StrongPoint is a retail technology company that provides in-store and e-grocery hardware and software solutions. They are AutoStore’s first grocery-focused partner and provide e-grocery automation purpose-built for grocery retailers. The company has offices in the UK, Ireland and many countries across Europe.
Director of Grocery Fulfilment Solutions
James Palmer, Director of Grocery Fulfilment Solutions, speaks to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What is your day-to-day role?
I oversee everything from solution design to implementation and handover. I lead our team of product specialists, designers, developers and project managers to create and deliver innovative best-in-class fulfilment solutions. My team continually challenges itself to find smarter methods and surpass customer expectations.
What makes Strongpoint unique in the industry?
With 35 years’ experience, StrongPoint is the world’s most experienced e-grocery solution provider. We provide both in-store and online fulfillment solutions. Our team comprises efficiency-obsessed engineers, futurists and mathematicians, all with the mission to reinvent traditional retail. We have designed, built and maintained automated grocery solutions and warehouse management systems, and we really do understand every process and what’s important to each stakeholder.
For in-store we provide efficiency-saving solutions for cash management, electronic shelf labels, collection point automation and self-checkouts, and we’re developing an in-store robot with 1XRobotics.
We provide manual order-picking solutions for in-store and dark stores, automated fulfillment (with AutoStore) and multiple last mile solutions, including home delivery, drive-thru with AI-powered license plate recognition, in-store pickup, and fixed and mobile temperature-controlled grocery and parcel lockers.
StrongPoint is AutoStore’s first grocery-focused distribution partner, the only partner with the installation capability in house and we are the only partner providing fully integrated last mile solutions. In January 2023 we began installation of the world’s first multi-temperature AutoStore grid, which includes a frozen food zone.
What’s different about grocery automation?
It is far more complex, with multiple temperature zones, high order volumes and product variation. There are numerous expiration dates, a vast SKU range and last mile demands.
Further, grocery retail is fundamentally a low-margin business. To increase profits, the next generation of grocery fulfilment will need to include more automation, such as an urban fulfilment centre with last mile and click & collect. Automation’s role in each context will depend on the size of operation and order volume.
What’s in store for StrongPoint in 2023?
Having mastered the world’s first multi-temperature AutoStore grid which included a frozen food zone, we are now looking at how to take this solution to the next level for grocery retailers by automating as much of the non-grid activity as possible with the aim of fully optimising every last possible touch point.
What are the benefits of frozen food automation?
Frozen foods have become much more popular at home for their convenience, value and long-term preservation. However, retailers have a space and range challenge.
Online storage and fulfilment away from the shop floor allows for an unconstrained range. Additionally, reducing energy costs and maintaining a climate-neutral supply chain are vital considerations.
Automation of frozen food in an Autostore grid means a retailer can offer a full frozen range online, using less space, less labour and up to 30% less energy.
What are the biggest challenges facing automation in grocery retail?
The right partner is key. There are many automation integrators out there, most of which operate on a project-by-project basis and only offer what’s in their portfolio. Once a project is delivered, they walk away. There are many off-the-shelf software packages too.
At the same time, consultancy demand and costs are rising, because expertise is scarce. Consultants may not grasp the complexities of grocery.
StrongPoint is different. I, like many of our executive management, projects managers, consultants and engineers, have a background in the e-grocery industry, so we speak your language! Our portfolio can onboard you at any point and get you on the path to maximum picks per hour for maximum efficiency and profitability. We have created an automation offer by bringing together best of breed solutions, but we are always on the lookout for new technologies which can give our customers an edge. Our software solutions are built and configured specifically for groceries, they have a long heritage in the industry, which is unique in the market.
Is automation key to profitability?
Yes and no. Here’s why: automation can provide increased efficiency, scalability, savings, and an improved customer experience. However, automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Additionally, there are upfront costs and potential challenges. It is crucial to carefully evaluate your particular needs and consider the costs and benefits before implementing automation strategies.
What should one automate – and not?
Retailers can automate almost anything, but it’s a question of cost and efficiency. Fast-moving products are often more cost-effective to store and pick manually or with limited automation. With proper data and analysis, you can determine the most efficient processes to automate and weigh the benefits against the costs involved. It’s critical that retailers find a partner who understands the end-to-end process and can clearly articulate which technologies are best able to support each process and why.
How long has StrongPoint been in the UK?
StrongPoint has a local presence in the UK called ALS StrongPoint, a company which has been in operation for 25 years, which is trusted by many of the leading grocery retailers in the UK.
StrongPoint
+47 934 03 254
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