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Kindred announced a partnership agreement with VARGO® to incorporate its artificial intelligence (AI) pick and place robotic solutions with VARGO®’s warehouse execution system (WES) to enhance solutions for retail and e-commerce fulfillment.
Kindred Announces Strategic Partnership with VARGO® for Mutual Client E-Commerce Fulfillment Solutions
SAN FRANCISCO – Oct. 26, 2020 – Kindred announced a partnership agreement with VARGO® to incorporate its artificial intelligence (AI) pick and place robotic solutions with VARGO®’s warehouse execution system (WES) to enhance both parties’ solutions for retail and e-commerce fulfillment. Kindred has been working with Hilliard, Ohio-based VARGO® since 2017 and partnered on e-commerce fulfillment system design and integration for Gap Inc. Gap has deployed more than 100 Kindred SORT robotic systems in combination with VARGO®’s WES.
“This partnership between VARGO® and Kindred further demonstrates the commitment of both of our companies to bring strategic and innovative distribution solutions to the industry that solve real fulfillment challenges brought about by limited labor availability and, most recently, COVID-19 social distancing requirements,” said Bart J. Cera, president and COO of VARGO®. “The marriage of these application-based technologies, like Kindred’s pick and place robots, teamed with the appropriate distribution center design, equipment and execution software, provides our customers with highly efficient and industry-leading distribution solutions. We look forward to continuing to partner with Kindred in bringing the latest technologies to our customers.”
To create a safe working environment for its employees amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Kindred and VARGO® customers use SORT AI-powered warehouse robots to increase social distancing measures. Rather than standing side-by-side with co-workers to conduct pick and place operations, one employee can manage three to four Kindred SORT robots simultaneously, keeping up with e-commerce fulfillment while maintaining social distancing.
VARGO®’s Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine (COFE®) – a waveless warehouse execution system (WES) – is the power behind the e-commerce fulfillment revolution and is pulling the industry into its advanced waveless order fulfillment system. COFE® is a WES software that synchronizes and sequences all processes and resources – people and equipment – within a fulfillment center and responds instantaneously to dynamically changing environments. COFE®’s waveless process continuously assigns new orders to a revolving batch of work and eliminates downtime created in wave-based environments. By creating a continuous flow of work, COFE® provides a true, lean order fulfillment solution.
“We have been working side-by-side with VARGO® as a valued partner since our market launch in 2017,” said Marin Tchakarov, CEO of Kindred. “We certainly value their technology as well as their collaboration in helping to build the warehouse of the future, powered by intelligent machines that ultimately augments the human workforce.”
Kindred’s AI data shows retailers are facing dramatic peaks in online orders since the COVID-19 pandemic forced retailers to close a number of brick and mortar stores. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, the number of units SORT picking robots process per day has increased by 45% across the installed base.
SORT pick-and-place robots utilize AutoGrasp™, a robotics artificial intelligence platform that identifies items to pick, place and sort into complete end-customer orders. AutoGrasp™ combines AI-powered machine vision, grasping and manipulation algorithms that handle a range of merchandise, including deformable items such as polybagged items.
Kindred uses cutting-edge AI research and human-in-the-loop data methodology to continuously improve robot capabilities so that picking becomes smarter, faster and more accurate over time. Kindred SORT robots have picked more than 100 million units in production to date.
About Kindred
Kindred is a robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) company that develops robots to solve real-world problems. Its mission is to enhance the lives of human workers with the power of AI robotics. Kindred’s cutting-edge technology is the foundation of a number of proprietary platforms, including AutoGrasp™, developed to operate robots autonomously in dynamic environments. Its team of scientists, engineers, and business operators have set a new standard for reinforcement learning for robots. The company is co-located in San Francisco and Toronto. For more information, visit www.kindred.ai.
About Vargo
VARGO® is a team of mechanical and software engineers changing e-commerce operations by designing fulfillment solutions differently than anyone else in the industry. For nearly five decades, VARGO® has worked with manufacturers, distributors and leading retailers — such as American Eagle, Gap, FashionNova, Forever21 and numerous 3PL’s — to improve their e-commerce operations and material handling systems, increase processing capacities and reduce order cycle times. VARGO® uses its proven, pull-based methodologies to create intelligent solutions for fulfillment centers and continues to be a leader in its industry by integrating robotics and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) into its solutions. VARGO® is the only company that offers COFE® (Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine), the software that does for fulfillment what Lean did for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.vargosolutions.com.
Fort Worth, TX – September 10, 2024 – EP North America, a fast-growing, lithium-ion focusedmaterial handling equipment provider offering innovative and competitive options to the market, today debuted two new forklifts. The CPD45F8/50F8 and EFLA251 help warehouse and DC managers provide powerful lithium-ion solutions that will upgrade any fleet of diesel and LPG warehouse vehicles and are available today via EP North America’s dealer network.
“EP North America continues to expand its portfolio to solve a wider range of material handling applications, leveraging our unparalleled strength in lithium-powered solutions,” said Jason Bratton, general manager, EP North America. “Whether leading occasional or multi-shift operations, these lithium-ion powered solutions provide exceptional value, quality and dependability that we believe our dealer network and their customers have been looking for.”
The CPD45F8/50F8 is an IPX4 Rated, pneumatic forklift designed for outdoor use to suit applications up to 10,000 lbs. The CPD45F8/50F8 utilizes an integrated EP Energy 80V lithium-ion battery, requiring zero maintenance and eliminating ongoing fuel costsassociated with diesel/LPG units. By removing the internal combustion engine, it reduces fatigue by eliminating vibration, heat, noise and exhaust, which creates a more comfortable and productive work environment.
EFLA251 is a Class I forklift engineered to provide a direct alternative in both utilization and cost to Class IV LP equivalent. Featuring a lifting capacity of 5,000 lbs., the EFLA251 is powered by an EP Energy 80V Lithium-ion battery with onboard charging as a standard feature and is capable of empty-to-full in just over two hours, eliminating all dependencies on LPG.
EP controls cost and supply through a vertical integration strategy that ensures readily available stock and consistently short lead times on factory orders. EP has loaded dedicated demo units to its fleet to make available through the remainder of 2024, supporting its efforts in driving conversion adoption from IC to E.
About EP North America
EP North America is leading the IC to E movement in North America, offering a range of material handling solutions from lithium-ion Class 1 forklifts to lithium battery solutions, stackers, pallet jacks and task support vehicles. For more information, visit epforklifts.com or follow us on social media.
GEODIS, a leading global logistics provider, today announced plans to hire 3,700 seasonal workers across its campuses in the U.S. and Canada to help manage the expected rise in volumes during peak season. This hiring initiative will bolster the company’s operational capacities in its warehouses and distribution centers in preparation for the holiday season, a time when consumer demand surges.
Emarketer noted U.S. holiday sales in 2023 increased 3.9% year-over-year as consumer spending grew even amidst uncertain economic times, and a similar pattern is projected for this year. Emarketer expects a substantial 4.8% increase in holiday retail sales for 2024, signifying continued growth despite factors such as inflation and consumer price sensitivity. In anticipation of this demand, GEODIS is seeking seasonal employees to join its nearly 17,000 teammates who power its operations across North America.
GEODIS is recruiting material handlers and equipment operators across 13 regions in the U.S. and Canada this peak season. The company offers competitive wages, peak premium pay incentives, peak and referral bonuses, and an expedited payment option that allows workers to receive up to 50% of their paycheck before payday through an on-demand program. Additionally, GEODIS provides flexible schedules with weekend opportunities and multiple shift options daily, allowing teammates to choose times that best suit their lives. Both part-time (under 30 hours a week) and full-time (over 30 hours a week) seasonal positions are available. Prospective teammates can also use GEODIS’ virtual recruiting assistant, Sophie, to find the right role, easily navigate the application process and receive fast answers to questions before being connected to a recruiter for next steps.
“We acknowledge the immense responsibility we have to our customers to deliver exceptional service every day, and this is especially true during peak season,” said Anthony Jordan, GEODIS in Americas Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Because peak season is the most business-critical sales period of the year for many of our retail clients, expanding our workforce is vital to ensure we have a flexible, dynamic team that can handle anticipated surges in demand.”
GEODIS’ culture puts teammates at the forefront by offering opportunities for employees to provide feedback and suggestions through surveys, personal check-ins and group meetings. The company also prioritizes teammate safety and ensures optimal work conditions in modern facilities with state-of-the-art technology. GEODIS invests in its teammates with paid safety-focused training, allowing them to gain hands-on experience so they can feel confident from day one of employment.
“GEODIS is committed to creating a diverse and supportive work environment where employee well-being is our top priority,” said Jordan. “Whether looking for extra income during the holidays or wanting to explore a long-term path at GEODIS, our teammates have the opportunity to make a difference and receive the training and support they need to move their careers forward.”
For more information on GEODIS’ seasonal positions, visit www.WorkAtGEODIS.com.
GEODIS – www.geodis.com
GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 53,000 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 5 in its sector across the world. In 2023, GEODIS generated €11.6 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.
Nulogy, a leading provider of supply chain collaboration solutions, is hosting a session during the Association of Supply Chain Management's ASCM Connect 2024. Nulogy, Kinaxis and Colgate-Palmolive executives will present “Orchestrating Digital Transformation: Nulogy & Kinaxis Empower Colgate-Palmolive’s External Network” on Monday, 9/9/2024, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. CT in Ballroom E, Level 4.
In an era when digital transformation is paramount for sustainable growth, Colgate-Palmolive stands out as a leader in the consumer packaged goods space. With a strong digital transformation vision and strategic partners that tout the technical capabilities and expertise to bring it to life, Colgate and its extended supply network has been able to reap the benefits of digitally-infused agility, resilience and efficiency to outcompete in today’s marketplace.
The session will cover Colgate-Palmolive’s vision for transforming its supply chain planning and execution, highlighting the imperative to enhance supply chain synchronization and collaboration.
Nulogy and Kinaxis join Colgate-Palmolive in this talk to discuss how their best-of-breed solutions in advanced planning and scheduling and supplier collaboration have played pivotal roles in interconnecting Colgate’s network.
Speakers include:
Moderator: Christine Barnhart, CPIM Chief Marketing and Industry Officer, Nuology
Panelist: Kevin Wong Chief Operating Officer, Nulogy
Panelist: Polly Mitchell-Guthrie Supply Chain Thought Leader, Kinaxis
Panelist: German Vizcaya Leon VP Global Planning, Colgate-Palmolive
Check out the complete Colgate-Palmolive case study by visiting https://bit.ly/3z6xwPK.
Austin, TX - (September 3, 2024) – AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, announces the company is sponsoring a webinar hosted by DC Velocity magazine to discuss PepsiCo/FLNA’s (Frito Lay North America) warehouse transformation using AutoScheduler.AI’s AutoPilot.
Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI, and Peter Hanna, a leader at PepsiCo, will share how AutoPilot is revolutionizing operations at PepsiCo/FLNA. Faced with rising demand, shrinking margins, and complex operations, PepsiCo turned to AutoScheduler.AI’s cloud-based AutoPilot platform to optimize warehouse operations and improve efficiency, including a 30% increase in product picks per hour.
“PepsiCo has been focused on driving value for customers through innovative supply chain processes that improve fulfillment times, reduce operating costs, and maximize productivity,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “Our AI algorithms can prioritize customer orders based on predefined rules and criteria while considering warehouse constraints, which helps to improve customer satisfaction and overall profitability.”
At the free webinar on September 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET, attendees will:
•Learn how AutoPilot unifies data across systems for better visibility.
•Discover how advanced algorithms maximize productivity and minimize costs.
•See how AutoPilot provides comprehensive, real-time insights for informed decision-making.
•Hear about the impressive gains at PepsiCo/FLNA, including a 30% increase in picks per hour.
AutoScheduler.AI AutoPilot smooths warehouse operations by orchestrating and planning all activities in real-time on top of an existing WMS. It considers space, time, labor, dock doors, and more constraints to ensure that orders are fulfilled on time and in full. Clients gain efficiencies and value in their supply chains through optimized labor, schedules, touches, and inventory.
To register for the free webinar, visit: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4676523/A2108DE2BC89DF1C73F2FCB1C1A5863F?partnerref=auto
About AutoScheduler.AI AutoScheduler.AI orchestrates warehouse activities directly on top of your WMS, optimizing operations for peak performance. Developed alongside industry leaders like P&G and successfully deployed at prominent companies such as Pepsi, General Mills, and Unilever, our AI and Machine Learning platform seamlessly integrates with your existing systems. Focused on labor planning, inventory workflow, human-robotics interaction, and space utilization, we streamline operations, reducing travel and inventory handling while maximizing OTIF rates and labor efficiency. With prescriptive analytics driving insights, our clients harness the power to enhance efficiencies and generate value across their supply chains. Reach out to us at info@autoscheduler.ai for more information.
GreyOrange Inc., a leader in AI-driven fulfillment automation, was recently recognized as a Sample Vendor in the 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Mobile Robots and Drones report. GreyOrange views its inclusion in four categories – Multiagent Orchestration (MAO), Mobile Sortation Robots, Smart Robots, and Mobile Robotic Goods-to-Person Systems – as confirmation of the company’s role in driving innovation and efficiency within the rapidly evolving robotics landscape. The report focuses on practical applications of mobile robots and drones, leaving detailed technological aspects to other Hype Cycle reports.
The 2023 Gartner Supply Chain Technology User Wants and Needs Survey found continued strong interest in, and deployments of, robotics and automation, with 92% of the respondents saying they were investing, or planned to invest, in robotics over the next two years. GreyOrange believes the 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Mobile Robots and Drones report highlights the critical role of mobile robots in transforming supply chain operations and addressing the challenges posed by labor shortages and increasing order volumes.
According to the report, “Demand for, and investment in, mobile robots and drones is robust and will remain so for the foreseeable future.” The report also details, “As companies deploy heterogeneous fleets of robots, integrating and coordinating tasks between these robots becomes more difficult, which will require an orchestration capability across robot platforms. This will introduce the need for an additional software layer to support these activities.”
This year, GreyOrange introduced two new intralogistics and case pick robot solutions - the Ranger Forklift XXL for case picking and the Ranger Forklift AnyPallet for closed pallet handling - to its Certified Ranger NetworkTM (CRN) ecosystem in response to labor and order volume needs. During MODEX this year, GreyOrange also welcomed partner solution Cypher Robotics’ CAPTIS, an autonomous cycle counting solution, to the CRN.
The CRN solutions are powered by GreyMatter, GreyOrange’s warehouse execution systems (WES) platform that enables real-time, multiagent orchestration among various robotic technologies, people and automation systems. Leveraging GreyMatter, customers can reduce fulfillment cost per unit (CPU) by 50%, decrease worker onboarding time by 90%, and improve peak season performance. These innovations further demonstrate the company’s innovation of robotics solutions for the evolving warehouse landscape.
“We are honored to be recognized by Gartner, as it is great to see some of the categories like Multiagent orchestration coming to life as we define the next generation roadmap for them,” said Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of GreyOrange. “We strive to continually advance fulfillment automation to meet and exceed the needs of our customers in an ever-changing and demanding market where supply chain optimization and execution are of top importance.”
GreyOrange’s fulfillment solutions help customers meet the growing demands for faster deliveries, reduce operational costs and tackle labor challenges. By leveraging advanced robotics and AI, GreyOrange's fulfillment solutions are designed to significantly improve operational efficiencies, adaptability, and actionable visibility in today's digital marketplace.
Download the Hype Cycle™ for Mobile Robots and Drones 2024 report, compliments of GreyOrange by visiting https://bit.ly/4cKZCh4.