Robots boost case picking speed by 300%

With the growth of online shopping, Allen Distribution is managing an ever-increasing number of orders that are received via a customer’s website direct from consumers which require processing and shipping same day and with this demand came the need to move away from  their manual processes, that were not only time consuming, but required physical labour that proved a challenge to source in busy periods. The company wanted to significantly increase the speed of their pick line operations, reduce the need for manual labour and ultimately increase their competitive advantage by implementing flexible warehouse automation.

They required a solution which was unlike most other third-party logistics companies. Prime Robotics had to consider which solution would increase their efficiency the most while reducing the need for human interaction. Prime’s solution was a goods-to-person case picking system, designed for building rainbow pallets from single SKU pallets. Unlike most third-party logistics companies who move to a picking area and return the single SKU pallet once picked, Prime Robotics’ developed and produced a pallet robot to retrieve, present for picking and return the single SKU pallet back to its storage location. The pallet robot (MP-3300) was designed to handle a payload of 1500kg. Prime also supplied Pallet Platforms, Prime Management Console and RCS, plus custom developed communication apps.

This robotic solution saw Allen Distribution increase their case picking speeds by over 3 times the manual picking rate, in addition to being able to increase their optional hours without hiring extra labour. The end result meant that Allen distribution were able to increase the efficiency of their grocery distribution while reducing their overall operational costs.

Prime Robotics work with Nottingham-based partner LAC Conveyors & Automation to deliver AMR solutions in the UK.

For more information, visit www.lacconveyors.co.uk or contact [email protected] / 0115 975 3300