Using AMRs to Reduce Time, Touch & Travel

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can provide significant benefits in omnichannel fulfillment, a retail strategy that offers a seamless customer experience across different channels. We have witnessed remarkable results at Bluegrass Supply Chain after integrating AMRs into our operations.

Improved Efficiency

Our AMRs have revolutionized our workflow, setting the pace for our team members. Our robots take the most efficient path and proactively alert the team to delays. We have seen a 200% increase in picking efficiency. In fact, the time to get a picker to pick at rate has been reduced from two weeks to two hours since introducing AMRs! The robots allow pickers to work hands-free and keep our processes running smoothly, allowing us to handle orders more quickly and effectively.

Reduced Errors

The use of AMRs has significantly reduced the chance of human errors in order picking and inventory management. Pickers work hands-free, and the monitor on the AMR displays a picture of the item - we scan a UPC for each item we pick. Our robots ensure accurate item identification, improving quality and increasing customer satisfaction.

Increased Flexibility & Scalability

Unlike traditional fixed automation systems, AMRs offer unparalleled flexibility. They can be easily reprogrammed and redeployed to adapt to changing warehouse layouts or handle different tasks. This flexibility is particularly valuable in omnichannel fulfillment, where demand patterns fluctuate significantly across different channels.

AMRs have allowed us to scale our operations based on demand. During peak periods, such as the holiday season, we can easily add or remove robots as needed. This agile scalability enables us to manage increased order volumes without over-investing in permanent infrastructure.

Cost Savings

By automating repetitive tasks, AMRs have significantly reduced labor costs. Moreover, the robots require less infrastructure than traditional automation systems, resulting in lower upfront investment and maintenance expenses. Our initial training time has also been reduced from two weeks to just one day, maximizing our efficiency.

Safety & Ergonomics

Our AMRs have taken over physically demanding tasks and the need to hold scanners during product scanning. Instead of pushing heavy carts through the operation, pickers utilize the AMRs. This technology has also reduced travel in the warehouse for pickers by 75%. AMRs have improved ergonomics and reduced the risk of workplace injuries for our team members, emphasizing our commitment to their safety and well-being.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Through improved efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility, our AMRs have contributed to an enhanced customer experience. We can process orders faster, eliminate mistakes, and handle various order types and sizes. This translates into greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

TAKEAWAY

Integrating AMRs into our processes at Bluegrass Supply Chain has yielded remarkable results. Our focus on ROI has allowed us to witness substantial improvements in efficiency, error reduction, flexibility, scalability, cost savings, worker safety, customer experience, and sustainability. The benefits of AMRs have surpassed our expectations and solidified their position as a transformative technology in the world of supply chain management.