Transforming logistics in Lille: Vandenbulcke's Autostore investment
Vandenbulcke, a prominent distributor of bakery and pastry products, is spearheading a new era of logistics efficiency with the deployment of a state-of-the-art multi-temperature Autostore robotic storage system.
Located within its expansive 21,000 m2 warehouse in Herlies, near the strategic hub of Lille, France, this move by Vandenbulcke exemplifies the growing trend of businesses investing in advanced automation to meet evolving market demands.
The impetus for this significant upgrade stems from a substantial 40% increase in new product references, underscoring the critical need for optimized storage and order preparation.
Unpacking the multi-temperature Autostore system
Advanced robotic storage for diverse needs
At the heart of Vandenbulcke’s operational overhaul is the sophisticated Autostore solution, designed by Swisslog. This system uniquely features two distinct 16-level grids, catering to products with varying temperature requirements. One grid is dedicated to refrigerated items, housing an impressive 9,500 bins, while the second accommodates ambient products with 5,500 bins. This multi-temperature capability is crucial for businesses handling diverse product portfolios, ensuring optimal conditions for every item from receipt to dispatch.
Intelligent management and automation
The entire Autostore operation is seamlessly managed by Swisslog's advanced SynQ WMS/WCS software, providing intelligent control over every aspect of storage and retrieval. Integrating 20 high-performance robots, the system automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of picking and packing. This level of automation not only enhances speed but also significantly reduces the potential for human error, ensuring a streamlined and reliable workflow.
Tangible benefits for operational efficiency and supply chain excellence
Dramatic boost in order fulfillment
The impact of this automated system on operational efficiency is profound. Vandenbulcke anticipates a remarkable increase in order preparation capabilities, projected to skyrocket from 700 preparations per day to an impressive 300 preparations per hour. Such a leap in throughput capacity translates directly into faster delivery times, improved customer satisfaction, and a stronger competitive edge for businesses.
Enhanced precision, security, and traceability
Beyond speed, the Autostore system brings a host of other critical advantages. It significantly reduces manual labor, freeing up personnel for more strategic tasks. Furthermore, the system guarantees precise traceability of all products, offering unparalleled stock security and meticulous temperature management—elements that are absolutely vital for quality control, compliance, and mitigating waste, particularly in the food distribution sector. Businesses looking for warehouse space to rent should note how modern facilities are integrating such systems to offer superior control and reliability.
Adapting to market demands
Vandenbulcke’s investment is a clear indicator of how forward-thinking companies are adapting to the complexities of a rapidly evolving market. With increasing SKUs and consumer demand for faster, more accurate deliveries, automated warehouses are no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity for maintaining efficiency and profitability.
Strategic location: the advantage of Lille, France
The choice of Herlies, near Lille, for this advanced logistical hub further underscores the strategic thinking behind Vandenbulcke's expansion. Lille’s geographical position in northern France makes it an ideal gateway for distribution across France and into wider European markets. For businesses seeking office or warehouse space to rent, considering locations like Lille that boast excellent connectivity and a burgeoning logistics ecosystem, coupled with access to cutting-edge warehousing solutions, can provide a significant competitive advantage.
What this means for businesses seeking warehouse solutions
Vandenbulcke's successful deployment of a multi-temperature Autostore system serves as a powerful case study for businesses evaluating their own warehousing and logistics needs. It highlights the immense potential of modern, automated facilities to drive efficiency, ensure product integrity, and support aggressive growth strategies. When considering office or warehouse space to rent, businesses should increasingly look for partners and locations that embrace such technological advancements, as they are key to future-proofing supply chains and maximizing operational performance.
Source: strategieslogistique.com
