E-commerce fulfilment: Kerry Logistics Network deploys KOOLBee sorting robot for fast fashion brand
Kerry Logistics Network has implemented KOOLBee sorting robots for an unnamed global fast fashion brand to enhance sorting productivity and online delivery efficiency.
Roll-out has taken place in phases across logistics facilities in Hong Kong, Tianjin and Dongguan since November 2022.
Requiring only a small area to operate, the robots have the advantage of being quickly deployed, reconfigured and scaled up. Utilising KOOLBee, overall sorting productivity is increased by 270%, according to those involved with the project.
Samuel Lau, Managing Director - Integrated Logistics North Asia of Kerry Logistics Network, says: “The fashion e-commerce industry is rapidly evolving and consumers’ expectations for fast deliveries are getting higher every year.”
“KOOLBee is our latest robotics roll-out under the ‘KOOL’ banner to optimise sorting operations and bolster order fulfilment efficiency according to the specific needs of each customer.”
“It has proven beneficial in supporting customers in handling enormous orders during seasonal peaks and promotion-driven shopping sprees. Following this launch, we are set to utilise this technology for other customers and verticals.”
Walmart
Walmart has opened a Market Fulfilment Centre (MFC) in Arkansas at Store 100 located at 406 S Walton Blvd in Bentonville.
This is built within the store and is powered by a proprietary storage and retrieval system, named Alphabot.
Walmart says that fulfilment through digitisation and connecting its store and supply chain assets end to end will “transform fulfilment. And along with it, customer satisfaction and associate opportunity”.
“This new order fulfilment system is truly game changing,” says Ryan Simpson, the store manager at Store 100.
“Not only does it enhance the customer experience through quicker, more accurate online order fulfilment, it also provides us the runway to continue growing our business now and in the future.”
“I love the MFC. The dedicated space allows us to concentrate on picking items for our online customers,” says Gilbert Giron, an MFC digital team lead at Walmart.
“I feel confident that the items our associates are looking for are going to be there when a customer wants them. That makes me feel good, because I know our team is providing our customers with great service."
“We’re innovating toward an even better shopping experience every day, and on every platform,” says Prathibha Rajashekar, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Automation at Walmart.
“To help our customers and associates live better, we’re using technology to help them save time. That leads to improved experiences for everyone, no matter how they shop – and moves our entire business forward in the process.”
The MFC in Bentonville, Arkansas is the first in the state. It’s the second nationwide, with the first being a proof of concept located at Store #2142 in Salem, New Hampshire.
Walmart plans to continue opening MFCs in select stores in the coming years.
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