Körber: Enhancing Warehouse Efficiency at S&S Activewear

Körber’s supply chain division is widely recognised for its ability to provide a broad range of proven end-to-end solutions, each tailored to help manage the supply chain as a competitive advantage.

This includes warehouse management system (WMS) solutions designed to help companies around the world streamline, cut costs and increase efficiencies. 

Among the beneficiaries is S&S Activewear (S&S), a leading apparel distributor, which works alongside Körber while deploying robotics solutions from Geekplus at three warehouse sites across the Americas. 

It’s a collaboration that enables S&S to optimise on-site staff, order quality and delivery efficiencies to meet the surging demands of a rapidly-evolving market.

"Innovation is a core tenet of S&S’ decades-long history in the apparel industry,” explains Brian Beale, CTO at S&S. “Advancing our warehouse operations with Körber and Geekplus’ robotics and automation expertise has been a natural and impactful evolution in our technology journey.

“Our customers deserve a seamless experience from order to fulfilment and we’re excited about the increased efficiencies we’re already seeing through our collaboration with Körber.”

Körber and Geekplus optimise S&S operations

S&S, Körber and Geekplus’ three-way partnership began with the deployment of 340 Geekplus robots at a single 750,000 sq ft S&S site in Lockport, Illinois.

This made it the largest single collaboration in Körber's robotics portfolio and signified a major commitment to pioneering solutions within the apparel industry.

"Warehouse solutions are a core area of Körber’s expertise and we look forward to expanding our partnership with S&S,” continues Sean Elliott, CTO and Acting CEO for Software at Körber Business Area Supply Chain. 

“Our robotics offerings are designed to scale with the speed and size of business, optimising warehouse operations so organisations can focus on value-driven activities to support their larger overall goals.”

Solutions boosts speed and efficiency

A key aspect of the partnership’s expansion is the implementation of Geekplus’ PopPick robotics solutions, aimed at optimising warehouse processes. These advanced robots play a crucial role in efficiently moving inventory stored in totes to pick stations. 

The system incorporates autonomous mobility and slotting of inventory, facilitating a seamless and efficient flow within the warehouse environment.

S&S Activewear has witnessed impressive successes thanks to Körber and Geekplus. The system, designed to support more than 4,500 lines per hour through 24 picking stations, has proven its effectiveness in enhancing speed and efficiency in warehouse operations, order fulfilment and quality assurance.

“Our longstanding partnership with Körber has been crucial in bringing our revolutionary solutions to a wider audience,” adds Randy Randolph, Director of Channel Partner Sales at Geekplus. 

“This deployment with S&S highlights the huge impact of our mobile robots in helping retailers meet the crush of e-commerce orders while improving quality and efficiency.”

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