Ushering in A New Era in Fulfillment
Mastering the management and optimization of logistics across the value chain is one of today’s toughest challenges. Old software hierarchies are changing by necessity because traditional boundaries are blurring, requiring higher levels of integration and intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have the potential to change logistics forever.
By expanding its fulfillment network and using game-changing automation technology, a global retail giant is transforming the way their supply chain operates. The retailer is building five next-generation fulfillment centers (FCs) that they say will usher in “a new era of fulfillment.”
They’re doing it by leveraging modular autonomous robotics, intelligent logistics software and decades of sector-specific expertise. This industry-specific know-how translates complex requirements into the most efficient processes possible. It allows customers to become world champions in logistics.
Together, robotics, software and expertise have made it possible for the global retail giant to harness the power of digitalization and:
- Reimagine processes
- Reset customer expectations
- Rethink employee roles
Escaping the “mostly manual” status quo
At the heart of the retailer’s new FCs is a massive automated storage system that uses every square inch of its footprint — from floor to ceiling. It packs six processes into one system that accommodates millions of designated locations and significantly boosts order volume and speed. The impressive process enables next or two-day delivery to online retail shoppers.
When customers place online orders, the system jumps into action, simultaneously:
Retrieving items
- Shuttling them to employees at picking stations
- Building custom boxes for each order
- Balancing inventory
- Ensuring the highest possible performance
Completed orders are then automatically taped, labeled and routed to designated zones and shipped to their final destinations.
Simultaneous process orchestration and seamless integration of intelligent software, autonomous robotics and people make it possible for employees to assemble up to four orders at once. The system delivers the highest performance in order fulfillment and flexibility and sets an entirely new precedent for fulfillment speed. Machine learning enables continuous improvements in performance.
By the Numbers: Next-Generation Fulfillment Center
Storage capacity
0
X
Orders filled in a day
0
X
Step manual process streamlined into just 5 steps
12
Minutes from click to ship
0
Up to 9 miles of walking eliminated per day/per associate
0
New jobs per FC
0
K
Achieving value beyond speed
The entire system is managed and controlled by intelligent logistics software. Benefits are wide-ranging.
- More comfort for employees
- Double the storage capacity
- Double the number of customer orders the retailer is able to fill in a day
The new FCs create a positive work environment for employees with goods-to-person (G2P) picking. Instead of employees having to walk up to nine miles a day, picking items from multiple floors of shelving spread out over hundreds of thousands of square feet of space, goods come to them.
The FCs also introduce brand new, tech-focused jobs that provide higher value and thus command higher wagers for employees. These jobs include:
- Process engineers
- Control technicians
- Quality audit analysts
- Flow manager
