What do frozen snacks, windshield wiper fluid, and over-the-counter medicine all have in common? They all cause major headaches at Convenience Store warehouses!
C-store warehouses handle thousands of SKUs, but few do it well. Their small footprint, limited order quantities, and need for variable temperatures lead to problems throughout the operation. Relying on manual labor to solve these issues is costly and time-consuming.
Our automated robotics systems give a few workers the power to handle thousands of SKUs. The software takes on all of the complexity while the robots go to work to store, pick, and send out SKUs right on time.
Here are three smart ways to handle SKU proliferation and optimize warehouse operations.
C-store warehouses rarely need to send out full cases and pallets. This means workers are wasting valuable time picking individual items and returning to their picking stations.
So how can you efficiently handle each picking?
With the Geek+ shelf-to-person system, you can store different products on the same shelf. Because Geek+ shelves are modular, they can be custom-designed to fit your space and maximize your limited footprint.
When it’s time to pick, a robot brings an entire shelf containing multiple SKUs directly to the picking station. The computer software makes it easy by visually showing the picker which SKUs to select.
Another ultra-efficient option is the Geek+ tote-to-person system. Each tote can be compartmentalized for multiple SKUs, which provides the high-density storage that c-store warehouses need. Like all Geek+ systems, the tote is brought directly to the picker in order to improve speed and streamline operations.
Companies that simplify their picking with Geek+ solutions see bottom-line results. For example, Geek+ helped a C-Store Master warehouse increase its picking productivity by 4x.
SKU allocation is critical for managers facing limited warehouse space and thousands of varied products. You’ll need to consider demand, size, weight, and temperature control. It’s nearly impossible to scrutinize all of these factors without a smart system!
Geek+ warehouse automation systems put SKUs exactly where you need them. The software looks at product demand, real-time sales, and historical order data in order to place SKUs in the appropriate spots.
For example, Geek+ robots place high-demand, fast-moving SKUs at the front of the warehouse and at the bottom of the shelves. This simplifies inventory flow and reduces travel time for the robots.
C-store warehouses must maintain strict temperature controls across chilled and frozen zones or face thousands of dollars in wasted products.
These cold zones are harsh environments, and few warehouse workers want to be stuck there. Using human workers in cold environments also decreases the energy efficiency of warehouse operations.
That’s why many c-store warehouses are deploying Geek+ robots as part of their cold-chain logistics. Geek+ specially designed the systems to withstand frozen and chilled environments as low as -25°C, -13°F. The robots operate seamlessly across ambient and chilled zones, which allows pickers to handle both dry goods and frozen foods.
One leading cold-chain logistics provider increased its picking efficiency by 90% with Geek+.
If your warehouse is struggling to handle bulky products, high-turnover SKUs, or chilled goods, it’s time to invest in an automated solution from Geek+.
Our robots can help your warehouse achieve higher throughput while reducing labor costs. With a fully automated system, Geek+ users can see a positive ROI in as little as a few months.
Are you curious about how Geek+ could help your warehouse handle SKU proliferation? Contact sales@geekplus.com to speak with a warehouse expert today.