Super Retail Group (SRG), one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest retailers, has commissioned Austrian logistics company Knapp to build a new automated warehouse in Melbourne.
The new site will be used by SRG to deliver to four key customers from one facility, with the company hoping to scale operations in the future to include more SKUs, articles and accommodate an increased order volume.
“We need our supply chain to be able to scale and to support our growth. Introducing automated technology into our supply chain gives Super Retail Group another string to its bow in terms of safe and efficient processing capacity to keep up with our customers’ demands,” said Patrick Fountain, general manager, supply chain strategy at SRG.
Due to the increasing scarcity of construction space in Australia, especially in densely populated areas such as Melbourne, SRG wanted a lean system design that maximised use of the available space.
The solution is centred around OSR Shuttle Evo, an automated storage and picking system that uses mobile storage robots.
It comprises seven aisles and 90,000 storage locations, and was developed with future growth in mind as it can be extended by two additional aisles.
Customer orders are processed at 14 goods-to-person workstations from Knapp’s Pick-it-Easy series, which allow employees can each process four orders at the same time.
Michael Kemeny, managing director of Knapp Australia, commented: “The main goal in designing the system was to optimise product slotting and re-slotting between the automated and manual picking areas.
“The new distribution centre will make delivery processes easier, increase efficiency and quality, and offer improved service for customers.”
“We are confident that with Knapp’s automation solution, we will be able to support our business growth, optimise our operations and enhance the safety of our people.”
Knapp will be exhibiting at Stand 826 at Robotics & Automation Exhibition 2024. The latest developments in robotics and automated technologies will be on show at this event, which will be held on 19-20 March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. Register now to attend the UK’s biggest exhibition dedicated to robotics and automation!
