Automated cross docking distribution centre for footwear for 3,000 boxes per hour
SB Logistic supplies more than 1,000 retail outlets throughout Europe with 20 million pairs of shoes per year. Meeting the needs of its customers for higher speed and lower logistics costs, SB Logistic modernised its distribution centre in Oudenaarde, Belgium. The automated cross docking system was designed and built by Vanderlande Industries.
With constantly changing footwear fashions and high customer service demands, efficient logistics processes are more vital than ever. A reliable material handling system is a prerequisite. Incoming goods are received in containers from the Far East. These goods must be delivered to shops as quickly as possible. That is why SB Logistic selected an automated cross docking system. In this system loose-loaded shoe boxes are unloaded using telescopic conveyors. After identification and quality check, items are automatically sorted on a sliding shoe sorter (POSISORTER). The sortation system is set up with 48 outfeeds and a system capacity of 3,000 boxes per hour. The logistics processes, VISION.XDOCK controls software and the sortation system are fully integrated. VISION.XDOCK controls and supervises every stage of the logistics process, maximising productivity and reducing manual intervention to a minimum. With this system in place, SB Logistic can achieve optimum efficiency in its distribution process and has the flexibility to handle further growth in the future.
