Carbon neutral automation for retailer

CHILDRENSALON SOUGHT an automation partner to support them with a solution for the storage and order fulfilment of children’s garments, footwear, and accessories.

The retailer selected Swisslog and opted for an AutoStore solution at their facility in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The project was delivered in three phases to cater for the increase in orders and expansion of the site.

Phase one saw the installation of Swisslog’s AutoStore system, within an existing building. This initial installation was designed to allow future expansion options from the outset and provided better use of the available space than any other automated solution. AutoStore’s storage density enabled Childrensalon to utilise virtually every square inch of available space, the complete solution eventually offering; 50 robots; 42,500 storage bins; seven remote decant stations; and eight carousel pick stations.

Swisslog’s AutoStore offers maximum storage density and order picking, while providing flexibility and scalability for the warehouse of a dynamic and rapidly changing business. The solution enables e-commerce fulfilment delivered by autonomous robots traversing an aluminium grid above stacked storage bins. The size and form of this grid can adapt to any warehouse for optimal space utilisation. As the number one AutoStore integrator worldwide, Swisslog implemented Childrensalon’s system on time and within budget.

As the business continued to grow, Childrensalon commissioned Swisslog for two additional phases adding more storage, additional robots, 8 new pick stations and a light goods conveyor system providing remote loading of the AutoStore bins and conveying of picked transit totes.

Childrensalon Group Co-CEO Affie Scott-Read, says: “Launching Autostore has been an incredible milestone for Childrensalon. Providing the best customer service has always been one of our core motivations and introducing this automated solution will allow us to do so as our business grows, while being able to allocate and flex our people where we need them as well. Swisslog has been an integral part of our warehouse development and continues to offer support going forward.”

Free up warehouse space

For Childrensalon, the automation frees up valuable warehouse space for business expansion and allows the team to focus on their strengths – exceptional customer service and a high-quality shopping experience.

Once a customer places an order, a pick-and-pass process is initiated in the warehouse.

The AutoStore solution supports this process by maximising product availability due to its storage density and fast fulfilment. The items making up an order are sent to the consolidation area of the facility in transit totes via Swisslog’s QuickMove light goods conveyor system.

Finally, the order is consolidated by colleagues and carefully packed with finishing touches including a surprise for the “customer” (child). The shopping experience is the key focus of the business, with Childrensalon ensuring orders are picked, packed, and shipped by 5pm ready for next day delivery.

Off-the-grid automation and Solar Power

Childrensalon have many initiatives to protect the environment and are proud that the entire automated logistics solution functions on solar powered energy. This is just one step they have taken to reduce their carbon footprint.

Swisslog is continually advancing its supply chain sustainability with energy-efficient solutions under its GreenLog initiative. The AutoStore solution contributes to this initiative with each robot using just 100W of energy per hour. To put that in perspective, 10 robots use the equivalent energy of one vacuum cleaner! Meanwhile, the Swisslog conveyor system at Childrensalon stops automatically when not in use to save energy and reduce maintenance and subsequently ambient noise on site.  

Childrensalon Group Co-CEO Asher S. Harriman-Smith, explains: “Sustainability is important to us at Childrensalon. We endeavour to implement green practices wherever possible throughout our entire organisation and we are incredibly pleased this is reflected in the warehouse environment. Swisslog has provided a first-class solution and continues to support us as our business requirements change.”

The SynQ effect

AutoStore comes with a warehouse management software application developed using Swisslog’s SynQ standard modular WMS. SynQ includes AutoStore and Conveyor Directors providing the functionalities needed to run and manage the system, linked to Swisslog’s visualisation system for speedy error recovery.

Local inventory management components and sophisticated material flow strategies are included to leverage the overall system performance in the best possible way. Due to its universal user-interface supporting numerous devices such as touchscreens, handhelds, or smartphones, it is easy to use and administer. At Childrensalon, SynQ interfaces with their own WMS and will easily adapt to future business growth.

Remote support 24/7

While engineers on-site are trained to carry out first line repairs, Swisslog is always in the background to help when required, offering remote support around the clock. Childrensalon have confidence that their system will be fully maintained and operational as needed. Swisslog has a solid network of engineers across the UK ready to provide planned maintenance and rapid on-site support when necessary.

The benefits

AutoStore provides better use of available space than any other automated system thanks to its unique design that enables optimum storage density. The system’s modular, fully scalable design makes it future proof and to increase throughput you simply add more robots.

The flexibility of AutoStore also makes it easy to integrate into existing buildings without needing any additional construction work. With a low investment, AutoStore achieves speedier and more accurate fulfilment at integrated goods-to-person workstations. People no longer need to walk long distances to pick products, the robots deliver goods directly to pick stations to reduce picking times.

Swisslog UK managing director James Sharples, says: “We are incredibly proud to work with eComm retailer, Childrensalon. It was of paramount importance to deliver a phased installation of AutoStore powered by our SynQ WMS software, and we are committed to ensuring the solution continues to develop for Childrensalon’s future business growth.”

For more information, visit www.swisslog.com