Cheshire based factory and logistics automation experts Conveyor Networks have delivered a warehouse delivery management solution for leading retailer QVC UK at their Customer Operations Centre in Merseyside.
QVC UK is the biggest television shopping channel in the UK, broadcasting since 1993, with an interactive website, mobile apps and social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest.
Conveyor Networks provided a bespoke automation and handling solution featuring their intelligent warehouse software – Interface Manager (IM2014) enabling QVC to improve customer service. Integrating seamlessly with QVC core business systems, the solution manages high volume everyday business as well as peaks generated by regular promotions.
IM2014 controls a complex automation solution incorporating order selection, packing, label design and print for manual and auto label functions as well as bulk order print. In this instance IM2014 is an integral part of the outbound operation handling all automated and manual pack requests and print functions for both packslip and label.
The key benefits of IM2014 are that client IT input is at a minimum and that all functions are controlled by a single point of contact. Moreover IM2014 has a library of protocol convertors to enable direct communications with the wide range of automation solutions installed.
A SKU/data sync solution was installed on some lines, whereby the pack slip data is delivered by IM2014 in real time to a laser print and apply system provided by Logopak. Conveyor Networks convey pack slips in synchronisation with the product. Product and slip are then merged and presented to a bagging machine. IM2014 scans both SKU and pack slip to ensure integrity. Other parts of the solution also include an OSL solution (Over ship Label) where packslips are applied direct to a shipping carton and over-labelled. A bulk print facility where IM2014 delivers print commands to numerous bulk printers, a high speed sorter interface and several hundred metres of conveyor as well as a SCADA system.
IM2014 can either reside on dedicated servers or in a virtual environment as is the case here, but a key factor in either case is resilience, this was a priority and a robust communications specification was developed – including rigorous testing criteria – between Conveyor Networks and QVC’s IT teams. Every module of IM2014 was rigorously tested as was the integration into QVC’s network. Conveyor Networks can remotely access the IM2014 and control system to address any issues and they can see exactly what QVC can.
IM2014 drives volumes of over 6000 units per hour, 24/7 and can be interrogated at any time for a real time status report on the outbound warehouse operations. It is capable of handling even larger volumes related to appropriate automation needs.
Managing Director of Conveyor Networks, David Carroll commented, “We were delighted to work with QVC UK on such a unique solution, the overall scope of the project grew as it progressed with the professionalism and expertise of both teams ensuring a successful conclusion. This project for QVC is a great example of how our skills across both software and hardware enabled us to give them a complete solution that has helped to significantly improve their productivity.”
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