Swisslog is a leading global provider of automated solutions for warehouses and distribution centres. Its comprehensive services portfolio ranges from the design of materials handling systems, through warehouse construction and system implementation and integration, to comprehensive and dedicated customer support.
Swisslog’s solutions optimise customers’ production, logistics and distribution processes in order to increase flexibility, responsiveness and quality of service. At the same time, it understands the customers’ need to minimise logistics costs in order to remain competitive and to achieve sustainable growth.
Customers worldwide rely on Swisslog’s decades of experience including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Target and Wal-Mart.
James Sharples, Head of Sales and Consultancy, Swisslog, spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
Warehouse & Logistics News – First of all, James, can you run through the different products and services that Swisslog provides?
As well as our suite of solutions for the handling of palletized products, we have an unrivalled portfolio addressing the handling of products stored in totes / cartons; our transport and storage shuttle system SmartCarrier is specifically designed for dynamic light goods warehouses whilst our Tornado crane is the fastest and most energy-efficient miniload crane in its class. Our QuickMove conveyor technology consists of an integrated energy management system and is designed according to the plug & play principle, whilst AutoStore provides maximum space efficiency for warehouses and distribution centres. We also recognize that different industries face different challenges and as such we are proud to offer industry-specific solution concepts, including those for the Food & Beverage, Retail and Pharmaceutical industries.
WLN – What is your role in the company day to day? Are you directly involved in developing solutions for customers?
As Head of Sales and Consultancy for Swisslog, my role allows for close contact with customers whilst managing the rest of the sales team. As most of our work involves long-term partnerships with our customers, it’s vital that we remain sensitive to their challenges and pressures, but also keep an eye on future developments, to ensure they are able to cope with whatever the market throws at them.
WLN – When was Swisslog founded? Who owns it now?
Swisslog’s roots date back to 1898. It is a public listed Multinational Company traded on the Swiss Stock Exchange.
WLN – How do you sum up the Swisslog proposition?
We promote our bespoke warehouse automation systems to provide guaranteed returns and add real value to our customers’ businesses. Our proposition is firmly fixed on designing results, delivering confidence and developing value. Through continuous improvement, optimized efficiency and guaranteed returns, we not only secure your investment, but develop maximum value in your business.
WLN – What sets Swisslog apart? Why buy warehouse automation from you?
Swisslog aims to create cost savings for customers by selecting the most appropriate material handling solution for their particular requirements, and this is predominantly ensured through the work of our consulting and design experts. The design aspect of our business is crucial to our success in ensuring the best solution for every customer. We acknowledge that it is not always appropriate to propose the highest levels of automation to customers; as such we evaluate the individual requirements and future plans of each customer in order to recommend the optimal solution for them.
Furthermore, Swisslog is renowned within the industry for its reliability in Project Management and has an impressive track record for installing materials handling solutions ahead of time and within budget. Many customers opt to put the complete project into our hands, trusting us also with building development, including environmental planning and site development. This provides reduced risk not only at the project realisation stage but also throughout the lifetime of the installation.
WLN – What new products and developments will you be showing at IMHX?
The NEC exhibition will be AutoStore’s first public outing in the UK – a highly flexible, space-saving concept for storing and picking single items and small parts. A specially commissioned pick station will deliver visitors a complimentary beverage. Swisslog’s IMHX stand will also give visitors the opportunity to see the popular SmartCarrier storage and transport solution, for totes and trays, in action.
WLN – How important are shows like IMHX to your company and its strategy?
IMHX provides the perfect platform for showcasing Swisslog’s state-of-the-art products, whilst enhancing brand awareness with both existing and potential customers. Events like these are essential for us to get a real understanding of the qualities our customers want in their logistics systems. The ideas behind our systems can be quite complicated to follow, but there’s nothing quite like a real life demonstration for helping to get over the ideas. Also, every installation is unique, in as much as it is tailored to each operation. Our strategy is to try sell the Swisslog ethos of working with customers to design successful processes, deliver confidence and develop value. How we achieve that may change from customer to customer, but the overall approach holds true for all.
WLN – The big question: why should a busy professional from the logistics industry take a day out of the office to visit your stand?
To see latest technologies in action – a chance to look and to touch solutions that could enhance their operations. Often it is in conversations with logistics professionals away from their day-to-day environments that we’re able to discuss a more hollistic approach. Those who already know the benefits offered by automation can find out how we can bring the benefits offered by the latest developments to their own businesses.
WLN – With the greater emphasis on retail, what special features does your AutoStore solution have?
Automation has become more affordable and productive than ever, and online retailers around the globe are leveraging such technology in their warehouses to improve their distribution centre environment. Typical fixed aisle ASRS and systems with high-speed robots for put-away and storage are designed to work in confines that are limited or even completely off-limits to workers. With the latest automated storage solutions such as AutoStore in place, operators merely insert bins into the storage cube via one or more receiving stations. Robots bring inventory to pickers for order fulfilment and then replace any remaining material back into storage. This saves online retailers time, increases productivity and eliminates thousands of miles of walking for pickers in a typical fulfilment centre.
Tel: 01527 551 600
email: wds.uk@swisslog.com
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