Geek+ deployed over 200 robots to help Nike achieve same day delivery.

The Customer

NIKE, Inc. is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities.

The Challenge

With a fast increasing sales of shoes and clothes in Japan, warehouse operators have to walk longer distances back and forth between the storage and packaging areas. Aging population has increased scarcity and the cost of labor.

Our Solution

Geek+ implemented 202 picking robots and 6000 set racks in Nike’s new warehouse, a 10000㎡ area in CHIBA in July 2019.

 

The Geek+ impact

• Increase picking efficiency
• Mitigate labor shortages
• Streamline warehouse operations to meet the rapid growth in online sales and bring same-day delivery to its Tokyo customers.
• Allowed Nike to expand its e-commerce sales in Japan

 

Video

The Customer

Ariat International, a leading equestrian and performance footwear and apparel brand, grappled with significant challenges in its supply chain, including labor shortages, pressure to optimize warehouse throughput, and the physical toll on associates. Collaborating with Körber and Geek+, Ariat implemented a cutting-edge robotics solution featuring 88 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), integration with Körber's K.Motion Warehouse Advantage (WMS), and 2,000 additional racks in their expansive 1 million sq. ft warehouse.

The Challenge

Ariat experienced a surge in customer demand while facing industry-wide labor shortages. Their massive 1 million sq. ft warehouse also posed challenges such as optimizing storage capacity, maximizing throughput, and reducing the physical strain on their warehouse associates due to extensive walking and repetitive manual tasks. To maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, Ariat needed to introduce a scalable and highly efficient solution to transform its supply chain operations.

Our Solution

Geek+ and Körber partnered to implement a cutting-edge robotics solution tailored to Ariat's challenges.

• Robotic Deployment: Geek+ provided 88 AI-driven AMRs designed to automate and streamline picking processes.
• Enhanced Integration: Körber’s K.Motion Warehouse Advantage (WMS) was integrated to ensure seamless interaction between robots, racking systems, and existing warehouse management processes.
• Storage Expansion: 2,000 racks were added to optimize space utilization and enhance throughput within Ariat’s facility.

This solution moved associates away from repetitive manual workloads, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks while significantly increasing efficiency across the supply chain.

The Geekplus impact

The collaboration between Ariat, Geek+, and Körber yielded impressive results that transformed Ariat’s supply chain operations:

• Improved Efficiency: Warehouse picking efficiency and accuracy experienced significant enhancements, directly impacting speed and reducing errors.
• Associate Productivity Advance: Productivity doubled, with a 100% increase noted following the implementation.
• Reduced Walking Strain on Associates: Associate walking decreased by 82%, minimizing workplace fatigue and improving employee satisfaction.
• Compliance with Demand Surges: The scalability of Geek+’s robots ensured Ariat could effectively meet demand spikes without operational bottlenecks.

"Geek+’s AMRs allow us to move our employees away from repetitive tasks and towards more rewarding activities, resulting in a better working environment and bringing greater value to the services we provide our customers."

Matt Hardenberg, VP of Distribution, Ariat International

Video

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.

Video

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

Video

The Customer

NEXT is a leading UK retailer specializing in clothing, footwear, and home products. With over 700 stores, including 500 in the UK and around 200 across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, NEXT serves millions of customers annually. A member of the FTSE 100 index, the publicly traded company is recognized for its innovative approach to e-commerce and customer-focused retail solutions.

The Challenge

The fashion industry often experiences dynamic demand cycles and NEXT faced several key operational challenges in keeping up with growing customer expectations:

• Demand Volatility: Customer orders surged unpredictably, creating strain on supply chain operations.
• Manual Process Limitations: Traditional workflows delayed order handling and fulfillment, making it challenging to maintain operational efficiency.
• Delivery Speed Requirements: Rapid same-day and next-day fulfillment became critical during high-demand periods such as sales and promotions.
• Scalability: NEXT required a flexible and future-proof system to efficiently handle growing business demands.

Our Solution

Geek+ deployed a comprehensive robotics solution tailored to NEXT’s operational needs, including the following components:

• Fleet of 250 AMR Robots: The robots enabled seamless automated workflows, managing sorting and picking operations with maximum precision and efficiency.
• Sorting and Picking Automation: Integrated sorting and picking systems streamlined the entire order fulfillment process, from inventory handling to delivery preparation.
• Advanced Robotics Technology: Real-time AI-driven algorithms optimized operations, streamlining inventory placement and retrieval to reduce delays.
• Scalable Design: The system was designed to adapt to NEXT’s evolving needs, allowing for seamless expansion during peak demand or future business growth.

The Geekplus impact

NEXT experienced substantial benefits following the integration of Geek+ AMR robots and automated systems:

• Enhanced Productivity: Warehouse operations saw a 2x boost in efficiency compared to previous manual processes.
• High Order Volumes: NEXT successfully processed over 16,000 products daily, meeting customer demands reliably.
• Same-Day Fulfillment: Automation supported rapid and accurate deliveries, even during peak sales periods.
• Seamless Scalability: The flexible architecture enabled NEXT to manage growing inventory volumes and future-proof its warehouse operations for continued expansion.

Video

The Customer

Founded as part of the larger Asda family, George is a prominent UK-based clothing brand that caters to diverse consumer needs. With its growing online presence and high demand for affordable, high-quality apparel, George faces the continuous challenge of managing extensive inventory and returns, particularly during busy shopping periods such as the holiday season.

The Challenge

George's rapid expansion, coupled with high return volumes and increasing customer expectations, presented several operational challenges:

• Returns Burden: Managing returns during peak seasons strained warehouse operations and delayed getting products back into inventory.
• Fulfillment Efficiency: The need for faster order picking and processing across the warehouse.
• Storage Optimization: Limited storage capabilities made it difficult to manage fluctuating SKU volumes efficiently.
• Labor Demands: Dependence on manual processes increased costs and led to inefficiencies.

Our Solution

To address these challenges, George collaborated with Geek+ and AMH Material Handling to implement an advanced customized goods-to-person returns system, featuring:

• 4-Sided Rack Design: Geek+ deployed its P800 returns solution, which allows workers to perform both picking and put-away tasks simultaneously from any open rack slot.
• Intelligent Automation: The solution automated processes for returning items to inventory, significantly reducing handling time.
• Optimized Storage Locations: By using fewer racks effectively, the solution increased storage location availability while maintaining capacity for 700 SKUs and 7,200 units daily.
• User-Friendly Operations: Designed with worker ergonomics in mind, the system improved ease of use and operational flow for staff.

The Geekplus impact

The implementation delivered measurable results for George, including the following benefits:

• Faster Returns Processing: Returned items were stocked back in inventory on the same day, improving product availability during high-demand periods.
• Higher Fulfillment Rates: Automated picking and put-away capabilities enhanced speed and ensured operational efficiency during peak seasons.
• Optimized Warehouse Utilization: The streamlined storage system allowed George to maximize space and minimize disruptions caused by high stock volumes.
• Enhanced Worker Experience: The ergonomic and intuitive system reduced manual workload, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster order turnarounds ensured timely deliveries, elevating the overall shopping experience.

“I’m delighted to see this project go live, supporting the growth of our George.com business. The collaboration between internal teams, AMH, and Geek+ has resulted in a high-quality solution that enhances the colleague experience and significantly improves operational effectiveness.”

Chris Hall, Vice President, Asda Logistics Services

Video

Geek+ and Bosideng work together to reduce costs and increase efficiency.