Challenges:
The partnership between NEXT and Körber Supply Chain took off in 2011, where NEXT needed additional capacity to handle its growing furniture business.
Since then, the main challenges were with migration from a manual picking warehouse to a fully automated one.
The overall objectives were to reduce the overall cost, reduce damage of products and ensure efficiency and competitiveness in the industry.
Solutions Implemented:
An automated warehouse solution was designed specifically to handle NEXT’s unique layout. It included:
Doncaster 1 storage capacity: 27,043 pallets, 5 aisle switching cranes in 8 aisles
Doncaster 2 storage capacity: 50,000 pallets, 18 aisle switching cranes
Single deep storage built for large and bulky products
Conveyor system and elevators connecting to the ASRS
10 picking stations for truck loading and 12 pallet building stations for intake
2 separate RGV systems with 81 RGVs across 2 floors handling 550 and 800 pallets per hour
WCS software and monitoring system with full SCADA overview
Benefits:
The growth NEXT has experienced over the years has been achieved from a prompt, fast delivery service supported by the fact that the storage system from Körber knows what is in stock at all times.
Also, the objectives of reducing cost and ensuring competitiveness by reducing overhead costs from transport, handling, logistics and labor have been fulfilled thanks to the effective performance of the fully automated pallet handling solution.
