CIM GmbH to optimize its logistics processes

Read the following success story to discover how the collaboration with CIM began, the challenges behind a logistics project of this scale, and the measurable improvements achieved to date.

Eurotrade Flughafen München Handels-GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of Flughafen München GmbH. With a total floor space of approximately 10,000 m², the retail specialist operates around 40 shops at Munich Airport with a total of about 800 employees. The extensive product portfolio is tailored to an international audience and ranges from duty-free goods, fashion, print media and travel needs to premium watches and jewellery – offered both through private labels and an established franchised concept.

Initial situation

Until the opening of the new logistics centre at Munich Airport in 2021, there was no central logistics structure in place. The three stakeholders – Flughafen München GmbH (FMG), Allresto Flughafen München Hotel und Gaststätten GmbH, and Eurotrade Flughafen München Handels-GmbH – each operated their own warehouses and used different warehouse management systems, partially integrated into the ERP system. The implementation of PROLAG World in 2021 put an end to this fragmentation by bundling the logistics processes of all three stakeholders in one central system. A key aspect was the practical separation of the three users: The master data includes articles from FMG, Allresto and Eurotrade, and despite shared warehousing, PROLAG World is able to correctly assign each article to the respective company.

Goals

The new central warehouse not only supplies more than 40 duty-free, print media & travel needs, fashion, and watches & jewellery stores with around 70,000 different articles, but also manages airport maintenance, the service division and all catering operations. The total number of deliverable articles amounts to over 90,000, and the warehouse can handle up to 470 stock movements per hour, corresponding to more than 7,000 inbound and outbound transactions daily.

The objectives were multifaceted:

• Mapping of eight different warehouse types (including a fully automated small parts warehouse, high-bay warehouse, and storage for fresh and frozen goods).
• Efficient, transparent control of highly complex goods flows – from food and hygiene products to hazardous materials.
• Ensuring service quality and high availability in a dynamic, international environment.

In addition to the core requirements, xx there were also further objectives at play for Eurotrade: The existing software landscape, including ERP and shipping solutions, was to be seamlessly integrated to avoid any media disruptions. Furthermore, full transparency and traceability of all processes were essential, particularly with regard to batch tracking. Finally, returns management also played a central role, ranging from the return of catering supplies to the delivery of personalized corporate clothing.

Outcome

PROLAG World was successfully implemented in several phases. Today, Eurotrade benefits from a highly standardized, flexible and transparent logistics system. Key results at a glance:

• 100% standardization: All warehouse workflows can be configured in the system.
• One system across four divisions: Catering, retail, service and maintenance.
• Cost optimization: Three clients managed in one central warehouse.
• Enhanced ergonomics and efficiency: Advanced picking management and an intuitive user interface.

Since 2025, the NIMMSTA smart watch has been used in conjunction with PROLAG World for order picking. Worn on the back of the hand, it is ergonomically positioned for optimal comfort. Orders can be selected via the touch display, while storage locations, article information and quantities are clearly visible. The smart watch integrates seamlessly into the logistics process with PROLAG World, enabling hands-free, ergonomic operation.

Eurotrade also works with PROLAG Transport, CIM’s transport management solution. Using intelligent route optimization, the system automatically calculates the most efficient route based on warehouse and customer data. Airport shops receive their deliveries exactly when they are ready to accept them, minimizing waiting times, avoiding congestion in the terminal area and enhancing customer satisfaction. With full integration of all three owners, Eurotrade is able to manage and operate the new system independently.

"The WMS provides a comprehensive end-to-end solution, right from receiving the goods to delivering them to the customer."

Conclusion

With the introduction of PROLAG World, along with complementary solutions such as PROLAG Transport and the NIMMSTA smart watch, Eurotrade has made/taken a significant step toward future-proof logistics. Bundling all processes in a central system not only boosts efficiency and transparency but also lays the foundation for future growth. Together with CIM, Eurotrade demonstrates how modern technology can tackle complex logistical challenges while sustainably enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction.