Warehouse optimisation – Swisslog

Our business brings value to companies looking to automate their warehousing processes. We achieve this through a variety of solutions, systems and technologies. Listening closely and taking customer requirements into consideration is the first step to success.

From the business strategy, we plan, design & manage scalable, reliable and future-proofed solutions that enable our customers to meet their own customer needs.

If desired, we also handle building planning. The goal of this phase is to create the optimal logistics solution for our customers’ needs, including the level of automation, process efficiency, ergonomics and overall return on investment.

By handling the installation and integration of logistics systems, we reduce the degree of complexity. We can even construct the building to make sure it is perfectly aligned with the logistics processes and all available space is utilized. One point of contact across the entire project saves time and money and minimizes risk.

James Sharples, Managing Director, Swisslog UK spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.

WLN – First of all, what does your role involve day to day? Has it changed since last year?

I am involved in the Swisslog EMEA management team, but my main focus is the UK operations, for which I became MD this year.  I have experienced a number of operational and management roles including Project Management, Design, Consulting and Sales as well as leading Swisslog’s Global Design Council for the last four years. It’s challenging but very rewarding.

WLN – 2013 – How was it for you?

Very good – we received our largest ever order in the UK and we’ve seen some of our existing projects come on stream. There’s been interesting developments in our other territories too, so the overall picture is good.

WLN – How has the Warehouse Optimisation category been performing this year? What do you see as the most significant recent developments?

The sector changes rapidly and this year has been no exception. We’ve seen a lot of movement due to the growth in e-commerce – customers like Ocado and ASDA are leading the way. E-commerce is changing the traditional pallet and case replenishment processes in existing supply chains, to an item based pick. This is requiring additional space as it is often undertaken alongside store replenishment. Some retailers are picking in shops then delivering to home, but have much higher distribution costs than those who pick from the warehouse to homes.

WLN – How are your existing products and services doing? Have you developed or upgraded your existing products and services recently?

We work continuously to upgrade and improve all the solutions we provide. Innovation is in our genes, and our teams work closely to anticipate demands and respond accordingly.

WLN – What’s been your company’s single biggest achievement in business this year?

I’d have to say the TJ Morris deal (the name behind Home Bargains, one of the UK’s fastest growing discount retailers). It’s a huge vote of confidence and will certainly keep us busy for some time to come. At the heart of the solution lies Swisslog’s CaddyPick semi-automated case order-picking system. The integration of CaddyPick will revolutionize the working environment for TJ Morris, offering simplicity of picking and a clean, quiet atmosphere for operators. It’s the first of its kind in the UK.

Our German colleagues were also behind the world’s largest distribution centre made entirely from wood for organic foods business, Alnatura. At 17.5m high and 9,000m2, it’s certainly a big achievement!

WLN – Can you tell us about your major projects this year, and what they involved?

Swisslog will act as general contractor on behalf of TJ Morris for the materials handling elements of its new distribution center. Besides CaddyPick, the order also comprises pallet and light goods cranes and conveyors, software and racking. The integration is due to start on-site in mid-2014 and be completed in 2015.

WLN – Do you operate in any other countries besides the UK? How are you getting on there? Have you gone into any new territories recently?

We are a global business and as such we’ve been developing our presence in new markets, such as the Middle East, where Automation is growing quickly. We have a strong presence in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia. We continue to review other new markets as part of continuous market development strategy; China and the Far East are also rapidly expanding markets for us.

WLN – Can you tell us about your plans for 2014? Where do you see your business going?

The nature of our work means looking after existing customers is paramount, so Customer Service will be a vital element of our future plans. Our core competence stems from a deep understanding of the needs of our customers, future trends and challenges, as well as industry expertise. It’s about translating our knowledge into highly productive systems and reliable and accurate order fulfillment.

WLN – Are you looking at taking on more staff or expanding your premises next year?

Yes, we will probably look to expand our CS team, as well as recruit more on-site engineers for customer installations; we try to run a fairly lean office-based team, so have no plans to expand premises at the moment.

WLN – Are you exhibiting at any major trade shows in 2014?

We’ll certainly be at LogiMAT, the biggest trade fair in Europe for us.

WLN – What other headline news from Swisslog can our readers look forward to reading about in Warehouse & Logistics News next year?

We have a new global team looking at best practice in key industries and how we can give them more efficiency and productivity. We also have a dedicated Innovations Manager who looks into exciting new technologies so expect developments within e-commerce, Food & Beverage and Pharmaceuticals sectors.

Phone: 01527 551 600

Email: wds.uk@swisslog.com

Web: www.swisslog.com

Twitter: @swissloginspire

Youtube: swisslogwds