Fast fashion is on the rise, triggering global demand for quicker and
more efficient logistics and distribution operations within the apparel
industry. Leading storage and materials handling specialist, Dexion is meeting
this demand by delivering automated warehousing solutions.
Client Director, Colin Yeo explained how the revolutionary warehouse
system can meet the needs of an extremely dynamic industry.
“Typically, apparel distribution centres service hundreds of fashion
retailers and handle up to 50,000 cartons per day, shipping millions of
garments each week to outlets and end consumers,” Mr Yeo said.
“Automated warehousing offers a distribution solution with significant advantages
in terms of economies of scale, increased productivity and rapid responsiveness
to market demands.”
The automated warehouse system directly eliminates much of the
traditional manual handling associated with garment handling and its preparation
for order fulfilment. As an example, Quality Control Operators simply take the
incoming cartons off the conveyor system in the receiving area, identify and
check them, then buffer them in the fully automated carton warehouse.
The individual cartons are stored and retrieved by highly dynamic
mini-load stacker cranes, capable of handling cartons of various dimensions in
a multi-deep environment, while providing easy access and maintaining stock
integrity.
“This method achieves significant cost reduction for the user by the
very nature of its operation. The automated warehouse enables and facilitates
rapid picking, sorting, and shipping at the time it is required,” Mr Yeo explained.
Warehouse performance is increased through automation by reducing the labour
requirement and higher storage density. Depending on the business’ individual
requirements, there are broadly three order fulfilment solutions available
within an automated warehouse:
- Solution One: Zone Route Picking
Picking occurs with order cartons being diverted into
target zones
- Solution Two: Cross Docking and Goods-To-Person
Combines a cross-docking system for fast-moving items
and a highly dynamic goods-to-person picking solution
- Solution Three: Automated Sorter Picker
Picking orders by a high-speed sorted solution for the
entire SKU range, capable of handling up to 35,000 items per hour
It is easy to integrate value-add services into the automated process by
simply integrating workstations into the flow. Orders that require reworking are
automatically redirected to the workstation in order to receive labelling,
promotional items, individual packaging or other special services. These orders
are then reintegrated into the main material flow and conveyed to the despatch
area for shipping.
The system even works for special e-commerce demands, which are
typically small order volumes requiring fast turnaround times. Integrating
e-commerce functions with store replenishment activities ensures both
operations have access to shared stockholding locations, thereby increasing
efficiency and eliminating storage duplication.
Tailored to each business’ individual needs, Dexion’s automated
solutions deliver the highest distribution centre performance, highest picking
and inventory accuracy, a significant reduction in operational costs and a rapid
return on investment.
Through Dexion’s tailored solutions, the logistical prerequisites are
established for the growing and evolving fashion industry.