STAPLES
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“ THERE ARE FEWER ABSENCES , MORE EFFICIENCY AND A LOWER TURNOVER OF PEOPLE BECAUSE WE ’ RE INVESTING IN OUR TEAM ”
— Kevin Lewis , Supply Chain Director , Staples UK
The distribution facility is an impressive feat but perhaps the most exciting aspect of the facility is its ingenious use of technology and automation . “ About 70 % of our operations are automated so we use Pick to Belt and Pick to Light solutions . On top of this , we also have implemented an order , storage and retrieval ( OSR ) system by Kanpp ” explains Lewis . “ It was a £ 9mn investment just for the picking tower alone , but by using the full height of the building we can be much more efficient .” It also allows people to pick economically ; adjustable platforms mean that people don ’ t have to reach or bend down to pick up items . Instead , they can pick from a height that ’ s comfortable for them . On top of this , Staples has also experimented with weighing technology that adds an additional layer of protection . “ It ’ s an extra safety net ,” observes Lewis . “ We know the weight and dimensions of every single product so if there is any weight deviation , we would be able to see that and alert the team .”
SEPTEMBER 2019