The surge in micro fulfilment centres (MFCs) has become a pivotal element within the logistics framework of the eCommerce, retail, and grocery sectors. This trend shows no signs of abating, as some projections predict an expansion of the global micro fulfilment market to a staggering $88.3 billion by 2031. But how do these changes impact logistics operations and, crucially, why does this evolution necessitate the adoption of flexible warehouse equipment?
Retail eCommerce sales have steadily grown over recent years and are set to continue this upward trajectory. This indicates the shifting consumer preference to buy goods online. And, with online purchases, customers expect fast delivery. In fact, the global same day delivery market is set to triple by 2027.
Traditional logistics models where goods are supplied to customers directly, usually from large out-of-town distribution centres or logistics hubs, may struggle to match the short delivery times that many customers now want. As a result, retailers and manufacturers are considering MFCs, small storage or warehouse facilities typically located within, or very near to, a retail store, as a solution to optimise their operations and the customer experience. The purpose of an MFC is to keep stock closer to customers, and often closer to urban areas, where there is a higher density of consumers.
Businesses previously accustomed to specifying equipment for large distribution centres are faced with different requirements when selecting the right options to use in an MFC. To enable these businesses to adapt, Yale Lift Truck Technologies can provide support, advice, and consultancy. With global logistics industry experience and intralogistics expertise, as well as the support of an independent dealer network with local market knowledge, Yale offers a range of efficient and reliable product solutions to support MFCs.
A micro fulfilment operation requires far smaller materials handling equipment compared to a large specialist logistics warehouse. Order picking and transport will typically be carried out with pedestrian operated vehicles, as opposed to reach trucks, very narrow aisle (VNA), or counterbalance lift trucks.
Yale provides a range of compact warehouse equipment to meet the brief, while offering businesses maximum flexibility from their investment. An efficient and space-saving option is to employ multi-functional products. For example, the MP20-30X platform pallet truck, MP16-22 pedestrian pallet truck, or MP20XD platform double stacker, which can be used for loading and unloading, as well as order picking in the aisles.
Certain Yale® warehouse trucks also offer flexibility across the workforce. With a choice of different drive modes to suit different operator skills, trucks are suitable for a wide range of driver experience levels. Features such as SmartLift, available on selected Yale pallet trucks, also make lifting and transporting a pallet a simple and streamlined process. In addition, the Yale range features many areas of common intuitive design, making it simpler for operators to switch between trucks across a shift.
Yale warehouse trucks also have the flexibility to be customised to the operation’s requirements. For example, pallet and stacker trucks may include different platform options, various fork configurations for different load dimensions and pallets, and operator assistance features. In unique applications that require special solutions, the Yale special engineering team can also design and deliver trucks to non-standard requirements.
In addition, Yale can offer a telemetry solution, Yale Vision. While working alongside a reliable truck fleet, the Yale Vision telemetry system can provide enhanced fleet management and workforce productivity, optimise equipment performance, and improve site safety and operator accountability. This can help MFC operations to meet their cost and productivity objectives.
Yale and its network of Dealer Partners are focused on customer success and supporting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the fast-changing micro fulfilment market. For more details visit www.yale.com/en-gb/europe.
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