Southern Glazer’s Leans Into AI-Fueled Robotic Warehouse Automation
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is investing in robotics for its warehouses, joining the rush of companies eager to build up their efficient customer service capabilities through emerging technologies.
The alcohol beverage distributor, which recently hired a new chief technology officer, is partnering with Symbotic to deploy its robotics warehouse automation systems and technology in several distribution centers.
The systems leverage artificial intelligence and robotic case picking capabilities that are designed to boost fill rates, order accuracy, and customer service times, as well as extend the capacity and life of existing facilities.
By building mixed-case pallets, the systems will increase efficiency for route-stop delivery, and they will more efficiently and accurately handle both high velocity and slow-moving inventory, according to the solution provider.
Bobby Burg, chief supply chain officer for Southern Glazer’s, said in a statement that these ongoing investments will help the distributor stand apart with its service capabilities, as well as improve efficiency and employee safety.
The first system is slated by Symbotic to go live by 2025.
Growing Use of Robotics
As speedy fulfillment and inventory accuracy both become table stakes for the consumer goods industry, the use of robotics within warehouses are a growing priority for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors alike. Indeed, IDC points to the use of robotics as a key opportunity to reduce costs and waste in warehouses and fulfillment centers in its 2023 "Operationalizing Sustainability in the End-to-End Retail Supply Chain" report.
Apparel company Tapestry recently shared its plans for robotics-powered automation as part of its new state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Las Vegas. It expects the facility will shrink delivery windows down to just two or three days, down from the current five to seven.
Amazon, a longtime user of robotics within its facilities, took the wraps off its latest robotic solution, Titan, which is engineered for use with larger items.
