As part of the revamp of its supply chain, Officeworks deployed a range of cutting-edge technology solutions.

 

Global firm Körber Supply Chain was commissioned last year to transform Officeworks’ Victorian customer fulfilment operation with technology solutions including automation, voice and warehouse management system (WMS). 

 

In 2015, Körber deployed a voice picking solution for Officeworks’ four customer fulfillment centres and the global solutions provider has played a pivotal role in Officeworks’ innovation and transformation strategy over recent years.

 

Aside from improving fulfilment rates and speed to market, the key priority for Officeworks’ investment in technology was to further enhance employee well-being, safety, and job satisfaction through reducing repetitive tasks and manual handling. 

 

In an industry first, Officeworks has worked with Körber to install solar capabilities which will power the automation solution, enabling the retailer to reduce emissions.

 

The Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solution has significantly reduced the time that team members need to spend walking around the DC, which previously averaged 10-12 kilometres per shift.

 

The deployment of Körber’s AMR solution is taking place at the retailer’s 15,000 sqm Distribution Centre (DC) in Victoria. 

 

The deployment consists of 86 Geek+ manufactured AMRs and 30 Geek+ sortation robots. 

 

The robots will work in collaboration with fulfilment team members and facilitate picking across the site’s 25,000 stock keeping units (SKUs). 

 

The deployment of Körber’s sortation solution will make Officeworks the first company in Australia to deploy AMR sortation technology. 

 

As opposed to fixed automation, sortation robots can sort products based on urgency and postcode, creating further efficiencies along the supply chain. 

 

The solution also provides Officeworks with greater inventory control and has allowed the retailer to increase its delivery window for its next day and express delivery option.

 

IMAGE: Korber Supply Chain