Dematic, a leading provider of automated supply chain and logistics solutions, is hosting a Virtual Showcase aimed at supply chain leaders. This event will spotlight the effectiveness of logistics automation, addressing how it can transform operations for various businesses. With changes in consumer behavior and increasing market pressures, automation can deliver significant benefits, including heightened productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced organizational flexibility.
The Virtual Showcase will feature insights from industry giants such as Bluebird Foods – PepsiCo, Drakes Supermarkets, and Unilab Pharmacy. These companies have successfully integrated automation into their supply chains, and their experiences will provide valuable lessons for attendees seeking to enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness.
An example of successful implementation comes from Bluebird Foods – PepsiCo, with their Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). Scott Blakey, National Logistics Manager at Bluebird Foods, emphasizes the system’s positive impact on operational efficiency: “The AS/RS has supported PepsiCo’s commitment to minimizing waste and promoting positive change for the planet and its people. We’re picking at 700 units per hour (per picker), and have seen productivity improve from resource reallocation, greater accuracy in pallet packing, and reduced congestion at our site.”
Drakes Supermarkets, represented by Glenn Sutcliffe, General Manager of Warehousing & Distribution, will share insights on how automation has revolutionized order-picking productivity in their South Australian warehouse. Sutcliffe notes that “the Dematic Goods-to-Person system has taken up to 40% out of the cost of handling products out of every supermarket,” providing a compelling testimony to the financial advantages of automation.
Unilab Pharmacy’s Assistant Vice President, Albert D Cruz, will discuss the broader implications of automation for business growth. He argues that fearing automation equates to fearing growth. “Yet the advantage often outweighs the challenges. Start with a well-defined plan and concentrate on areas where automation can have the greatest impact,” he recommends. This perspective highlights the need for strategic planning when considering automation, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared to tackle the associated challenges.
The event will also address essential topics such as risk management, planning, and the seamless integration of new systems. Industry experts will guide attendees on how to navigate the complexities of transitioning to a more automated supply chain. Sharing practical experiences will not only provide reassurance to those hesitant about automation but will also highlight the successful outcomes that can be achieved.
Automation isn’t merely a trend; it is a critical strategy for survival and competitiveness in the modern market. According to a McKinsey report, companies that automate their operations report a 30% increase in efficiency on average. This level of efficiency can significantly enhance a company’s profitability and ensure the ability to adapt to market demands swiftly.
Moreover, customer expectations are higher than ever, driven by advancements in technology. Consumers are looking for rapid delivery, accurate order fulfillment, and overall transparency in their transactions. Consequently, businesses that invest in automation can offer enhanced service levels, resulting in greater customer retention and satisfaction.
The Virtual Showcase reflects a growing realization among industry leaders that automation isn’t just about replacing manual labor with machines; it’s about optimizing the entire supply chain to provide better products and services to consumers while managing resources more effectively. Companies presenting at the event have demonstrated that successful automation projects require collaboration between supply chain managers and technology providers. As Sutcliffe accurately mentions, “Understanding your products and business needs is vital.”
For any business contemplating a move toward automation, the insights shared at Dematic’s Virtual Showcase will provide essential knowledge. Organizations must view automation as a long-term investment aimed at transforming their supply chains to meet current and future challenges. The multifaceted approach of learning from industry leaders’ experiences will equip decision-makers with the strategies needed to implement successful automation and drive growth in an ever-competitive landscape.
In summary, attending Dematic’s Virtual Showcase will offer invaluable perspectives on the role of supply chain automation in the future of logistics. Whether you represent a large enterprise or a smaller firm, the insights shared will prove crucial for developing a robust supply chain strategy that embraces automation’s potential.