Data-driven efficiency for eComm

RETAILERS AND warehouse operators across the UK saw an unprecedented surge in online retail during the pandemic and eComm sales are still expected to reach £75 billion by 2024. Added to the shortage of available warehouse space, significant supply chain challenges and a labour shortage, operating an efficient warehouse with a strategic focus on pick and pack processes is crucial to meet order fulfilment and customer demand for ever-decreasing delivery times.

A recent project with just these challenges provided an opportunity for SEC Storage to work with leading ceramics manufacturer Portmeirion who were looking to increase their ability to handle their online sales channel within their existing warehouse facility. 

SEC collaborated with the client to assess all aspects of their operations, carrying out in-depth data analysis of their order processing, SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) and operational data. From this detailed analysis, SEC could define rapid and slow moving products and devise a comprehensive strategy for the operational changes that would manage order processing and throughput more efficiently. Only through implementing new processes to increase space optimisation and enhance order fulfilment efficiency, could they meet their growth targets and customer service objectives.

SEC Group managing director, Harry Watts, says: “Our in-depth analysis involves a complete assessment of operational data using our in-house machine learning system ‘ELSA’ which allows us to demonstrate to our customers the optimal solution based on efficiency gains and return on investment. 

“In essence, efficiency comes through changes in operational practice, with ELSA guiding pick face locations and SKU allocations, enabled by the systems delivered, and for Portmeirion, we concluded that relocating the e-Commerce order processing element with fast moving goods to a new mezzanine floor, would be the most efficient use of their existing space.”

In addition to providing a dedicated area for this growing part of the business, creating the new mezzanine would offer a significant increase in order processing capabilities by doubling the number of pick & pack stations within the overall warehouse facility. This also providing additional SKU capacity within their existing Automated Storage & Retrieval System following the relocation of priority e-Commerce stock items.

Portmeirion head of logistics Tom Bratherton, adds: “The analysis SEC conducted and subsequent design solution demonstrated a clear path to improved operational efficiencies across the warehouse, with intelligent use of the existing space. The new pick & pack mezzanine area will enable us to expand our e-Commerce offering, while meeting customer service objectives with improved delivery times.

“This project came at a critical growth point for Portmeirion and the resultant efficiency gains are a testament to SEC’s analytics and intelligent warehouse design expertise combined with excellent project management and a professional installation team.”

For more information, visit www.sec-storage.co.uk