Automated carton sortation system for computer hardware products
Syncreon Technology (formerly Walsh Western) is a world leading third-party logistics service provider (3PL) primarily for the PC industry. In October 2006, the company took into operation a new automated carton sortation system at its new distribution centre in Hinckley, UK. The system is designed and built by Vanderlande Industries. The company was selected because it has significant experience in implementing complex material handling systems.
Short delivery times and low inventory are very important for one of Syncreon Technology’s key customers. The time from order to delivery is just two to three days. What makes this customer’s supply chain unique is its merge-in-transit distribution model, where several shipments originating at different dispatching locations are consolidated into a single customer delivery, without the need for inventory stock at the consolidation points. This reduces the production cycle times of products, which is especially important in the electronics industry where high product values are combined with a significant risk of obsolescence brought about by rapid technological change.
Working in partnership with logistics providers such as Syncreon Technology, the customer can “merge” an order for computers coming from their manufacturing facility with for example monitors warehoused in other countries. The new DC therefore plays a critical role in the customer’s supply chain.