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Sustainability in Retail Transportation Management

Posted on by David Priestman

In today’s retail landscape, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental concern for consumers, that has an impact on retailers. The demand for eco-friendly products and environmentally responsible companies is on the rise. In fact, according to Descartes’ 2023 consumer sentiment study on home delivery sustainability, a sizable 41% of respondents indicated they regularly or always make purchasing decisions based upon the product or company’s environmental impact.

What is more, it’s no secret that freight transportation (i.e., over-the-road, ocean, rail and air) is one of the top causes of greenhouse gas emissions, representing 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, with an increasing spotlight on the environment, we wanted to know what companies were doing about transportation sustainability or not, and added it to Descartes 7th Annual Global Transportation Management Benchmark Study – the findings, of which, are useful to retailers.

To find out more, we divided transportation sustainability efforts into four categories, ranging from no action to a daily concern. The overall response showed that 31% of respondents indicated they did nothing, 19% reported on their transportation carbon footprint, 27% factored it into their strategic plans and 22% made sustainability a component of their daily transportation decisions.

In essence, we discovered that 50% of businesses are actively addressing sustainability in transportation, presenting an excellent opportunity not only to make a positive impact on the planet; but also to cater to a market hungry for sustainable choices. Chris Jones (pictured), EVP, Descartes explains more.

Taking this exploration further for retailers, we examined how management perceives the importance of transportation management and its correlation with company financial performance. We discovered that companies whose management regarded transportation as a competitive advantage (57%) were far more likely to take action compared to those who did not prioritise transportation management (48%). Similarly, in terms of financial performance, the numbers were compelling, with 58% of top performers taking action, contrasting with 44% of less successful companies. This then raises a question of retailers about the extent to which they can perceive how transportation could enable competitive advantage?

Additionally, differences in sustainability actions among businesses that recognise the value of transportation management and top financial performers, versus other respondents makes sense. In the benchmark study, we see these respondents more interested in strategies and actions that improve transportation management performance; and most transportation management improvement programs have a positive and measurable impact on the environment too – again, something which is important to consumers and, inadvertently, the retail sector at large.

Reducing CO2 footprint, fuel consumption and waste generated are all results of transportation management performance improvement programs that reduce distance per delivery, empty miles, and vehicle wait times and eliminate paper-based processes. So, if there is a perception that most sustainable transportation efforts result in less efficient supply chains, this needs correcting.

In fact, sustainable transportation programs are also an opportunity for organisations, including retailers, to capture more business. The home delivery sustainability study showed that consumers are more willing to buy from companies that can showcase sustainable supply chains, with 60% expressing a preference for environmentally-friendly delivery options. Equally important for B2B companies is the opportunity to gain more business from companies that are looking at their supply chains’ partners to help reduce Scope 3 Emissions, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) initiated in January 2023. This standard requires more large businesses and SMEs that trade in the EU to conduct sustainability reporting to stricter standards from January 2024.

Conclusion

It’s clear, now more than ever, that retailers have a unique opportunity to distinguish themselves by embracing sustainability in their transportation management efforts. This not only meets regulatory requirements – but also aligns with the preferences of eco-conscious consumers and contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. As well as this, retailers who make this a priority will also simultaneously cut costs, boost customer satisfaction and grow their business. How many opportunities are there for retailers and businesses alike to create this kind of win, win, win, win situation?

ecommerce Shipping with Linerless Labelling Printers

Posted on by David Priestman

BIXOLON Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of BIXOLON, the global manufacturer of advanced receipt, label and mobile printers, has partnered with the mail order and ecommerce retailer, Erwin Müller Versandhaus, to provide linerless labelling printers that improve operational efficiency and sustainability efforts during order fulfilment. The mail order, e-commerce home and houseware textile retailer has worked in conjunction with GreenForest IT GmbH and BIXOLON to acquire and install BIXOLON’s XL5-40CT Direct Thermal Linerless Printer with LCD Display and Serial and Ethernet Interfaces.

Efficient, eco-friendling label printing that improves shipping operations

Erwin Müller was founded in Germany in 1951. The family-run textile wholesaler has expanded over the years to become one of the leading mail order companies for home and household textiles. It has been trading online in the DACH region since 1997, and it scaled its operations internationally in 2009. The business is always considering how it can innovate and improve its proposition for customers. It identified an opportunity to enhance the internal operations of its e-commerce business – so an area it focused on improving centred on how its order fulfilment and shipping team could deploy more eco-friendly label printing.

With that in mind, Erwin Müller sought a better labelling printing solution that would enable it to reduce waste during printing (e.g. remove the need for liners); enable it to deal with historic challenges associated with media storage on printers; and to reduce the expensive purchasing costs related to the previous traditional liner label printing solution that it used, which printed goods receipts, transfers, production orders and item refinement. After considering printer options, Erwin Müller settled on a linerless labelling printing solution that could be seamlessly integrated with its existing shipping and order fulfilment system.

Speaking about the integration and upgrade, Andreas Straub, Head of IT, Erwin Müller Versandhaus GmbH says, “During the selection process, we had to consider factors such as compatibility of new technology and their existing systems, the availability of the required hardware and software and the overall feasibility of implementing the solution within our shipping department.”

Results: installing the BIXOLON XL5-40CT Direct Thermal Linerless printer system

Erwin Müller worked with system integrators Greenforest IT GmbH and BIXOLON to put together a tailored linerless printing solution for the retailer. Erwin Müller purchased the BIXOLON XL5-40CT Direct Thermal Linerless printer with LCD display, with Serial interface and Ethernet connection, capable printing at 203dpi print resolution. The printer is connected via an IP and configured to print from PCs running on a Windows system based in the warehouse.

Erwin Müller has successfully deployed the new labelling solution within its shipping department. The new printers drive efficiency gains and have reduced costs, contributing to the overall improvement of shipping. They also reduce waste and align with the company’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its labelling process during fulfilment.

Andreas Straub, Head of IT, Erwin Müller Versandhaus GmbH adds, “The implementation of the BIXOLON linerless printing solution has improved our shipping operations by increasing efficiency and speed, reducing waste and cutting down on operational costs. It contributes to a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach, positively impacting the company’s overall performance.”

Jay Kim, Managing Director, BIXOLON Europe GmbH says, “Erwin Müller is a leader in its field and it has been great for BIXOLON to help it improve the operational efficiency within its fulfilment centres during shipping through using our XL5-40CT Direct Thermal Linerless Printer. Labels and the printing thereof are so important as part of the shipping process for e-commerce retailers, and this applies to almost any warehouse and logistics environment.”

Kim goes onto say, “BIXOLON’s technological advancements and innovations are a key reason behind the selection of its printers by customers. Highlighted in products such as the XL5-40, BIXOLON holds the mechanical expertise to navigate the ongoing print and maintance complexities which are required when working with linerless adhesive media.”

Robotics and AI Deployed in Bucharest DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Dexory has announced today that their global partnership with Maersk is expanding into the Maersk and iB Cargo managed site in Romania, a distribution centre for a top home furnishing brand globally. The Bucharest deployment is the first of many outside of the UK to go live with the innovative technology, as part of the company’s expansion across Europe.

A. P. Moller – Maersk & iB Cargo operate a major distribution and logistics centre in Romania, serving one of the largest global furniture and interior decoration companies. For the first time in Romania, the two partners announce the deployment of Dexory’s technology and robots, in order to maximise and streamline the use of the centre, optimise its resources and shelf space.

The warehouse operated by A.P. Moller – Maersk & iB Cargo opened in September 2021 with 76,000 sqm, and less than 2 years later, it expanded to 100,000 sqm, offering customised logistics solutions and serving 8 countries in Europe and the Balkans. The unit is located in the CTPark Bucharest West industrial park and is BREEAM certified.

The robot called ‘NEO’ operates daily at the site in Bolintin-Deal, Romania, scanning over 100,000 pallet locations – allowing operations to move from 150 locations/h, with the current processes, to 10,000 locations/h via automation. It covers wide, narrow and hard to navigate aisles, reserve and picking locations – which is a time-consuming and prone to human error process, integrating into the day-to-day warehouse operations, working alongside the warehouse teams 24/7.

Dexory, the logistics start-up founded by Andrei Danescu, Oana Jinga and Adrian Negoita in London, is already working with Maersk in the UK and Ireland. This expansion into new territories is a great enabler of Maersk’s commitment to integrating new technologies as well as to sustainability.

Dexory’s unique solution combines hardware and software to provide instant visibility into inventory and operations at the click of a button. Using 12-metre-tall autonomous robots to capture warehouse data and images in real-time, the revolutionary digital twin technology enables instant analysis of stock, occupancy and stock movement.

The digital twin then offers instant access to the data captured, highlighting any discrepancies with other warehouse systems in an intuitive, easy-to-access digital format. The analytics extracted address operational bottlenecks, increase efficiencies (allowing for faster put-away and picking) and unlock powerful insights into site operations (for real-time occupancy fluctuation, route planning) – all of which used to be manually done before. Using AI it then provides companies with information to forecast and plan more accurately across their warehouse estate and have smarter management of their workforce.

Andrei Danescu, Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder of Dexory comments: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Maersk and iB Cargo and bring the power of real-time data and insights to this impressive site in Romania, supporting a powerful company in interior decorations. Teams across the board have already embraced the Dexory technology and are constantly using our digital twin to make more informed decisions and drive efficiency.”

“Our business model is about long-term partnerships. We build them through quality, integrity and bringing added value to our clients’ businesses through innovative solutions at every level.”, shared Cătălin Putineanu, Founder and Managing Partner of iB Cargo.

Dragos Dumitrescu Country Manager Maersk Romania, “Maersk remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to implementing cutting-edge technology across its operations, reinforcing its position as an industry leader at the forefront of innovation. Embracing the latest advancements, Maersk continues to drive efficiency, enhance sustainability, and deliver exceptional value to its customers while shaping the future of global trade”.

Global Cold Chain Alliance in Latin America

Posted on by David Priestman

AR Racking, a leading company in the industrial storage solutions sector, has joined the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) as a partner. This strategic collaboration seeks to transform the cold chain logistics arena in Latin America.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance, with representation in more than 90 countries, brings together over 1,100 companies worldwide, dedicated to providing logistics services and essential supplies for the food industry. In Latin America, the GCCA encompasses 85 member countries distributed across 13 countries, operating an impressive total of 5.9 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled storage space.

The membership associated with GCCA represents a significant milestone for AR Racking, giving it a privileged platform to build credibility and recognition in the cold chain industry, establishing itself as a leading player committed to the highest food quality and safety standards. By joining this global network, the company is broadening its scope and access to a diverse and passionate community, which promises to open new avenues of growth and collaboration internationally. This collaboration also gives AR Racking the opportunity to optimise its operations and expand its business through access to technical resources, training and international opportunities.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

LCL Service for Dangerous Goods

Posted on by David Priestman

The international transport and logistics provider cargo-partner has once again expanded its range of LCL solutions and introduced a new sea freight consolidation service for dangerous goods from China to Europe. The service is suitable for a wide range of products and industries, including automotive components, car batteries and electronic goods with various types of integrated batteries.

As shipping companies react to lower demand with blank sailings, cargo-partner has recognized the need to offer its customers more flexibility and respond to special requirements. To meet these challenges, the logistics provider has introduced a new weekly consolidated transport service for goods that are classified as DG Class 8 and DG Class 9 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This classification includes products such as various types of batteries, whole electric vehicles, handheld power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters as well as many other electronic devices with an integrated power source.

cargo-partner offers this service with weekly departures from Shanghai to Koper and average port-to-port transit times of 29 days. An additional door-to-door service includes pickup and consolidation from anywhere in China, deconsolidation at cargo-partner’s logistics centres in Budapest and Ljubljana, and delivery to any destination in Europe. In addition, the logistics provider can offer a range of ocean shipper’s and buyer’s consolidation options.

“Many of our customers are currently looking for a reliable solution for their import shipments from Asia – especially for industries that require specific battery components,” explains Felix Miletich, Corporate Director Product Management Sea Cargo LCL at cargo-partner. “With our dedicated LCL services for dangerous goods that include a wide variety of batteries, accumulators and other rechargeable cells, we can provide a stable and reasonable alternative to other forms of transportation.”

Additional air and road transport solutions for dangerous goods

In addition to this cost-effective LCL sea freight service, the transport provider also offers air freight and road transport solutions for DG cargo on request. cargo-partner long-standing experience in transporting dangerous goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa, as well as on other popular international transport routes, including door-to-door solutions, customs clearance and comprehensive logistics services through the company’s extensive warehouse network.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of over 2.06 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs more than 4,000 people worldwide.

 

French Sustainable Warehouse Portfolio Acquired

Posted on by David Priestman

AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with over €185 billion of assets under management, announces that it has signed a preliminary contract to acquire, on behalf of clients, six Grade-A logistics properties in France, from a Joint Venture owned by CBRE Investment Management and Virtuo Industrial Property.

The c. 190,000 sqm portfolio comprises five completed properties, ranging from c. 20,000 sqm to c. 43,000 sqm, all constructed since 2020. They are 100% occupied by a mix of domestic and international businesses across manufacturing, distribution and 4PL sectors*. Construction of a sixth, c. 37,000 sqm warehouse, in the North of France, will complete by the end of this year.

In line with AXA IM Alts’ global sustainability approach, the completed assets have been built by Virtuo Industrial Property with the aim of achieving a very high ESG standard, having utilised 100% LED lights. The three Southern assets feature solar PV rooftop panels, exclusively dedicated to tenants’ auto consumption. All the properties are located in strong macro locations in the major logistics markets of Lille, Lyon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

This transaction will further extend AXA IM Alts’ exposure to the French logistics market, where vacancy in many markets remains at or near historic lows[2]. Once completed, the acquisition will bring AXA IM Alts global direct equity logistics platform to over 7.5 million sqm across 14 countries, representing a total value of c. €11 billion in assets under management globally[3].

AXA IM Alts retains its long-term conviction for high-quality logistics assets in strategic locations, as supported by strong leasing dynamics and favourable supply/ demand metrics driven by shifts in worldwide consumption habits.

Louis Leveillé-Nizerolle, Head of Transactions France, at AXA IM Alts comments: “This is an excellent opportunity to further our exposure to one of our leading conviction sectors through the acquisition of a high-quality portfolio. Demand for modern warehouse and distribution space offering strong ESG credentials continues to strengthen, driven by the growth of e-commerce, multi-channel retail and ongoing supply chain reconfiguration. Furthermore, occupiers are increasingly seeking the most sustainable space to align with their own corporate obligations. This portfolio provides an attractive mix of secured income coupled with interesting leasing opportunities which will enable us to drive value for our clients over the longer term.”

Linde Experience Hub at HQ

Posted on by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling (MH) has had an additional office building at its headquarters in Aschaffenburg since October. A new structure with a total of 6,000 square meters on six floors was built in the immediate vicinity of the existing headquarters. The expanded administrative complex now also includes the “Linde Experience Hub”, a newly built 5,500-square-meter venue hall for training and education purposes, product presentations, and large and small events.

After a construction period of just over one and a half years, the new office building was ready for occupation and the employees of the two building complexes, which are separated only by a narrow street, came together for a house-warming party. With the completion of Headquarter West and Headquarter East, as the buildings are referred to, the main goal of the expansion at Carl-von-Linde-Platz has been achieved: The satellite locations that were previously scattered throughout the city area have been consolidated and the entire Linde MH headquarters team is now located in one place. “The design and facilities of the new building provide a first-class work environment for collaboration among employees at the Aschaffenburg site, as well as the pan-European Linde sales and service organization and business partners and further stakeholders,” said Ulrike Just, Executive Vice President Sales & Service Linde MH EMEA at the opening ceremony. “The expanded headquarters underscores our attractiveness as an international employer who offers a wide range of career opportunities.”

Linde Experience

The new office complex takes into account the needs and requirements of a changing world of work. For the first time, Linde MH’s Aschaffenburg site is using the shared desk system. Instead of having a fixed workstation, employees take a seat at an available desk in their department area when they arrive at the office. In addition to open-plan offices with desks, there are numerous other rooms on each floor that can be used for a variety of purposes. These include small and large meeting rooms with a variety of furnishings and state-of-the-art presentation technology for creative brainstorming, a library for solitary work in a quiet atmosphere. In addition, there is a bright, sizeable recreational area that is equipped with a kitchenette, bar tables and chairs, as well as lounge furniture for spontaneous exchanges of information and ideas.

The Linde Experience Hub, just a few steps away, bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a first-rate functional setting for a wide range of events – from presentations for individual groups of guests to major customer events or events for Linde MH’s European or global sales and service organization. The hall is equipped with a high-rack warehouse, a flexible open area with truck ramps, and various exhibition areas where visitors can experience Linde MH’s solution and innovation expertise first-hand. Around half of the spacious hall is available for vehicle and theme presentations. In addition, there are training and meeting rooms on two levels, a reception area, service areas, hospitality areas for catering and numerous seating areas.

Linde Material Handling GmbH, a KION Group company, is a globally operating manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, and a solutions and service provider for intralogistics. With a sales and service network that spans more than 100 countries, the company is represented in all major regions around the world.

Southgate Repositions Offer to Customers

Posted on by David Priestman

Southgate Global, formerly known as Southgate Packaging, has announced a repositioning to communicate its whole offer to customers as an operational logistics and fulfilment equipment, consumables and services supplier, as it enters its next phase of growth.

As part of the reposition, Southgate will be driving new ranges and market leading innovation to meet the changing needs of operational logistics and fulfilment over the next decade. Adding to the existing expertise, Southgate has invested in a highly experienced international leadership team from blue-chip brands to drive the business forward.

Heading up the team is Dan Brasier, who became the firm’s new CEO earlier this year, having been Chief Commercial Officer prior to this. With extensive board level experience working in over 50 countries and for global players such as Nestle and Coca-Cola, Dan’s impressive credentials are set to take the business into its next phase.

He replaced Craig Turner, who departed in April after four years as CEO and following the sale of a majority stake in the business to Rutland Partners in 2021. The acquisition was part of its strategic plans to support the existing team and develop its global footprint and manufacturing capabilities.

Brasier commented: “Southgate has grown at a significant pace over recent years, with record sales and turnover. During this time, the brand has built up a strong reputation as a leading packaging equipment and consumables company, being able to meet all our customers’ key packaging needs with end-to-end solutions. However, in doing so, we have also become one of the best-kept secrets in operational logistics and fulfilment. What we have grown to realise is, that even our customers are unaware of our full offering at Southgate. This extends way beyond simply being one of the best product suppliers in the business.”

Serving over 3,000 customers in more than 20 countries around the world Southgate has a range of operational logistics and fulfilment solutions that support some of the biggest organisations in key sectors including 3PL, e-commerce, retail, post & parcel and general manufacturing.

Brasier explained that the repositioning is designed to highlight both their end-to-end product offering in packaging equipment and consumables and, especially the key services Southgate Global offer. These include their Technical Services offer which maintains, repairs and repurposes their customers’ equipment even if it hasn’t been supplied by Southgate. In addition, they now offer bespoke design and development, sourcing, and even ESG legislative compliance advice.

He added: “The Turner family built the foundations of a very successful business. The new leadership team plan to build on this legacy. In recognising the new challenges in the industry, the timing is right for us to realign the position of Southgate and take the business forward. In the coming months, we will be working closely with our customers and prospects to explain how our full range of solutions, including our core equipment and consumables underpinned by our ESG commitments, can help reduce their operational logistics and fulfilment costs, increase productivity and efficiency all to create value across their organisation.

“Whether operators are looking to move products from production to warehouse, picking and packing 3PL operations or e-commerce sites, sorting and delivering post and parcels, or picking orders from retail store for same-day delivery – Southgate’s sector focus means we understand their specific needs, requirements and challenges and have solutions ready to implement.”
Dan said: “We want them to understand how we can keep their business moving, and through our wealth of equipment, consumables and servicing expertise, backed up by our global sourcing capabilities, we do exactly that. We’re excited for this new chapter for Southgate and for how we can support our customers both now and long into our future.”

Little Green Bag Enhances Sustainable Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

The Little Green Bag, a leading Dutch fashion retailer known for its carefully curated selection of niche clothing and accessories, announces a strategic partnership with CMC, a pioneer in innovative packaging solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing operational efficiency while upholding their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Founded in 2008 by Aramis and Maria Gandjapour a dedicated Dutch couple in Vlaardingen, The Little Green Bag has grown from a small bag retailer to a thriving online platform offering a diverse range of products to include jewellry and accessories, now serving a global clientele. From the beginning, the company has focused in providing a personalized experience and delivering quality products that are both stylish and sustainable. Acknowledging the necessity to adapt to the increasing demands of their growing customer base, the company sought innovative solutions to streamline their operations.

The turning point came when The Little Green Bag decided to venture into online retail, using the house as a warehouse. The growth was phenomenal and this surge in demand necessitated a larger warehouse; in 2012, they invested in a 100 m2 facility. Now, they operate in a vast space of 9,000 m2 with a workforce of 150 people, serving customers globally through a multilingual website.

Sustainable Operations

The rapid surge in orders, particularly during peak periods when order volumes reach up to 8,000 per day presented a packaging challenge for The Little Green Bag. The need to handle a substantial volume of single-line orders while minimizing packaging waste was imperative. Enter CMC and their revolutionary packaging solution, CMC Paper-Pro.

CMC Paper-Pro, a fully automated paper bagging system, was a game-changer and proved to be the perfect fit for The Little Green Bag’s evolving needs. By transitioning from traditional boxes to paper-wrapped bags, the company significantly reduced material consumption and shipping volumes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing their environmental impact. The system’s flexibility allowed for customization, optimizing warehouse space in a high-cost area.

Lawrence van de Meeberg, Director of e-commerce at The Little Green Bag expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, ” CMC’s approach was impressive. They understood our specific needs and supported us in customizing the footprint to minimize waste and make our operations more sustainable. The integration of CMC Paper Pro has allowed us to not only enhance operational efficiency but also make significant strides in reducing our environmental footprint. It aligns perfectly with our vision of offering quality products sustainably and efficiently.”

Ed Savelsbergh, General Manager of CMC Packaging Automation NL, says “The Little Green Bag continues to thrive as a small department store, offering luxury within reach for all, while maintaining meticulous curation and personal involvement in the product selection process. We are proud to support their business with our technology to enhance efficiency and guarantee a great customer experience.”

Both companies are optimistic about the positive impact this partnership will have on the future of The Little Green Bag. By combining their expertise and innovative solutions, they aim to further elevate their offerings and ensure a seamless shopping experience for their global clientele.

Fortna and Geek+ Partner for Order Fulfilment

Posted on by David Priestman

FORTNA, a leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, is thrilled to announce a global strategic partnership with Geek+, a leader in mobile robotics solutions for logistics. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the industry, as two industry leaders join forces to transform the way companies approach order fulfilment, bringing the revolutionary goods-to-person and mobile sortation systems developed by Geek+ to FORTNA customers.

FORTNA is collaborating with Geek+ to create customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of their customers. This partnership will empower businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs and enhance overall efficiency in order fulfilment.

Through the global partnership, multiple projects are already in different stages of deployment in both the United States and the EMEA region, including major robotic installations for several large retailers in the sports and home appliances sectors as well as innovations in goods-to-person sortation systems. These robotic systems enable customers to add flexibility to their operations while increasing throughput and creating a more positive workplace for their warehouse employees.

Key benefits of this partnership include:

1) Enhanced Efficiency: FORTNA’s extensive industry knowledge will be complemented by Geek+’s state-of-the-art robotics technology, creating highly efficient and adaptable automated solutions. Mobile robotic systems have more than double the average order picking and sorting throughput.
2) Scalability: The collaboration will offer businesses scalable solutions that can grow with their needs, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.
3) Optimized Warehouse Operations: By integrating advanced robotics into warehouse operations, customers can significantly improve order accuracy, storage utilization and reduce labor costs. Integrated directly into FORTNA WES™ software, Geek+’s robotics offerings now benefit from order priority adjustments in real-time, enabling businesses to adapt to operational changes more effectively. By coordinating work activities in concert with Geek+’s offerings, FORTNA WES™ is also able to assign tasks to the best-fit automation at the optimal time for further throughput improvements while reducing the cost to pick.
4) Increased Customer Satisfaction: Faster and more accurate order fulfillment will lead to improved consumer satisfaction, loyalty and retention.
5) A Better Workplace: Mobile robotics allow employees to focus on less strenuous tasks in a safer work environment, supporting businesses’ ESG commitments.

Both FORTNA and Geek+ are committed to innovation, sustainability and delivering solutions that align with the latest industry trends and regulations.

“Together with Geek+, we provide our customers with a competitive edge through the seamless integration of automation and robotics into their supply chain operations,” said Robert McKeel, Chief Executive Officer, FORTNA. “The partnership between FORTNA and Geek+ aims to accelerate supply chain automation, making it more efficient and cost-effective and increasing the timely delivery of goods to consumers.”

In a rapidly evolving e-Commerce landscape, the demand for efficient and scalable order fulfilment solutions has never been greater. FORTNA and Geek+ are dedicated to addressing these challenges head-on by combining their expertise to design, develop and implement cutting-edge automated robotic solutions.

Lit Fung, Vice President and Managing Director for International Business Geek+, also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The FORTNA and Geek+ partnership signifies another milestone in the robotics shake-up of order fulfilment automation. Companies seeking to enhance their supply chain operations can now leverage the combined expertise of these two industry leaders to achieve greater efficiency and competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

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