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Month: November 2023

Intelligent Sorting for Tunisian Post

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In Africa, e-commerce revenues are expected to exceed $46 billion in 2025, up from $28 billion in 2021, and 500 million online shoppers in 2025, up from 350 million in 2022, according to the latest study by consulting firm TechCabal Insights. Launched in 2016 by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Ecom@Africa project aims to develop intra-African and international e-commerce through the postal network in each of the five major African regions. The objective is to facilitate and accelerate the e-commerce activities of artisans, microenterprises, and small and medium-sized enterprises in this geographical area, enabling them to access local and international markets.

There are many challenges to overcome for the signatory African countries, from implementing a virtual e-commerce platform to designing a parcel receiving and sending logistics platform, as well as establishing a local distribution network and harmonizing practices. Among the first countries to experiment with this initiative, Tunisia aims to become the e-commerce hub for the North African region, according to an ambitious IT and logistics project roadmap. In this context, the Tunisian Post, a member of the UPU since 1878, has selected ISITEC International’s intelligent incoming and outgoing parcel sorting solution to equip its international e-commerce logistics platform, Ecom@Africa, through a tender process. Located on the outskirts of Tunis-Carthage Airport, it will be operational in January 2024.

Automating, ensuring reliability, and accelerating parcel sorting

Facing the decline of traditional postal services, the Tunisian Post aspires to seize the opportunities offered by the unprecedented growth of e-commerce, positioning itself as a key player in the management and optimization of associated services and logistics flows. It is currently establishing a state-of-the-art international logistics platform, Ecom@Africa, to optimize the processing of incoming and outgoing e-commerce parcels, as part of the UPU’s regional pilot program for the development of trade exchanges in Africa. To handle a growing volume of parcels, driven by e-commerce growth, the Tunisian Post aims to implement an automated sorting solution in 2022 to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and agility, while reducing labor costs and human error.

This new equipment must address various challenges: automating, ensuring reliability, and optimizing the parcel sorting process to reduce processing and, consequently, delivery times; easily handling peak periods such as year-end holidays and Ramadan; providing seamless parcel traceability at every stage, ensuring transparency and customer satisfaction; and guaranteeing flexibility in sorting parcels of all sizes and shapes.

Sami Inoubli, PMO of the Ecom@Africa program at the Tunisian Post, summarizes: “The installation of an automated parcel sorting machine aims primarily to improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase sorting accuracy, and better manage capacity to cope with the exponential growth in parcel volume associated with the rise of e-commerce.”

As Inoubli, PMO of the Ecom@Africa program, reveals: “In our tender, we focused on identifying the key competencies required to find a company capable of providing us with a truly tailor-made solution that can be easily integrated into our IT systems, technical expertise, and maintenance and support services.” Ten criteria were defined: the capability to design and manufacture customized solutions that meet specific parcel sorting requirements (postal IT, size, shape, and volume of parcels), engineering capacity ensuring equipment quality, reliability, and durability, deployment of advanced automation technologies (computer vision, barcodes), and control software, integration with the existing postal information system, responsive maintenance and support, employee training, compliance with applicable standards and regulations, references, and a track record.

As an expert in optimizing postal and logistics flows worldwide, the French company ISITEC International stood out and won the tender from the Tunisian Post in December 2021. Inoubli adds, “In the context of our public procurement tender, the choice of ISITEC International was based on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of their intelligent parcel sorting solution. It is important, in our view, to evaluate a solution based on its total cost of ownership over its entire lifespan, from purchase and operation costs to maintenance and upgrades.”

Moreover, numerous strengths of ISITEC International’s proposal confirmed the Tunisian Post’s choice: performance, customization and scalability of the equipment, easy integration with existing IT and logistics systems, availability of technical support and after-sales service. The collaboration started in January 2022.

Inoubli said, “Our project requires close communication and careful planning with ISITEC International’s team to ensure that our equipment meets our needs and operates optimally.” Among the highlights of the collaboration with ISITEC International are the functional analysis stage, where the teams from ISITEC International and the Tunisian Post worked together to design and customize the parcel sorting machine according to specific needs, technical adaptations imposed by the facility’s area, options for customized sorting, and integration with existing systems. The installation, commissioning, and real-world testing of the ISITEC International solution were completed in September 2023.

Once the Ecom@Africa Hub becomes operational in 2024, ISITEC International’s intelligent sorting solution is expected to provide the Tunisian Post with greater operational efficiency through swift and precise sorting, ensuring high-quality service. The automation of parcel sorting is also expected to reduce labor costs, minimize sorting errors, and consequently reduce costs related to returns and re-shipments. ISITEC International’s solution will also significantly contribute to rigorous traceability. The equipment allows for precise tracking of parcel locations at every stage of processing within the Ecom@Africa e-commerce logistics platform.

In the coming months, the Tunisian Post will undertake a key step in its Ecom@Africa roadmap, the design and implementation of an Integrated Logistics Centre, which will cover all logistics aspects of national e-commerce, including inventory management, order preparation, and returns management. Once again, storage, automated sorting, and order preparation systems will be necessary.

Inoubli concludes: “Based on the quality of the relationship established, from contract signing to provisional acceptance, and including functional analysis, we have a partnership with ISITEC International rather than a customer-supplier relationship. In this partnership, we aspire to work together to optimize parcel sorting efficiency and achieve our goals. This necessarily involves close communication, faultless technical support, and regular equipment updates by ISITEC International.” The collaboration between the Tunisian Post and ISITEC International will span seven years, with two years of warranty period and five years under the maintenance contract.

Sustainability Strategy with Climate Tech

Posted on by David Priestman

Nippon Express Europe GmbH (NX Europe), a group company of the global Japanese logistics service provider Nippon Express Holdings, is set to realize the achievement of its sustainability goals in collaboration with the Climate Tech start-up, Cozero, based in Berlin.

In NX Group’s pursuit of reducing its CO₂ emissions by 50 percent by 2030 as compared to 2013 (Scope1,2), the parent company, Nippon Express Holdings Inc., submitted a letter of commitment to obtain Science Based Targets (SBT) certification in May 2023.

The collaboration between NX Europe and Cozero stemmed from Cozero’s comprehensive, transparent, and agile end-to-end solution that holistically considers both logistical and non-logistical emissions, which supports the forecasting and planning of decarbonization efforts.

Within a few weeks, Cozero’s Climate Action Platform was implemented at 30 European locations of the company for reporting Scope-1, Scope-2, and Scope-3 emissions. As a result, NX Europe is now able to implement customized local reduction strategies in alignment with SBT.

Climate Tech

Olaf Zimmlinghaus, Executive Director – General Affairs and Finance EMEA at NX Europe, stated, “Achieving our sustainability goals to combat climate change holds a special place within the NX Group. Our well-defined sustainability goals are not only deeply embedded in our operations but also subject to continuous monitoring of success. The data-driven solution provided by Cozero enables us to implement sustainability transformation into our corporate planning.”

Helen Tacke, Co-founder and CEO of Cozero GmbH, commented, “The NX Group is an exceptional example of the integration of financial and sustainability performances. Recognizing that corporate strategy and sustainability must walk hand in hand is pivotal for transformative success. We are proud to be able to contribute with data insights and measures through our software solution to support this synergy. “

Freight Forwarders Focus on Environment

Posted on by David Priestman

November will be seen in the British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) history as an auspicious month with the first meeting of its new Sustainable Logistics Policy Group, managed by Mike Jones, policy advisor for sustainability and environment.

For many years BIFA has been monitoring the legislation, tracking any new regulations, and delivering advice to its corporate members on various environmental issues such as plastic packaging and the problems surrounding its disposal, as well as the development of different fuel types and their respective merits and de-merits.

Environmental and sustainability issues are not new and, over time, the environmental agenda within freight and logistics has developed. Whilst the focus is often about carbon emissions, there are other wide-ranging generic issues.

With all of the above in mind, BIFA felt the need to establish a policy group to help identify and report to the Association and its Members on environmental-related issues which may in the future have an impact upon their businesses, or in fact are already doing so.

At the meeting, attendees discussed how the policy group could work to provide guidance to the association in order to deliver meaningful support on environmental and sustainability issues as they impact the UK and the international freight services industry. Future meetings will discuss how to agree and set the association’s policy on all matters concerning environmental matters.

The date of the meeting also marked ‘Use Less Stuff Day’, which seemed like an appropriate time for the first meeting of a policy group established to help BIFA assist all of its members, whatever their size, meet the ever-increasing challenges associated with environmental and sustainability issues within freight and logistics.

Sustainability expert and consultant to BIFA Kelly Hobson of Shape Tomorrow gave a presentation about the wider business case and requirements of any supply chain, whilst Lucinda Maxwell, founders’ associate, from Pledge delivered an interesting overview about calculating freight emissions and sustainability regulations.

At the meeting, Director General, Steve Parker emphasised the significance of this new policy group and urged members that were present to encourage other members to engage with the group and attend future meetings.

He said: “All BIFA members are at different stages of their journey in regards to the development of policy that addresses environmental and sustainability issues within the supply chains that they manage. By participating in this policy group, members will be able to help shape best practice guidance; and influence how BIFA can represent members’ interests on this subject in our interaction with Government and other stakeholders that are developing legislation on the matter.”

Fulfilment Capacity Doubled with Peoplevox WMS

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Descartes Systems Group, a leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that U.K.-based ecommerce brand AYBL, an online retailer of activewear, has transformed its warehouse and fulfilment capabilities by replacing paper-based picking and manual fulfilment practices with Descartes Peoplevox warehouse management system (WMS). Using the solution to improving picking efficiency and accuracy, AYBL has doubled its fulfilment capacity with existing staff and can seamlessly scale to fulfil over 70,000 orders a day during peak season.

“To become a leader in ecommerce within the U.K. you have to deliver on customer promises and build loyalty, which means you have to be able to rely on your warehouse and fulfilment capability: every order shipped on time, accurately, with visibility into the process, easy returns, all on demand and fast.,” said Paul Maynard, Head of Operations, AYBL. “With Descartes Peoplevox, we instantly improved picking accuracy and efficiency and we no longer needed to keep our warehouse layout in SKU order, which had previously prevented us from making the best use of available storage capacity. Additionally, the system scaled easily as we moved multiple times to larger warehouse facilities and, today, allows us to flex to 100+ people during peak periods and train new staff within hours, which beforehand would never have been possible.”

Part of Descartes’ ecommerce solution suite, Descartes Peoplevox WMS helps direct-to-consumer brands and ecommerce retailers drive significant efficiencies across order fulfilment processes to provide a remarkable customer experience. The solution helps ensure that retailers can ship on time, ship the right items, not oversell existing inventory, and have transparency into warehouse operations. Order information is automatically available to be executed via mobile-driven multi-order pick-and-pack strategies and then fed into Descartes and third-party parcel shipment systems. The solution is pre-integrated with major ecommerce platforms, such as Shopify Plus, Brightpearl by Sage, Netsuite and others, to accelerate implementation and time to value.

“We’re pleased to help AYBL scale its fulfilment operations to meet growing consumer demand for its products and maintain its customer commitment – even at the height of peak season,” said Johannes Panzer, Head of Industry Solutions for Ecommerce at Descartes. “Our ecommerce WMS Peoplevox is designed for ambitious ecommerce brands. It empowers them to grow efficiently and reduce fulfilment costs to achieve more profitable person-to-goods fulfilment operations.”

Custom Solutions for Mobile Collaborative Robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

The 2023 SPS trade fair in Nuremberg represented an important opportunity for Bonfiglioli to showcase its experience and expertise for industrial automation. Its innovative, cutting edge offer included mechatronic solutions specifically designed for packaging, intralogistics, robotics and IoT applications.

A corner of the booth was dedicated to Bonfiglioli’s technologies for cartesian, delta and articulated robots, the latter solution consisting of a custom designed, precision planetary gearbox and servomotor developed for ABB.

Remaining in the field of mobile robotics applications, the spotlight was on BlueRoll: the high-performance, wheel-mounted gearmotor platform for AGVs and AMRs, featuring an ultra-compact and energy-efficient design for a long operating cycle. The modular drive system is available in three configurations, Basic, Advanced and Compact, with a customisable single gearbox load ranging from 360 to 1020 kg and a maximum speed of 2m/s. In response to evolving market demands, Bonfiglioli is currently developing integrated solutions with the aim of providing customers with a complete AGV movement package, including complete drive and transmission control systems. This approach allows Bonfiglioli to deliver ready-to-assemble, turnkey solutions, thereby minimizing the need to purchase interface devices from the AGV/AMRs manufacturers.

The Group is also expanding its product folio by focusing on enhancing payload capacity, catering to the rigorous specifications demanded by robotic sector. The capacity to offer a diversified array of products ranging from standard precision gears and gearboxes to specially designed motors for axis movements and completely customised ones, as well as integrated solutions for AGV/AMRs drive controls, places Bonfiglioli among the leading players in this sector. The codesign with customers grant significant value in terms of performance optimisation, cost saving and accelerated time to market.

Solution-oriented approach to packaging and intralogistics

Flow pack packaging processes require automatic machines that are able to keep pace with high production rates, for which Bonfiglioli offers a wide range of compact, modular, dynamic, high-precision drive and control solutions for horizontal and vertical forming, filling and sealing machines. These include the package presented during SPS, which features a TQ in-line high precision planetary gearbox combined with a BMD permanent magnet synchronous servomotor and a highly versatile AxiaVert smart inverter. Alongside this process, we are also able to extend maximum handling speed to the finished products palletization, thanks to a solution incorporating our BMD synchronous servomotor, Series A right-angle gear unit and ANG Series servo inverter.

During the fair, we also presented two intralogistics solutions: the first solution, designed for use with post & parcel and airport baggage handling systems, consists of a compact, right-angle Series A gear unit, available in a wide range of torque ratings, the IE4-certified BSR synchronous reluctance motor – an ecological and high-performance product (thanks to the absence of magnets), and a DGM MPM decentralized inverter, featuring sensor-less vector operation for optimal dynamic control. The second solution, designed for use with roller conveyors, combines the EVOX CP helical in-line smooth surface gearbox that can be fitted on any machine thanks to its compatibility with market standards, the MXN asynchronous low-voltage e-motor (IE3) developed to be modular, reliable, energy efficient and compliant with international certification requirements, and a DGM MPM sensor-less inverter.

Visitors had the chance to get an up-close look at the two successful applications, which have been designed in partnership with Modula S.p.a. and I.DE S.r.l., for whom Bonfiglioli has developed complete, customised technical solutions.

Aptean Acquires 3T Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Today, Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced its acquisition of 3T Logistics & Technology Group (3T), a provider of cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS) to shippers and carriers in the United Kingdom and broader Europe.

With the acquisition of 3T, Aptean adds new capabilities to its TMS offerings for shippers and carriers serving manufacturers and distributors in the food and beverage, fast-moving consumer goods, industrial machinery, automotive and building product verticals.

Founded in 2000 and based in Leicester, England, 3T delivers solutions that drive cost reductions and service improvements by helping shippers and carriers automate processes, optimize logistics scenarios and attain real-time visibility into every facet of shipping operations. 3T’s modular, app-based ‘EVENT’ platform can be customized to meet the unique business needs of its customers. 3T’s customers also benefit from its logistics and transport management services, based on decades of expertise in the industry.

“Aptean is pleased to expand its TMS offerings in Europe with the addition of 3T’s cloud-based EVENT platform,” said Duane George, GM of EMEA and APAC at Aptean. “In today’s challenging business environment, 3T helps organizations deliver their products with greater speed and efficiency, enabling them to compete a global level.”

“Aptean shares our commitment to innovation and our solutions are highly complementary to Aptean’s existing ERP and SCM offerings for manufacturers and distributors,” said Steve Twydell, Founder and CEO at 3T. “As part of Aptean we will be able to provide our customers with more solutions to enhance efficiencies and improve outcomes across their operations.”

3T is an award-winning UK head-quartered SaaS transport management technology business. The company has evolved to become a globally recognized TMS technology provider. The company’s vision and mission remain the same since its inception, to improve service, reduce cost to shippers and carriers and remove empty running through collaboration and the smart use of technology.

Aptean is one of the world’s leading providers of purpose-built, industry-specific software that helps manufacturers and distributors effectively run and grow their businesses. With both cloud and on-premise deployment options, Aptean is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Robots Help Solve Japan’s Problem

Posted on by David Priestman

Japan faces a labour shortage impact in 2024 as new overtime regulations for truck drivers come into force. This is being called the ‘2024 problem’ – its potential disruptions need technological help. The world´s number one robot manufacturing country is developing automation strategies that will not only target logistical issues but also a wide range of industry challenges the new working time legislation will cause.

“The government´s overtime cap is an important step to improve working conditions for employees,” says Takayuki Ito, Vice President of the International Federation of Robotics. “Industrial and service robots deliver great solutions to automate. Robots relieve workers of dirty, dull and dangerous work and help to close productivity gaps.”

Robots load and unload cargo

In Japan, the average annual working hours for a heavy truck driver were 2,568, which is 444 hours longer than the national average for all jobs – labour ministry data from 2022 reveal. Placing cargo in and out of trucks and warehouses is one of the most time- consuming tasks of truck drivers. Mobile robot solutions in transportation and logistics can help. To free up truck drivers from loading and unloading cargo saves them up to 25% of working time during a day´s shift. Robots also help reduce errors in order fulfilment by automating repetitive tasks such as picking and packing.

Robots speed up warehousing

Warehouse robots in use today range from compact autonomous mobile robots to large-scale automated storage and retrieval systems. Their use reduces the amount of time required to move goods and they can handle heavy loads and dangerous materials without putting human workers at risk.

Professional service robots are booming

The benefits of robots for transportation and logistics are documented by latest statistics: on a global scale, more professional service robots were built for the transportation of goods or cargo than for any other function. Sales grew by 44% with more than 86,000 units sold in 2022 worldwide, IFR reports.

Workplaces of the future

“Regulations of overtime work and the demographic change will require the adoption of automation technology in many branches of the Japanese economy,” says Takayuki Ito. “The challenges of the trucking industry are good examples to show how robotics and automation deliver adequate solutions for our workplaces of the future.”

The International Robot Exhibition (iREX) in Tokyo is highly regarded both in Japan and abroad as one of the largest robot exhibitions in the world:

52 Rigids and 3 Double Deck Trailers

Posted on by David Priestman

Johnsons Hotel Linen, one of the UK’s largest hotel laundry hire and service providers, has begun introducing to its fleet fifty-two rigids and three fixed double decks manufactured by Tiger Trailers, with an emphasis on durability to meet its demanding operations.

Following a visit to Cheshire-based Tiger Trailers’ purpose-built facility in 2022 by Leigh Anscombe, Johnsons’ National Transport Manager, the order for the trailers was placed initially, with the first delivered in October 2023, during which time the first twenty 18-tonne rigids were also manufactured.

Anscombe comments: “From our first introduction to Ignacio and Tiger Trailers we were impressed with the setup of the business and the attention we received as a potential customer. This has continued since placing numerous large orders through Tiger Trailers, with communication from Ignacio being fantastic and constantly keeping us aware of the situation and any changes. Issues that were encountered along the way and could have potentially arisen were communicated, headed off and dealt with before becoming a problem because of this.”

“The first batch of vehicles have been on our fleet for close to six months now during our busiest period and show no signs of wear and tear. This is what we would expect from a company such as Tiger and feel it is reflected in the overall finish and build quality of the product and service we have received”, he adds.

Due to the intense operation, strength was a primary requirement when identifying a supplier for the new fleet additions, and Johnsons’ Tiger-built rigids and trailers have been tailored with this in mind, each featuring Anchorfix steel plates impregnated within their GRP-faced sidewalls to provide enhanced protection for the load securing tracks, mitigating damage from frequent cage loading.
The initial twenty rigids are based on DAF LF 4×2 chassis and their specification includes a bespoke aerodynamic kit and a rear-sloping roofline for improved air flow, a full-closure Dhollandia 1,500kg cantilever tail-lift, and ventilators in the roof to combat damp laundry loads. Three different full-print liveries were applied across these vehicles, which have entered service throughout Johnsons’ nationwide fleet.

Tiger’s double deck solution comes in tri-axle box van step-frame guise, with these trailers providing support to the laundry specialist’s rigid fleet and regional hubs by transporting up to 74 cages during times of peak demand. The neck of the trailer offers additional storage space for loose laundry items, aided by an internal tail-lift. The fixed full-length upper deck is rated at 10,000kg and is constructed of steel overlaid with phenolic floor, with a steel durbar crash plate at the rear. The reversing spot lamps on each side have been fitted at a 45-degree offset behind the rear axle to elevate safety and visibility during low-speed manoeuvring around yards and hotel car parks. Completing the trailers’ specification is a gated Dhollandia 2500kg twin-tier column tail-lift.

Iggy Torres-Manzi, Tiger Trailers’ Technical Sales Manager, comments: “Tiger and myself are proud to have both brought on a new customer, and manufactured Johnsons’ latest fleet additions – it’s always exciting to develop two different products for a customer. The durability enhancements we have incorporated are sure to result in these new rigids and trailers becoming invaluable assets in their network, and they look fantastic in the company’s iconic blue, complemented by the different full-print wraps. It’s been a pleasure to work with Leigh, and we look forward to supporting the customer going forward, through the delivery of their future orders and beyond.”

Johnsons Hotel Linen’s additional thirty-two Tiger rigids will be introduced to the operator’s fleet in Spring 2024, comprised of sixteen DAF and sixteen Mercedes-Benz Trucks chassis. Tiger is also manufacturing a brace of 7.5-tonne rigids for the laundry specialist’s Northern Ireland operation.

 

Fully Automated e-commerce DC in KSA

Posted on by David Priestman

Savoye, a leading global warehouse automation integrator and software publisher in the Middle East, partnered with CJ Logistics, a 3PL services company operating for iHerb, the leading global eCommerce retailer for health and wellness, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), to deliver world-class automation solutions for its e-commerce Global Distribution Centre (GDC). The strategic partnership is a significant development for Savoye in KSA, following its recent expansion into the region.

Under the terms of the partnership, Savoye will implement a fully automated fulfilment center, the first-of-its-kind in the region, which includes a X-PTS Goods-To-Persons (GTP) shuttle system, Warehouse Execution Software (WES), Zone to Zone fast picking system and automated orders packing to process 15K orders per day. Savoye’s flagship X-PTS shuttle technology will be central to the project, serving as the foundation for an effective and ergonomic Goods-To-Person solution.

Savoye’s high-end solution is seamlessly designed to reduce picking and packing time by utilizing Savoye’s highly ergonomic GTP stations for prompt high-speed picking operations. In addition, Savoye has designed fully automated packing lines that are in charge of closing and labeling the prepared orders before automatically sorting them into the various shipping lanes. The latest agreement marks a significant milestone for all parties as they actively work towards transforming the Middle Eastern supply chain industry by boosting productivity and encouraging innovation.

Alain Kaddoum, Managing Director of Savoye Middle East, stated: “We are proud to embark on this journey with CJ Logistics and iHerb to further explore the Saudi Arabian market with our tailored automated solutions. This partnership holds great significance as it demonstrates our dedication to advancing the supply chain and logistics industry. Our combined efforts are also focused on meeting the industry’s expanding needs while advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. We thus look forward to making significant strides together and establishing new benchmarks for automated solutions in the region.”

The partnership is in line with the Health Sector Transformation Program, a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to restructure the healthcare industry into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated system based on the wellness of people and the community at large. Using Savoye’s automated solutions, logistics companies in the health and wellness sector can easily meet evolving client requirements, thereby supporting the program’s goals and driving the continued development of healthcare services in Saudi Arabia.

iHerb chose KSA as its base in the Middle East due to its increasing demand for health and wellness products, as well as the promising business environment. iHerb aims to enhance distribution of its products across the region to meet the local growing demands. Through the partnership, CJ Logistics will integrate Savoye’s cutting-edge automated solutions to optimize its operations and boost productivity to advance this goal.

Delivering WMS Advantages

Posted on by David Priestman

Sainsbury’s wanted to select and install a new WMS, then self-manage it. Learn how the retail giant achieved that goal.

Changing core processes, technology or operations can be disruptive to supply chains but is often a necessary evil. J Sainsbury’s plc, the UK’s number two food supermarket chain with a 15% market share, owns the formerly catalogue-based general merchandise brand Argos, as well as Habitat homewares and the Tu clothing range. With 1400 stores and over 150,000 staff it has grown exponentially from its Victorian foundations.

Simon Frodsham, Sainsbury’s Head of Engineering, and Chris Gaunt, Head of Product, gave an enlightening use-case presentation of the project at Körber’s recent Elevate conference in Prague. Together they explained the rationale for change. Previously the group had several WMS products in use and ageing warehouses. The company wanted to have in-house capability for the new WMS, to have something that was easy to upgrade and that could handle any product anywhere in the supply chain, food or non-food. It had to be brand-agnostic, flexible and help improve the availability of in-store stock.

Selection Process

A broad selection of WMS vendors were invited to tender. Sainsbury’s demanded a new WMS to be functional, to align with other technology in use (e.g. ERP), be able to handle the vast volume of products, provide the best service and support, cloud-based and integrate with the existing supply chain ‘ecosystem’. The business relationship was key, Gaunt and Frodsham explained, as well as the total cost of ownership. Ultimately the company chose Körber’s ‘Warehouse Advantage’ (WA) product for Argos’ Local Fulfilment Centres and depots (LFC) in March 2021.

Sainsbury’s supply chain sees 13,000 deliveries made per week across 200 countrywide postcode locations. In addition, consumer shoppers are able to collect parcels or drop-off returns at supermarkets and Sainsbury’s Local stores. Having bought WA from Körber the retail giant decided to run it themselves. But this required hiring new employees and training large teams, which took time. The decision was taken to partner with a niche integrator, iWMS, for the first implementation.

The project was delivered on time, with new pick, label and sorting features. Processes that were improved included order status, integration to tracking, stock management and the real-time allocation of order fulfilment. Having used Körber’s (formerly Voiteq) voice-directed systems for 20 years it made sense to continue using the ‘One Voice’ platform as a core technology in all the LFCs. “It’s a really successful collaboration,” said Gaunt. “Warehouse Advantage is flexible. It was a complex integration and is an evolving operation. We are iterating ways of working with it.”
The Sainsbury’s team are now predominantly independently running the WMS, with some outside support. Next year will see new and existing LFC sites adopt WA as it rolls out across the logistical network, including at a national depot which is able to deliver nationwide within 5 hours. This national depot handles general merchandise (non-food) for any of the group’s retail outlets. “We wouldn’t have decided to do that if we weren’t satisfied,” Frodsham stated.

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