Nene Warehouse Solutions is a leading provider of innovative and tailored warehouse storage and logistics solutions. With a track record of excellence spanning nearly five decades, specialising in optimising warehouse spaces, improving operational efficiency, and maximising storage capacity. Our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions makes us a trusted partner for businesses seeking to streamline their warehouse operations and drive productivity.
Jerome McAllister, Automated Solutions Manager at Nene Warehouse Solutions speaks to Warehouse & Logistics News.
Automated Solutions Manager
What are the company’s best-known Automated practices/solutions/services?
We work closely with pallet shuttle manufacturers. With our background in manual pallet storage solutions, we are evolving and offering our customers automated storage and retrieval systems.
Which industry sectors are your customers in, and which ones are growing fastest for Automation?
Food and beverage manufacturing tends to have large batches and lower SKUs, which are ideal for deep lane automation. Most verticals, however, are facing the usual barriers of customer demand for quicker order fulfilment, rising operational costs, lower resource availability, accurate inventory, improved safety, energy efficiency, and reduced damages.
Can you describe a recent automation project you managed? What was your role, and what were the outcomes?
Oddly, I am currently removing an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). What is not so odd is it that is a ‘traditional’ ASRS, i.e., a large miniload system with acres of conveyor. Our solutions are much more agile; with battery power, the infrastructure costs and complexity are greatly reduced, lowering the barriers often realised with these older systems. Automation really is open to all now, not just the big players.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in Automation?
I’ll be the lurker in the many webinars that our suppliers are so good at delivering. I do love being able to hear the hottest news from my desk with my headphones on.
What is your approach to assessing and implementing new automation tools within an organisation?
Battery power enables us to provide demonstrations at our facility. Additionally, it gives our customers the opportunity to see the equipment up close. We can also showcase the technology at our main supplier’s innovation centre in Belgium.
Can you tell us about any recent customer contracts and how you helped the customer meet their challenges?
Recently, we implemented a project for a B2B wholesaler with a B2C eCommerce platform. They needed to optimise their despatch area for pallet picking. An early consideration was a LIFO (Last In First Out) gravity rack. There would have been considerable ongoing service and maintenance costs, and the design, with an inclined slope, greatly reduced the storage height. We proposed a 1D shuttle system that greatly improved the storage capacity in comparison and is better aligned with the operational needs and efficiency.
How do you measure the success of an automation project?
I have already mentioned the traditional barriers we look to lower. Automation projects can, however, hinge on a strong Return on Investment (ROI). We will work closely with our potential clients to understand their operational costs for plant, labour and general operational efficiencies to help our clients sell automation within their business.
What strategies do you use to manage resistance or scepticism towards Automation from potential customers?
To be honest, the technology speaks for itself. The ROI is usually realised in 1-3 years. Operators also like to engage with automation, and re-skilling them is rewarding for both the individual and our clients.
How do you prioritise automation projects in a multi-project environment?
We prioritise the optimal solutions, either manual, semi or fully automated, that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the client. Understanding specific requirements allow us to present a variety of solutions that align with operational needs and budget. A key aspect of our process is the use of ROI calculations in demonstrating the financial benefits of different solutions from a large portfolio of results from our experienced automation team. This guides resource allocation, prioritising projects based on their feasibility, ROI and alignment with our core competencies, ensuring that each project delivers optimal value and efficiency for our clients.
Can you describe your experience with integrating automated solutions into existing systems?
Keeping our customer’s sites running is our highest priority. Phasing solutions in areas and getting them operational so they can realise the benefit before releasing other areas is a key strategy we adopt with our customer’s operations.
What are some common misconceptions about Automation you have encountered, and how do you address them?
Automation is often perceived as costly and inflexible for SMEs. It is now more accessible and scalable than ever, with ROIs and finance options dispelling cost concerns. Additions of storage, shuttles, AMRs or ACRs cater for varying demands and growth. Robots as a Service (RaaS) provide flexibility during peak periods for seasonal fluctuations. The implementation process has been streamlined with reduced commissioning time with the low infrastructure complexity – charge and go – well, almost!
What would you say are the biggest automation trends shaping the warehousing and logistics industry?
Mobile robots are a game changer. There will always be a place for conveyors, but AMRs are so accessible now, quickly implemented and quick to relocate, and they are truly the go-to tech for the foreseeable.
How do you see Automation growing in the marketplace?
It is evolving, albeit slower than in Europe. 1D shuttles offer scalable and cost-effective semi-automation. Fully automated 2D shuttles significantly enhance efficiency. Autonomous Case Robots (ACRs) and E.Scala are revolutionising goods to-person/packing operations, offering alternatives to space-hungry traditional shelving, mezzanine and ASRS systems.
What are the company’s main automation focus for next year?
The first goal for next year is to successfully implement a 2D shuttle project. There has been significant interest, and we will secure at least one project soon.
What makes your automation service/products stand out, compared to your competitors?
Our experience with conception, design, implementation and support is vast. We are agnostic and will always look to provide the best solution for the task, even if it is a manual solution, which we also have extensive experience of in within our solutions team.
What are your plans to grow the automation side of the business for your company?
Focusing on raising awareness of our services through all media, networking events and exhibitions. We’re also looking for an Automation Sales Project Manager; interested candidates, please contact us.
Nene Warehouse Solutions
01327 300456
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