Automated MFC selected as awards finalist

An automated Micro-Fulfillment Centre (MFC) solution with 24/7 click and collect is a finalist in the Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards (ASCLA), in the Best Supply Chain Management category.

The AutoStore grid-based automation solution was implemented by Swisslog for SKUTOPIA, an e-commerce fulfillment specialist.

The AutoStore solution situated in Alexandria, Sydney, comprises 7000 bins and 16 robots. SKUTOPIA is already underway in the process of expanding this to 50,000 bins in the coming years as it scales up operations.

According to Talea Bader, Managing Director, SKUTOPIA: “The automated solution, together with SKUTOPIA’s WMS, has also increased efficiency, accuracy and throughput, allowing us to deliver products to customers faster. The system provides an average increase of 1200% (12 times) compared with a manual warehouse.”

“This is a truly exciting MFC project, and it’s fantastic for both Swisslog and SKUTOPIA to be recognised by the industry’s dedicated supply chain and logistics awards,” Bader said.

Dan Ulmamei, Swisslog Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, was also delighted at the recognition. “SKUTOPIA offers a game-changing system for the e-commerce industry, and Swisslog is proud to support them as they expand their operations.

“Swisslog’s solution provides flexibility to grow as SKUTOPIA grows, and as its customers grow, which means all companies involved can stay agile and responsive to growth or changes in their product or offering,” he said.

AutoStore is also an energy-efficient solution with each robot using just 0.1 kW of energy per hour — six robots use around about the same energy as a toaster. The low energy consumption combined with low maintenance costs makes for a favourable total cost of ownership (TCO).

Key features include: 24/7 automated customer click and collect; order buffering for click and collect orders; maximised throughput and increased storage density; and integrated to CMC cartonising machine.