Skechers USA has opened a new distribution centre in Tokyo, Japan. To help with their operations, they have partnered with Hai Robotics, a company that makes machines that help store and retrieve things automatically.
This partnership between the companies is because Hai Robotics' machines can store more things in less space and work quickly and accurately. They also help with labour shortages and can adapt to changes in demand.
Before working with Hai Robotics, Skechers relied on people to find and pick customer items, a slow and expensive process. But with Hai Robotics' machines, Skechers can quickly and easily find and pick items for customers.
The machines are operated by 69 small robots that can move around the warehouse and pick up to eight containers at a time. They work with a computer system that tells them what to pick up and where to take it.
At the warehouse, there are also eight workstations where people check the items the robots have picked up and scan them to ensure they're correct before sending them out to customers.
"All automation projects have their challenges, but the Hai team has been a perfect partner in maintaining a positive, can-do attitude and remaining committed to doing the right thing for the customer by delivering on their design," said Sophie Houtmeyers, Vice President of Distribution Operations at Skechers, and Michael Pitt, MHE Solutions.
The Hai ACR system facilitated creative application to maximise both utilisation of the warehouse floor space and hard-to-reach vertical storage space in a challenging Japanese warehousing design caused by strict fire codes.
"We are honoured to help Skechers elevate the operations in their new facility and be a key part in the facility's ability to reach their customers quickly," said Brian Reinhart, Chief Revenue Officer at Hai Robotics USA.
"We are grateful for the trust that MHE and Skechers have placed in us and thrilled with the success seen so far. We will continue to work closely with MHE Solutions and Skechers to further support their warehouse automation journey and help them go above and beyond in their operational efficiency goals."
The partnership with Hai Robotics has been a success so far, as the brand can provide better service to its customers and grow its business.
