Harnessing the power of Ocado’s technology to improve conditions in the warehouse
We have developed and operated cutting-edge technologies to power hyper-efficient online grocery for over two decades, and now have 13 global retail partners in 11 markets. Today, we’re applying this technology and expertise beyond grocery, helping businesses in a wide range of industries to transform supply chains and solve challenges.
At the heart of our innovations are a range of technologies designed to provide a step change in the way businesses operate warehouse and distribution networks, driving huge improvements in efficiency, as well as improvements in warehouse working conditions compared to traditional approaches.
Warehouse work is often physically demanding, with repetitive tasks and unusual working conditions, such as extreme temperatures. Our technology is making strides to improve these conditions from streamlining processes to fostering a more efficient and enjoyable work environment.
Why new innovations are key to better warehouse management
Logistics and retail businesses are currently encountering a variety of challenges with regard to warehouse management:
- Labour shortages - Across logistics businesses, labour shortages are on the rise. According to Gartner, 57% of supply chain executives cite attracting and retaining workers as their biggest challenge.
- Challenging tasks and environments - Workers spend more time on repetitive, manual tasks. Many of these are physically strenuous by nature, like lifting heavy loads. On top of this, workers also have to work in challenging physical environments, such as cold environments.
- Rising costs - Rapidly rising costs across retail supply chains are putting pressure on warehouse operatives to drive greater productivity.
- Growth of ecommerce, technology and automation - The pressure is on for businesses to decide how to embrace ecommerce, technology and automation before their competitors do, or risk getting left behind.
How are we addressing these challenges?
Our technology is helping to address each of these challenges, enabling more productive, safe and fulfilling working environments in warehouses by:
- Making the warehouse a more appealing place to work
- Streamlining repetitive or arduous tasks
Making the warehouse a more appealing place to work
Recently, we worked with Ocado Retail to commission a third-party human rights assessment (via QBL Consultancy) on one of our operations in the UK. After completing a site inspection, documentation review, worker interviews and management interviews, QBL rated our site as the top distribution facility in terms of management, facilities, environment and culture. They specifically pointed out how our technology effectively aids workers in their roles, making regular distribution tasks less arduous.
In grocery, maintaining different temperature regimes is crucial, with products stored across ambient, chill, and frozen environments. In traditional freezers, warehouse operatives pick frozen items in sub-zero temperatures, making them inhospitable working environments. Our auto freezer innovation is designed to automate the management of inventory in the freezer, while also supporting colleagues by reducing the most unpleasant warehouse activities.
The product will automatically load empty totes into the freezer and place them in a waiting area for picking by our robots. These same totes will then be re-loaded into a chill area once full to be kept cool until delivery. This system, reducing costs and managing labour shortages more effectively. It also enables better temperatures to be maintained throughout the picking operation, which contributes to greater energy savings in the warehouse.
Streamlining repetitive or arduous tasks
Manual frameloading is a common task in typical supply chains. It involves loading totes onto frames to transport them to the customer. These totes are often incredibly heavy, which makes it an unappealing warehouse task.
Our Autoframeload solution streamlines the entire tote loading process. It uses real-time AI vision systems to load totes onto frames without human touch. This system also facilitates the quick loading and unloading of delivery vans. It helps our partners manage the challenges associated with high staff turnover, particularly in roles that involve repetitive, physical, and manual tasks. It also assists them in adhering to important health and safety regulations.
Another repetitive task is manual bagging, where operatives insert bags into totes ready for groceries to be inserted. Our Autobagging solution empowers workers by eliminating this repetitive and labor-intensive activity. The innovation is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Ocado Smart Platform - our end-to-end ecommerce, logistics and fulfilment solution in one. The solution helps to decrease training time, lower the risk of repetitive strain injuries, and enhances worker satisfaction.
How Ocado is continuing to elevate conditions within the warehouse
We continue to use our technology expertise and innovation to improve warehouse conditions. From innovations that streamline processes to creating a more efficient and enjoyable work environment.
Together with our partners, we are setting a new standard for the future of warehouse work.
We are working with some of our partners to trial new warehouse designs to enhance the working environment. An example of this is embedding glass sections into the roofs of fulfilment centres to provide warehouse operatives with natural daylight.
Together with our partners, we are setting a new standard for the future of warehouse work.
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