Established in 2009, Breathe Technologies provide smart warehouse solutions that improve and optimise processes. Breathe Orquestr8 is our proprietary AI driven software platform that simplifies and harmonises the integration of physical automation and digital systems across picking, packing and despatch. Breathe’s exceptional team help clients to minimise risk, improve productivity and reduce costs.
David Carroll, CEO at Breathe Technologies speaks to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What are your best-known products/solutions/services?
Breathe Technologies background and core competence is rooted in excellence in automation coupled with advanced integration processes. The business also has proven capability in integrating physical automation and host systems. More recently Breathe has developed its AI capability in delivering smart processes to large and small clients delivering solutions that focus on their specific needs and importantly offer long term scalability.
Which industry sectors are your customers in and which ones are growing fastest?
Breathe Technologies are known for our e-commerce and retail expertise which includes a wide range of sectors such as fashion, toiletries and beauty, animal medicine, household appliances, retail books, tools and hardware. We are proud of our long-term relationships with these clients. However, manufacturing is a growing area for us too and we provide products, systems, solutions and services to major 3PLs.
What are your most recent product innovations?
Orquestr8 is Breathe’s AI driven software platform; its single focus is to simplify the integration of core warehouse functions (physical and digital) so that all systems work in harmony. It gives our clients more visibility and control across all areas of their warehouse.
Orquestr8’s newest offering is PICK Optimisation, an AI enabled algorithm that calculates the shortest walking distance between each pick location, learning as it goes and continually re-evaluating the best walking routes. It integrates with wearable technology and other picking automation and can reduce pick effort by up to 50%.
What are the major trends and developments affecting your category and your customers, and how are you responding?
We provide lower risk scalable and modular solutions; we recognise the challenges our clients will have in the future where they will face increased costs in navigating the change to a decarbonised future. In early January, Nike announced a cost saving strategy of $2 billion. Our use of non-generative AI problems solves and streamlines processes, all helping our clients to become more efficient now, and cost accordingly for future innovation.
Can you tell us about any recent customer contracts and how you helped the customer meet their challenges?
We have recently worked with The Perfume Shop providing an automated packing system that not only delivers improved efficiencies with 3 times faster processing of customer orders, but also further accelerates The Perfume Shop’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its outbound supply chain.
How does business in 2023 compare to previous years? What’s your strategy for succeeding in the current climate?
Our experience is that there was still some uncertainty in the earlier part of 2023, however the final quarter of the year was quite extraordinary. Clients are turning to automation/systems and there is more confidence to invest.
Broadly speaking, our strategy will still focus on bringing innovation to what we do, using our expertise in high level digital processes to create smarter systems that can put our customers firmly in control of their operation and widen their choices.
We have excellent partnerships allowing us to do this – with OEMs, consultancies and 3PLs; and our location at Sci-Tech Daresbury gives us unprecedented access to world leading expertise through programmes such as Bridge AI and Innovate UK.
What’s the latest news from your company?
We experienced quite a few changes in 2023, our office building has had its challenges, causing us to temporarily move out – we are now back at home. We said goodbye to some staff and embarked on a period of Team growth, we continue to invest in our people.
Can you tell us about any areas where you’re currently making technical advances e.g., safety, sustainability, environment?
Safety and well-being are areas where we make a recognisable contribution. Our software product creates a better environment for pick operatives – PICK and Proglove integration is in use with major UK retailers. At a time of labour shortages and challenges in recruitment our technical advancement is in software that can mitigate some of the physical demands and boredom in parts of picking jobs.
Are you investing in staff training and skills development?
We always do, across all areas using a combination of internal mentoring and external support, from apprenticeships to manager and leadership development. We continue our collaboration with Manchester University and being based at SciTech Daresbury provides us with regular training and awareness programs across multiple areas of the business which staff participate in.
Are you taking part in any major trade shows? Can you tell us what you’ll be exhibiting there?
We will be attending Tomorrows Warehouse in Juneat Coventry and in October, at Manchester.
Breathe Technologies
t: 01925 742888
Comments are closed.