Network solutions distributor Mayflex has improved its Central Distribution Centre at its Birmingham HQ, with the addition of Autostore automation technology from Swisslog.
Sam Baldwin, Mayflex operations and services director at Mayflex, said: “Technology in distribution has significantly moved on, and with our investment in Autostore and the introduction of the 14 Maybot robots, we can enhance our service levels further.
“For instance, our accuracy rate is already high at 99.93%, but our aim is to achieve 99.96%, that doesn’t sound much but over a year that equates to a large number. To ensure maximum quality, the system is designed to only deliver the product required, followed by every item being scanned by our sophisticated Cognex scanners.”
He added: “The whole process will be far quicker to process orders, which will be particularly useful for customers ordering at the trade counter or for same day despatch requirements.”
The further consolidation of orders will also mean customers won’t receive so many consignments either.
In addition, the automation will allow the provider to automatically choose the smallest possible outer box for each delivery, using less void filler. And the “crash lock boxes” means tape will not have to be used, meaning they will will be quicker and easier for customers to open on delivery.
Autostore is said to be more energy efficient too, enabling a “significant reduction” in power over what is currently used, said Mayflex.
