Asda handles Peak and returns simultaneously
The retailer has launched a new goods-to-person picking and returns system for its clothing brand, George.
THE PROJECT has been spearheaded by Asda Logistics Services (ALS), with AMH Material Handling and robotics firm Geek+ collaborating.
With the system, Asda will be able to handle peak season fulfillment and regular returns simultaneously at the same location.
This customised Geek+ P800 returns solution features a four-sided rack design, which significantly increases overall pick and put-away rates. With a 4-sided pick face, operators who stay in the workstation can carry picking for fulfillment and put-away for return orders from any open slot once the rack is presented in front of them.
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It is more user-friendly for the operator, and speeds up the return cycle. This allows returned items to be put back on sale more quickly. In addition to processing 7200 units with 700 SKUs every day, the solution allows Asda to have fewer racks but more storage location.
Asda Logistics Services vice president Chris Hall, says: “I’m delighted to see this project going live supporting the growth of our George.com business. This has been a real collaborative effort across our internal teams, AMH, and Geek+. This is our second AMR installation in the network and I can see the value automation brings to supporting the colleague experience.”
This project is an extension of previous successful cooperation. The replication reflects the customers' endorsement of Geek+ products and services and satisfaction with the efficiency and accuracy improvements brought them.
The cost of handling returns is a big issue for e-commerce businesses. Reports show that the “reverse logistics” of returns cost UK retailers £60 billion a year.* Businesses' profit margins are being eroded by these significant costs. There is continuing growth in the business of Asda's clothing brand, George. As a result, Asda's warehouse return operations are expected to experience significantly increased pressure. The Geek+ solution helps Asda reduce the time required for stocking back returned items, reducing the impact on return processing.
Lit Fung, VP and managing director, international business at Geek+, says: “I am proud that another Asda site is opening in the UK for fulfillment and returns. Right in time for peak season, our system is uniquely positioned to handle returns. We accompany our customers as they grow their businesses, and the replication of success from our first project is proof of the value of our solutions.”
Adrian Carter, sales director at AMH Material Handling, adds: “I am profoundly proud of the solution we have managed to create together with Asda and Geek+. This solution is of excellent quality and provides the benefits we promised."
For more information, visit www.geekplus.com
