Future Group has to its credit many firsts in the retail space. With the adoption of new technology, it’s all set to transform the Indian logistics space well ahead of its counterparts. Recently inaugurated, cross belt sortation technology at Future Supply Chain’s Distribution Centre (DC) in MIHAN, is going to be a game-changer and a stepping stone, making it India’s most Automated first-of-its-kind ‘GST ready’ Distribution Centre. It aims to enhance the transportation & logistics industry while accommodating the upcoming tax reforms to help India emerge as one of the global leaders in the logistics management.
The Multi-Modal and International Hub (MIHAN) based in Nagpur, recently saw high profile dignitaries, as well as national press, descend on it after a long time. The occasion was the launch of India’s first Cross-Belt Sortation technology at Future Supply Chain’s Distribution Centre (DC), at the hands of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
P V Sheshadri, Future Supply Chain
This DC run by Future Supply Chain process for Future Group, already boasted of a high degree of automation and technology. The Cross-Belt Sortation technology takes it to the next level. Developed by BEUMER Group – headquartered in Germany, has a Cross Belt Tray Sorter at the heart of the system with,
5 km long conveyor system
42 meter high-speed Line Sorter (with a speed of 2.1 meters per second)
Sorting capacity of a million pieces per day for 400 destinations at a time
Special 12 meter high Spiral Conveyor, which is tallest in the country
This highly automated sorter offers an ideal solution to reliably and carefully direct all types of articles to their correct destination, regardless of size, shape or surface structure at incredible sorting productivity of over 36 Crore pieces per annum (capacity enhancement by 3X) and accuracy of over 99 per cent. PV Sheshadri, CEO, Future Supply Chain Solutions Ltd., added, “This technology has a capacity of churning 3 times more throughput compared to the earlier Put-To-Light system. In our estimate, this should cater to our client requirements till 2019, in the current form of sorting logic.”
The fruition of closer association
The BEUMER Group has developed individually coordinated system solutions, from individual machines to fully integrated material flow systems for Future Supply Chains. The Software Suite (on which this system runs) is based on highly modular software and issuer-friendly with a customer-specific solution. It’s a classic system that provides real-time monitoring of sorting as well as picking processes and works flawlessly to provide end-to-end sortation and distribution solutions.
Sheshadri further added, “This is a brilliant example of co-creation between the client and service provider. As a philosophy, we collaborate with our customers in bringing the best of the best solutions to their business needs. In this case, post understanding of the customer’s need, we picked the best of the technology, which is versatile, flexible and enables seamless integration with the client’s systems. Suppliers were chosen from different parts of the globe. Consultants were appointed to study and substantiate our understanding and selection. Simulations approach was adopted to ensure we don't go wrong in any way. On the client’s side, a dedicated team was aligned with us invalidating and defining the process. Many changes were required in packing, improving barcode quality and its standards, aligning their suppliers to packaging standards, aligning their buying team and changing their mindset in product packaging...and much more. Overseas visits were made with the client to fine-tune and validate our approach. Therefore, it was a complete coordinated effort which enabled us in successful execution.”
On being asked if costs come into play in the client’s hesitation to adopt technology and automation, he said, the Industry outlook is very positive. The economy is moving ahead in the right direction. With GST getting rolled out as planned, the overall chain supply management network will undergo dramatic change. Larger boxes (Distribution Centres) will emerge and small will perish. With this, the adoption of technology and automation is inevitable to support the demand. Without it, large boxes cannot be operated and managed to draw efficiencies. Therefore, I don't see the cost factor as a question here. The mindset and outlook must change to adapt to business needs. I see that coming. The change in overall network strategy will justify the volume and cost. You have no choice but to adopt change. The cost will not be a detrimental factor here. Ease of doing business in a changing environment and the demand for volumes will drive technology and automation adoption. Let's adopt it. There is a limit to dependency on the human factor to operate a large-scale warehouse. Technology only helps to reduce human errors and boosts accuracy to near 100%.”
“Velocity at which you do business will be a differentiator going forward. I suggest, choose technology and automation wisely,” asserts Sheshadri.
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