Sharing the way in which each technology works and helps to automate your working center is not enough, we also want you to learn about the cases of success of those companies that have said YES to the intralogistic change. This is how Gucci Group had a 360-degrees change in its business:
What was the problem at Gucci Group?
When Gucci Group decided to change the direction of its business and concentrate the whole distribution at their existent facilities, they knew their distribution philosophy had to change completely as well. “We’ve combined 200,000 sq. ft. of operation in our 100,000 sq. ft. existent facility. We needed something simple but effective in order to satisfy our space and productivity needs” says Tony Mauro, Vice President of operations.
Gucci Group is one of the world’s leading companies of multi-brand luxury products, such as: Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron and many others. The company designs, manufactures and distributes high-quality luxury products. “Our former cardboard warehouse was controlled by radiofrequency but we noticed that looking for an item took too long” – Mauro said- “we also used RF Picking to be more efficient but operators wasted a lot of time going from one place to another which resulted in delays. In addition, we had to hire additional operators during peak seasons which increased the budget a lot”.
What was the automated solution for Gucci Group?
After evaluating the operations, it was determined that the solution to the assortment and distribution problems was the implementation of three Kardex Remstar Shuttle Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs). With this design, Gucci was able to reduce its workforce costs and increase productivity up to 40% and at the same time, they had 80% of space saving because these three Shuttle VLMs provide 1800 sq. ft. of accessible storage space within a 210 sq. ft. area.
“Regarding the VLM’s, we estimate a return of investment of 18 months based only in workforce savings; in fact, we have 40% increase of productivity and some days we even have reached up to 100%. The decision of implementing the VLM’s was quite easy after analyzing to the workforce savings; space savings and productivity levels were a plus” Mauro affirmed.
How do the VLM´s work?
Orders in the VLM area are picked up in batches of ten items each. The operator has to scan the barcode of the container and place it in the batch station. When a batch is ready to be picked up, the VLM’s tray reaches the selection window automatically. There, the operator takes the SKU and quantity according to the indicators.
Then, the operator turns around and lights of the batch stations indicate how many items must be placed in each order. When finished, the operator just pushes the button of completed task and the process is repeated all over again until the batched is complete; after that, the batch is placed on the conveyors to be moved to the next step or area.
Shuttle VLMs automatically delivers items to the selection window which is ergonomically located. These three Shuttle VLMs are constituted by trays stored in both sides of a column with an extraction/insertion platform located in the middle.
The VLM’s modular design allows units to be relocated as well as heights to be modified very easily in a cost-effective way. The trays’ height is scanned every time these are placed in the unit; therefore, items can be automatically stored in high or low levels without jeopardizing space.
As you can see, productivity through automation allows that companies like Gucci continue as market leaders.
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