KNAPP Australia is tasked with building a new, automated warehouse for Super Retail Group (SRG) including an integrated digital solution in Melbourne.

The facility will allow SRG to supply shops and to deliver online orders to customers for their Supercheap Auto, rebel, BCF and Macpac brands from one single warehouse.For SRG, this project marks the dawn of a new era of logistics and will help the retailer tackle supply chain challenges such as growing number of SKUs as well as enhance customer experience online and in stores

Automated omnichannel warehouse lays the foundation for future growth

As one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest retailers, SRG’s supply chain will continue to grow thanks to KNAPP’s automated technology.“Introducing automated technology into our supply chain gives SRG another string to its bow in terms of safe and efficient processing capacity to keep up with our customers’ demands,” says SRG General Manager for Supply Chain Strategy Patrick Fountain.When it comes to successful omnichannel fulfillment processes, intelligent system design is key, explains KNAPP Australia Managing Director Michael Kemeny.“The main goal in designing the system was to optimise product slotting and re-slotting between the automated and manual picking areas. The new distribution centre will make delivery processes easier, increase efficiency and quality and offer improved service for customers,” Kemeny says.

Automation helps support customer demand and increase efficiency

Increasing customer demands for SRG’s products saw the retailer invest in an automated solution. In the new warehouse, people and robotics work hand in hand, which creates multiple benefits.“We are confident that with KNAPP’s automation solution we will be able to support our business growth, optimise our operations and enhance the safety of our people,” says Fountain.

As construction space becomes increasingly scarce in Australia, the SRG team was looking for a lean system design to make the most of space.At the heart of the solution is the OSR Shuttle Evo, an automated storage and picking system featuring speedy storage robots.Across seven aisles and 90,000 storage locations, there is enough space for SRG’s wide and ever-growing range of goods. The system is designed with future growth in mind, allowing it to be extended by two additional aisles – without stopping SRG’s operation.Customer orders are processed at 14 ergonomically designed goods-to-person workstations from KNAPP’s Pick-it-Easy series, which offer functional and high-performance workplaces for employees. At these workstations, employees can each process four orders at the same time.

Intelligent KiSoft software ensures efficient omnichannel fulfilment

In logistics, automating omnichannel fulfilment is a major challenge because the different goods flow for end customers and stores must be coordinated. KNAPP’s highly specialised logistics software KiSoft serves as the nervous system of the automation solution. KiSoft has a plethora of functions, especially regarding warehouse management, and the fact that KNAPP could offer an all-in-one system including software was a determining factor in SRG’s decision.“The software smarts will mean the solution remains productive as our SKU range and customer profiles evolve over time,” says Fountain.

KNAPP marking 10 years in Australia

KNAPP builds on strong partnerships with companies worldwide.The family-owned business with roots in Austria has been successfully active in Australia for ten years.“It is fantastic to see how KNAPP in Australia has evolved from a small office with five people to a company branch with a strong team of more than 50 people. Being a part of this journey is amazing,” says Kemeny. Australian companies such as food retailer Woolworths or the health and beauty company Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) as well as international brands have turned to KNAPP for automation expertise.

The SRG deal marks another milestone in the success story of KNAPP in Australia.“At SRG, we like to play the long game, and we know that is also important for KNAPP,” says Fountain.“Their ongoing investment and confidence in both their technology and their people is why we are looking forward to partnering with them on this project and building a long-term relationship.”