About Customer

Ariat International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots, Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. 

About Partner

Supply Chains are growing more complex by the day. Körber Supply Chain uniquely provides a broad range of proven, end-to-end supply chain solutions fitting any business size, strategy or appetite for growth. Capable of delivering not just software, but automation, voice, robotics, and materials handling - plus the expertise to tie it all together. We are a global partner not just for today, but also as the needs of supply chains continue to evolve. 

The Challenge 

• Labor Shortages created by the rise in demand 
• Needing to optimize the warehouse and increase throughput
• Needing to reduce physical strain for associates
  
  

Our Solution

Geek+ worked collaboratively with Körber Supply Chain to optimize throughput and increase storage capacity in Ariat's 1 million sq. ft warehouse operations. Integrating with K. Motion Warehouse Advantage (WMS), 88 Geek+ picking robots and 2,000 racks helped Ariat to achieve greater operational speed and end-customer experience. After its initial order, Ariat expanded the solution with an additional 30 picking robots.                                                          

The Geek+ impact

• Improved picking efficiency, accuracy and throughput
• Decreased walking distance by 82% - from 40,000 steps a day to 7,000 steps a day
• Increased associates' productivity by 100%
• Faster and easier training process for associates
• Moral boosting - staff see automation as a way to support them, instead of replacing them