Feature Blogs
Case Studies
S&S Activewear: Revolutionizing Apparel Warehousing with the PopPick Solution
The Customer
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, S&S Activewear is a technology-driven distributor of apparel and accessories, serving the United States and Canada. With a product portfolio spanning over 80 brands, including Adidas and American Apparel, S&S caters to a diverse customer base, including retail brands, e-commerce companies, apparel decorators, promotional product distributors, entertainment merchandise dealers, lifestyle brands, and online custom apparel platforms. The company operates over 4 million square feet of warehouse space across North America, ensuring efficient distribution and delivery.
The Challenge
S&S faced several operational challenges as they scaled their business:
- Optimizing Employee Productivity: Ensuring efficient use of labor resources in a large-scale warehouse environment.
- Improving Order Quality: Maintaining high accuracy in order fulfillment to meet customer expectations.
- Enhancing Delivery Efficiency: Reducing lead times to ensure timely deliveries.
- Addressing Rapid Business Growth: Scaling operations to handle increasing order volumes and customer demands.
Our Solution
To address these challenges, S&S implemented Geek+’s PopPick Goods-to-Person solution. Key features of the solution included:
- Deployment of 340 AMR Robots: These robots automated the movement of goods within the warehouse, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency.
- 24 PopPick Workstations: These workstations streamlined the picking process, enabling faster and more accurate order fulfillment.
- 2 Inbound/Outbound Workstations: Automated systems for seamless integration with conveyor lines, optimizing inbound and outbound operations.
The Geekplus impact
The implementation of the PopPick solution delivered significant value to S&S’s operations:
- Enhanced Picking Efficiency and Accuracy: The automated system significantly improved the speed and precision of order picking.
- Increased Processing Capacity: The warehouse now processes up to 4,500 order lines per hour, meeting high customer demand.
- Optimized Delivery Speed: Faster order processing and seamless integration with conveyor systems reduced lead times.
- Scalable Operations: The solution provided the flexibility to handle future growth and increased order volumes.
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Soccer.com and Geek+: Transforming Sports Retail Logistics with Robotics Innovation
The Customer
Soccer.com is a leading online retailer specializing in soccer gear, apparel, and equipment. Catering to players, coaches, and fans, the platform offers a wide range of products, including jerseys, cleats, balls, and training accessories from top global brands. Known for its commitment to the soccer community, Soccer.com also provides customization services, exclusive team gear, and resources to support players at all levels.
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Shop LC and Geek+: Transforming E-Commerce Logistics with Smart Automation Solutions
The Customer
Shop LC is a prominent home shopping network and online retailer offering a wide range of affordable luxury products, including jewelry, fashion, beauty, home goods, and lifestyle items. Known for its unique "Low Cost" approach, Shop LC provides exceptional value to customers while supporting sustainability and charitable initiatives through its "Your Purchase Feeds" program, which helps fight hunger globally.
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Transforming SP Digital’s Supply Chain with Geek+ and Boreal Automation
The Customer
SP Digital, a leading e-commerce company based in Chile, faced significant challenges managing massive spikes in demand brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. To tackle these issues, SP Digital partnered with Geek+ and Boreal to implement an advanced robotics solution tailored to optimize their supply chain.
The Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic drove a surge in online shopping, leaving SP Digital struggling to manage unprecedented demand for computer hardware and gaming products. Their existing supply chain faced inefficiencies in picking processes and warehouse throughput, making it difficult to keep up with the rapid changes in order volumes. To maintain customer satisfaction and sustain business growth, SP Digital sought a robust, efficient, and scalable solution.
Our Solution
Geek+ collaborated with Boreal to deliver a dynamic robotics solution that addressed SP Digital’s challenges. Key components of the implementation included:
- AI-Driven AMRs Geek+ integrated intelligent autonomous mobile robots to automate and optimize the picking processes within SP Digital's warehouses.
- Advanced Picking Robotics Boreal supported the deployment of advanced picking systems, tailored to handle SP Digital’s specific needs.
- Seamless Collaboration Geek+ and Boreal worked closely to ensure a smooth implementation process, minimizing disruptions while maximizing the operational impact.
This combination of smart robotics and collaborative integration resulted in a scalable, efficient, and data-driven warehouse solution.
The Geekplus impact
The deployment of Geek+ AMRs, combined with Boreal's expertise, delivered measurable outcomes:
- Optimized Warehouse Operations Streamlined processes enabled SP Digital to handle rapid shifts in order volumes while maintaining operational stability.
- Maximum Picking Efficiency Robotic automation improved picking speeds, significantly reducing turnaround times and enhancing overall throughput.
- Scalability During Peak Seasons The solution empowered SP Digital to meet massive spikes in demand without compromising accuracy or delivery timelines.
"For us, implementing Geek+ robotics systems in our value chain is an important step towards enriching and strengthening the services we offer our clients. We are very satisfied with the work done together with Boreal and Geek+. The transformation has been remarkable, and we look forward to further collaboration."
Diego Santander, CEO, SP Digital
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Geek+ and Systemex Automation Partner to Revolutionize Robotics in North America
The Customer
Systemex Automation is a leading Canadian systems integrator specializing in the engineering, manufacturing, and integration of advanced automation solutions for diverse industries. With a vision to deliver innovative robotics to its manufacturing, distribution, and retail customers across North America, Systemex Automation partnered with Geek+ to access a world-class autonomous mobile robot (AMR) portfolio and enhance its capabilities as a trusted solutions provider.
The Challenge
- Escalating labor shortages were causing operational bottlenecks and limiting growth potential for Systemex Automation's clients.
- Rising operational costs placed additional pressure on margins, demanding more efficient processes.
- Diverse customer needs for scalable, flexible automation tailored to existing warehouse workflows complicated solution design.
- The need to quickly adapt to changing order volumes and market dynamics called for future-proof, easily integrated robotics.
Our Solution
Geek+ and Systemex Automation worked together to deliver a comprehensive response to these industry demands:
- Integrated AMR Portfolio: Geek+ supplied Systemex Automation with an extensive range of AMR solutions, including picking, moving, sorting, and storage/ASRS systems, to tackle all stages of warehouse logistics.
- Seamless Deployment: Systemex Automation leveraged its systems integration expertise to ensure smooth implementation of Geek+ robotics, enabling minimal disruption and maximum compatibility with existing operations.
- Tailored Rollouts and Training: Joint planning allowed phased deployments based on client-specific needs, with collaborative training programs preparing staff to efficiently manage new robotic systems.
- Continuous Support: Ongoing assistance from both partners guaranteed successful adoption and long-term reliability for customers.
The Geekplus impact
Systemex Automation’s partnership with Geek+ has delivered transformative benefits to its client base:
- Boosted Operational Efficiency: Automated solutions have streamlined warehouse workflows, elevating accuracy and reducing order fulfillment times.
- Reduced Operating Costs: Reliance on manual labor decreased, while workplace inefficiencies were minimized, resulting in measurable savings.
- Alleviated Labor Constraints: Robotics have enabled customers to scale rapidly and adapt to labor market fluctuations, driving competitive advantage.
- Scalable Flexibility: The modular AMR solutions allow seamless expansion and customization as business needs evolve.
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Xtep and Geek+ Enhance Logistics with Smart Warehouse Solutions
The Customer
Xtep Group is an internationally renowned sports shoe and apparel brand with a rapidly expanding footprint, Xtep required a robust logistic solution to keep pace with customer demands and ensure operational agility during fluctuating market conditions.
The Challenge
- Surge in international orders driven by global expansion.
- Seasonal apparel trends necessitating adaptable logistics systems.
- Large SKU varieties requiring advanced storage and inventory solutions.
- Inefficiencies during high-demand periods led to slower picking and bottlenecks.
Our Solution
Geek+ implemented its state-of-the-art RoboShuttle® tote-to-person picking solution tailored to Xtep's requirements:
- Dual-Robot Collaboration: RS robots optimized vertical storage use, while P40 robots facilitated high-speed order picking and delivery.
- Dynamic Picking Operations: Dual picking points at workstations ensured operators could continuously pick without delays.
- Smart Inventory Arrangement: Frequently ordered items were stored on lower, easily accessible racks to accelerate picking speed.
- Flexible Load Management: Compatibility with bins and cartons of all sizes minimized operational costs.
- Scalable and Rapid Deployment: New robots could be seamlessly added during peak periods to meet increased demand.
The Geekplus impact
Xtep's adoption of Geek+'s advanced logistics technology delivered remarkable results:
- 3x Growth in Picking Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced operational delays.
- 5x Increase in Storage Density: Maximizing warehouse space with vertical optimization, saving on rental costs.
- Accelerated Implementation: Quick deployment with minimal disruption to existing operations.
- Cost Savings through Sustainability: Recycling original storage boxes reduced expenses and improved operational processes.
- Future-Proof Scalability: The system's adaptable design ensured readiness for ongoing business growth.
“Xtep is well aware that digital transformation is the key to breaking through development bottlenecks and reshaping the sustainable growth momentum of its business. Therefore, we are committed to promoting the deployment of digital technologies both online and offline. Through our collaboration with Geek+, we have successfully applied logistics robot technology to achieve warehouse transformation in an efficient and low-carbon manner, accelerating the realization of the Five-Five Plan goals and sustainable growth.”
Jun Lin, Assistant Vice President, Xtep
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Rollship and Geek+ Transform E-Commerce Order Fulfillment in Hong Kong
The Customer
Rollship, backed by Chun Sing, has over 20 years of experience managing logistics for the e-commerce sector. Known for its customer-first approach, Rollship specializes in addressing the unique complexities of online retail. Seeking to enhance their operational capabilities, Rollship collaborated with Geek+ to revolutionize their order fulfillment processes in Hong Kong.
The Challenge
- E-Commerce Industry Pressure: Rising demand for faster and more accurate order fulfillment necessitated smarter operations.
- High-Volume Order Management: Handling an increasing number of SKUs demanded a solution to sustain capacity without compromising speed.
- Limited Integration: The need for seamless integration with existing warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
- Scalability and Seasonal Fluctuations: A logistics partner capable of adapting to changing order volumes and seasonal surges.
Our Solution
Geek+ implemented a range of advanced solutions to address Rollship's challenges:
- PopPick Goods-to-Person Solution: Mobile robotics paired with moveable shelves to enhance picking efficiency, enabling quick fulfillment of orders.
- Four-Way Shuttle System: A high-density storage solution for managing an extensive SKU variety while maximizing warehouse capacity.
- RoboShuttle Tote-to-Person System: Optimized vertical storage and retrieval capabilities, improving throughput and accuracy.
- Seamless Integration: Geek+ software integrated with WMS, ERP, and MES systems, ensuring efficiency without overhauling existing infrastructure.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Systems designed to handle fluctuations in demand, with quick adaptability to seasonal peaks like holidays or major campaigns.
The Geekplus impact
The collaboration resulted in substantial value for Rollship:
- Enhanced Fulfillment Accuracy: Advanced robotics reduced picking errors, ensuring higher customer satisfaction.
- Optimized Space Utilization: High-density storage improved facility use, accommodating more inventory efficiently.
- Significant Efficiency Gain: Automation streamlined operations, boosting order processing speeds and reducing bottlenecks.
- Adaptability for Growth: The scalable system allowed Rollship to confidently expand its operations in line with market demand.
- Integration with Existing Operations: A smooth transition with compatible systems preserved business continuity during
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Maersk Revolutionizes Supply Chain Operations with AGV Technology in HK
The Customer
- Maersk is a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. With a network spanning over 130 countries, Maersk ensures seamless shipping and warehousing operations for millions of businesses globally.
- As part of its strategic focus on innovation, Maersk leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize supply chain operations and meet evolving customer needs.
The Challenge
- Inefficiencies in manual processes: Traditional pick-and-pack operations were time-consuming and resource-intensive, particularly during high-demand periods.
- The need for accuracy: Ensuring error-free order fulfillment was critical to maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Workforce strain during peak seasons: Seasonal spikes in demand placed significant pressure on manpower resources.
Our Solution
- Enhanced speed and accuracy: The AGV system executed picking tasks faster than traditional methods while achieving 100% accuracy.
- Labor optimization: By automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, AGVs significantly reduced dependence on manual labor, especially during peak demand periods.
- Improved efficiency: The combination of automated parcel handling equipment and scanning technology streamlined the end-to-end process, creating a simplified and reliable system.
The Geekplus impact
- Faster operations: The AGV system completed tasks at a speed significantly higher than manual pick-and-pack processes.
- Error-free fulfillment: The automation achieved 100% picking accuracy, eliminating errors and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Manpower savings: During peak periods, the AGVs reduced the need for additional labor, ensuring smooth operations without added costs.
- Scalability for growth: By introducing automation, Maersk empowered its distribution center to handle increased demand while setting the stage for broader innovation initiatives.
“With the increasing use of the new technology in our warehouse, we enter in a new era with a lot of potentials to optimize our operations. Comparing with the menu, pick and pack, the AGB enables us to perform the activities in the warehouse a lot better. ”
Caroline Wu, Managing Director, Greater China, Maersk
Geek+ and Brilliance BMW: Advancing Automotive Manufacturing through Smart Logistics Collaboration
The Customer
Brilliance BMW Automotive Ltd., established in May 2003, is a joint venture between BMW Group and Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings. The company handles research and development, purchasing, production, sales, and after-sales services for BMW-brand automobiles in China. Brilliance BMW focuses on high-quality development and sustainability, aiming to become a provider of premium personal mobility services while driving sustainable practices across China's automotive value chain.
The Challenge
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Increasing complexity and variety of automotive components (SKUs)
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Difficulties in inventory management for small and medium-sized parts
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Need for efficient, secure, and stable picking processes
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Complex logistics environment requiring advanced, high-performance solutions
Our Solution
To address these challenges, Brilliance BMW implemented Geek+'s standard "goods-to-person" picking solution, an AI-driven system designed to optimize logistics operations and improve overall efficiency.
- P800R Picking Robots — These robots were deployed to optimize the picking process in the general assembly workshop, specifically for F-koli (small parts) logistics areas.
- Advanced Software Integration — Seamless integration with Brilliance BMW’s warehouse management system enabled real-time inventory tracking, precise order fulfillment, and data-driven decision-making.
- Comprehensive Staff Training — Geek+ provided thorough training programs to ensure that staff could safely and efficiently operate the new automated systems.
- Scalability and Flexibility — The solution was designed to be scalable, allowing Brilliance BMW to expand or adapt the system as production volumes or SKU complexity grows.
The Geekplus impact
The implementation of Geek+'s innovative logistics solution delivered impressive results for Brilliance BMW:
- 400% Increase in Picking Efficiency — Streamlined operations drastically improved productivity and minimized internal workflows' bottlenecks.
- 64% Reduction in Labor Costs — Automation reduced manual tasks, freeing up human resources for higher-value activities.
- 99.99% Picking Accuracy — With the help of AI and robotics, nearly error-free picking processes were achieved, boosting inventory reliability.
- Energy Optimization — A significant reduction in overall energy consumption contributed to Brilliance BMW's sustainability goals.
- System-Wide Integration — The digitalized solution ensured full connectivity and synchronization across all logistics links, enhancing operational transparency and control.
“This project is an important step in BMW Brilliance’s move towards smart manufacturing and digital factories, and a key milestone in our logistics transformation! I like to call it ‘collaborative innovation.’ We worked closely with Geek+ to develop an efficient and flexible smart logistics solution, which not only realized the integration and coherence of the warehouse management system, but also provided us with more flexible and faster solutions for future upgrades and renovations, setting a model of a people-oriented sustainable green factory for the industry.”
Ralf Schieder, vice president of BBA Strategy and Logistics
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Asia PetWorld and Geek+ Collaborate to Revolutionize Warehousing in the Pet Supply Industry
The Customer
- Asia PetWorld, a global leader in pet supply distribution, handles 8,000 unique SKUs daily.
- Supplies a wide range of pet products, including large pet beds, cat litter, and bulk dog food.
- Operates in a labor-intensive and complex warehousing landscape with high product diversity.
The Challenge
- High SKU volume: Managing a vast assortment of 8,000 SKUs demanded significant labor and resources.
- Rising labor costs: Increasing operational expenses due to dependency on manual labor.
- Handling heavy, bulky items: Products such as large pet beds and bulk pet food added physical strain on workers.
- Labor shortages: Difficulties in maintaining efficient operations due to workforce shortages.
Our Solution
- Robots capable of efficiently handling bulky and heavy items, such as large pet beds, cat litter, and dog food.
- Improved inventory management through intelligent automation, enabling operational flexibility.
- Enhanced employee ergonomics by reducing the physical strain of manual tasks, fostering a safer and healthier work environment.
The Geekplus impact
- Efficient operations: A 99.5% picking accuracy leading to more reliable order fulfillment.
- Employee well-being: Reduced physical strain and created a safer, more comfortable work environment for workers.
- Rapid transformation: Warehouse operations were revolutionized within just two months.
- Scalable solution: The robotics system ensured flexibility for future growth and changes.
- Customer satisfaction: Enhanced inventory management improved overall customer service experience.
“In Singapore, the labor availability is always a challenge for warehouse owners. The situation is even worse for the pet industry where workers often need to manage heavy, awkward items. After adopting the Geek+ robots, we are better able to handle our stocks and can offer a more comfortable workplace to our employees.”
Sebastian Wiradharma, Director, Asia PetWorld
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Popick and Moogo Collaboration Accelerates Cold Chain Logistics Efficiency
The Customer
Moogo is a prominent cross-border cold chain company in China. Their state-of-the-art temperature-controlled, automated warehouse occupies over 3,000 square meters in the Ningbo Free Trade Zone. Moogo is dedicated to optimizing storage and distribution while catering to the rigorous demands of e-commerce and supply chain logistics.
The Challenge
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Inefficient storage systems for managing a high volume of SKUs.
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Rising pressure from rapid e-commerce development and increased order volumes.
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High expectations for delivery speed.
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Complex inventory consisting of multiple product types and sizes requiring enhanced management systems.
Our Solution
Geek+ provided Moogo with the Popick "goods-to-person" picking solution. Key aspects of the solution included:
- Optimized goods-to-person picking powered by advanced robotics.
- Efficient automation to streamline warehouse operations and reduce manual intervention.
- Enhanced inventory management systems ensuring accurate real-time tracking and categorization.
The Geekplus impact
The implementation of Geek+'s solution delivered exceptional results for Moogo:
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4x Increase in Storage Density — Optimizing the use of space compared to conventional light shelving systems.
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4x Improvement in Workforce Productivity — Empowering employees with automation to focus on high-value tasks.
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Enhanced Inventory Management — Modernized systems for efficient tracking and categorization of varied stock.
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Unmatched Throughput Performance — Meeting the demands of high business volume with ease and reliability.
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Geek+ Implements Japan's Largest Shelf-to-Person PopPick System for ASKUL
The Customer
ASKUL is a leading Japanese company offering a wide range of products and services to businesses. Established in 1993, ASKUL has cemented its reputation as one of Japan’s primary suppliers of office supplies and equipment. With a dedication to operational excellence, ASKUL has consistently embraced innovative technologies to improve its logistics network and provide exceptional customer experiences.
The Challenge
ASKUL faced significant operational hurdles as its product portfolio and customer base expanded over the years. The primary challenges included:
- Growing Inventory Needs: The company's diversified product line demanded storage solutions capable of handling higher volumes more efficiently.
- Limited Storage Space: ASKUL needed to maximize storage density to utilize its warehouse space effectively.
- Operational Scalability: Addressing increased demand required solutions that could handle higher order volumes without compromising speed or accuracy.
To meet its growth objectives while maintaining superior service standards, ASKUL turned to Geek+ for an innovative automation solution.
Our Solution
- Fleet of AMRs: Highly autonomous robots enhanced goods retrieval and inventory workflows, reducing reliance on manual labor.
- Smart Sorting System: Advanced sorting solutions integrated seamlessly to handle high-volume orders with unmatched accuracy.
- Vertical Space Optimization: Innovative racking systems maximized floor-to-ceiling storage, accommodating increasing inventory needs.
- Interactive Data Visualization: Real-time dashboards offered full visibility into operational performance and streamlined decision-making.
The Geekplus impact
Geek+ provided ASKUL with a cutting-edge Shelf-to-Person PopPick System tailored to the unique demands of their operation. Key features of the solution included:
- High-Storage-Density Logistics: The PopPick System incorporates picking robots that transport movable shelves from storage locations to PopPick workstations. The robotic arms at these stations present totes or boxes directly to operators, ensuring seamless item retrieval.
- Streamlined Warehousing Workflows: The system enables efficient picking processes, handling up to 500 lines per hour, significantly improving workflow automation.
- Scalable Robot Deployment: With over 318 robots integrated into the ASKUL Value Center, the robots work cohesively to optimize space utilization and throughput.
- Enhanced Customer Service: By implementing a logistics system characterized by speed, precision, and scalability, ASKUL improves order accuracy and delivery performance for its customers.
This solution not only meets current demands but also sets up ASKUL for sustainable growth, with room for further innovation and scaling.
“The Geek+ PopPick System is designed for high efficiency and can significantly improve the overall productivity of warehouse operations. This implementation will showcase to the market the next generation of warehouse automation, setting a new industry benchmark.”
Hirokazu Kato, President and CEO of Geek+ Japan
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