Global retail software specialist, Retail Directions, which represents over 50 international retail brands, has helped South African fashion retail giant, Retailability to deliver a 30% increase in despatch rates. The project saw auto-diverters improve Retailability’s distribution centre process by almost a third – by automating manually-intensive and time-consuming processes, and increasing conveyor belt speed efficiency by over 100%.
The catalyst for change came with Retailability’s acquisition of 130 Edgars stores in 2020 – a well-established brand in South Africa. With increased stock to process, Retailability was limited by the physical space available in its distribution centre.
Martyn Cole, Director of Commercial Operations at Retail Directions, comments, “Retailers need to be aware of the supply-chain pressures that arise as their business grows. A common warehouse challenge can be the costs associated with multiple and duplicate touch points of goods and consider opportunities to increase efficiencies through automation.”
After several auto-divert units were installed into the converter to improve the speed and accuracy of the process, the 2D barcode information on the shipping label could include the routing information, replacing a time-consuming manual process.
Steve Pearson, Head of Supply Chain and Logistics at Retailability, says, “Productivity gains are still being measured, but early results are very encouraging. Since our diverters have been implemented, Retailability has increased its despatch rates by 30%. Even though it is such a small change, Retail Directions has already made a real difference to our warehouse environment.”
By changing the 2D barcode information on the shipping label to include the routing information, Retail Directions has enabled Retailability to automate this once manual and time-consuming process.
Since being fully commissioned, the conveyor is now running between 95 and 105 metres per minute (m/minute) compared to 45 to 50 m/minute before, an increase in speed efficiency of over 100%.
Cole adds, “Increased accuracy means faster delivery of inventory out to its stores, resulting in the right stock, in the right place, at the right time – which ultimately translates into more opportunity for sales and satisfied customers.
We are continually investing in our Advanced Warehouse capabilities, and these efficiencies being realised by Retailability are growing evidence that we are meeting the demands of our key clients, and strengthening our position as a tier-two provider in this space.”
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