Into the Future Sustainably and Capably

Fashion and Consumer Goods

The fashion and consumer goods industry is characterised by fierce competition, seasonality and high margin pressure. High availability combined with high storage capacity of the automation systems is therefore a basic requirement. Regular collection changes and the need to respond flexibly to changes in customer buying behaviour justify the wish for high performance logistics systems. In addition, customer demand is spread across different distribution channels, all of which must be supplied to the same standard of quality. Automation is the solution to the increasing complexity of omnichannel logistics.

Achieving Successes with an Omnichannel Platform

Whether in the retail outlet, in the online shop or mobile via the mobile phone - your customers expect fulfilling shopping on all channels. Your logistics must be sufficiently adaptable. Home delivery or store delivery are already frequently used shipping options today. Not to forget the returns that logistics must prepare for. You can meet the needs of your customers with the right intralogistics for an omnichannel strategy.

INTERSPORT is the Number One sports retailer and it supplies over 1,000 retailers worldwide. With the help of an omnichannel platform, the company is delivering its own product ranges with growing success. Modernisation of the logistical processes was urgently required because storage space was scarce and software was outdated.

Efficient Returns Management

The efficient management of returns and value-added service has in common that small quantities of items need to be effectively transported, stored and received or packed. In addition to the design of the material flows, the decisive factor here is the right software that optimises order processing and allows customers to be supplied as quickly and individually as possible. Fashion and consumer goods logistics in particular are subject to seasonal peaks, which is why these automated logistics systems need to be designed with the necessary flexibility. Returns must be processed quickly and cost-effectively, e.g. to have stock available again quickly.

Value Added Services as a Differentiating Feature

In contrast to bulk orders, value-added services are all about individualisation. The result is often a one-piece flow process that requires optimum support through intralogistics. From a business perspective, value-added services result in higher processing costs due to the higher order complexity, but customer satisfaction increases disproportionately.

Together with GEBHARDT Fördertechnik from Sinsheim, the football outfitter and sporting goods retailer 11teamsports completely reorganised their logistics at the new headquarters in Satteldorf in February. With the installation of a high-performance shuttle warehouse and the implementation of the “goods-to-man” principle, the company is well equipped for the growing challenges of the online business.

Process Transparency and Performance Tracking Achieved Through Automation

Automated storage and order picking systems enable high delivery performance and optimum utilisation of space. The individual process steps in the warehouse must be linked together in the best possible way with the appropriate material flow technology. Automation leads to the necessary process transparency and enables efficient tracking of logistics performance. An important indicator is the number of errors, which can be decisively improved through appropriate software and workplace design, which in turn increases order accuracy.

Fashion E-commerce Logistics

In fashion logistics, things have to move fast - trends emerge with ever greater frequency in social media, for example. Your customers therefore expect the fastest delivery, same-day or next-day, or go directly to a branch for collection. It must be possible without great effort to return items that do not fit or do not please.

For many years, the logistics service provider C-Log Solutions, based in Saint Malo, France, has been supporting the fashion and textile retail business of the Beaumanoir Group as well as external partners at home and abroad. Having decided to go with the GEBHARDT product portfolio, the company sees itself ideally equipped for the changing shopping behaviour of consumers and the high demands of the textile mail order business in terms of achieving a continuous increase in performance

Ergonomic Workplaces Achieved Through Automation

For their employees, automation offers the chance of a workplace that prioritises ergonomic design and functional safety. Reduce absenteeism and address the challenges of an ageing population (and workforce) and skills shortages. Workplace ergonomics have a direct impact on the work results of their employees due to the high performance requirements. The automation of what were previously manual processes relieves the workload of employees and leads to better work outcomes.

Expand Capacities - Reduce Workload

Automation in previously manual warehouses provides a huge boost to productivity. This leads to a lower demand for labour per unit of output, e.g. orders. In this way, they use their limited resources effectively and create space for growth and profitability. The automation of additional process steps such as the automatic building and sealing of shipping cartons further improves the return on investment.

Order-Picking System Facilitates Business Growth and Efficiency

Ralawise Limited, a global supplier and distributor of T-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts and other garments for the printing, embroidery and decorating industries, expanded its warehouse capacity at its Chester site in partnership with GEBHARDT European Conveyor System Ltd. The new central warehouse, equipped with a modern order picking and conveyor system as well as various lifts, provides Ralawise with the foundation to accommodate further growth and continue to offer excellent customer service and value for money.

Automation Promotes Sustainability

Last but not least, with automation you are also investing in sustainability and resource conservation, while at the same time meeting high requirements for economic efficiency as well as investment & information security. Tamper-proof systems require a consistent IT and control concept, which is also documented accordingly. Automation of logistics leads to a reduction in labour costs over many years of plant operation and enables high efficiency even in countries with high unit labour costs. In addition, consumers and customers are actively demanding goods from a sustainable supply chain. Our plants integrate modern IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies.