Automated warehousing distribution systems from leading storage and
materials handling specialist, Dexion are driving efficiency in the apparel industry.
The thriving fashion retail business has triggered a global demand for quicker
and more efficient logistics and distribution operations within the apparel
industry; Dexion’s automated warehousing solutions are helping to meet the
demands of an extremely dynamic industry, according to Client Director, Colin
Yeo.
According to Mr Yeo, apparel distribution centres typically 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. Using automated
warehousing as a distribution solution delivers significant advantages in terms
of economies of scale, increased productivity and rapid responsiveness to
market demands.
Dexion’s automated warehouse system directly eliminates much of the
traditional manual handling associated with garment handling and its preparation
for order fulfilment. For instance, 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.
Mr Yeo explains that this method reduces costs for the user by its very operation
as the automated warehouse enables and facilitates rapid picking, sorting, and
shipping at the time it is required.
Automation not only increases warehouse performance but also reduces labour
requirement. 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
Dexion’s solution also allows value-add services to be easily integrated
into the automated process by simply integrating workstations into the flow. Orders
that require reworking are automatically redirected to the workstation to
receive labelling, promotional items, individual packaging or other special
services, and then reintegrated into the main material flow and conveyed to the
despatch area for shipping.
The system is also recommended for special e-commerce demands, which typically
involve 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.
Dexion’s automated warehousing solutions can be customised to the
specific requirements of each customer, while delivering excellent distribution
centre performance, high picking and inventory accuracy, significant reduction
in operational costs, and rapid return on investment.
