Warehouse automation specialist Swisslog has completed a major project for Axiom Telecom for the design and implementation of a new Dubai-based automated warehouse facility with AutoStore.
Axiom is said to be the Middle East’s leading telecom distributor for handsets and accessories.
Swisslog made the announcement at Materials Handling Middle East, the region’s dedicated trade show for warehousing, intralogistics and supply chain solutions.
Known as the region’s largest retailer and distributor, Axiom has more than 5,000 points of sale and 2,000 employees across the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
It is the retailer and distributor of many of the world’s leading technology brands in the telecom industry, and is expanding into new verticals on the basis of its unique market reach and operational excellence.
With a high volume of daily orders delivered across multiple channels and a demanding customer base, Axiom is expected to provide speed, accuracy, and a competitive service to ensure its future in the face of increased competition.
The move to a new facility was part of Axiom’s overall vision to continue to meet the changing customer demands, while driving down Cost Per Unit.
In reviewing its options, Axiom selected Swisslog’s AutoStore solution to deliver a higher level of automation compared to its conventional warehousing system.
The solution deployed was designed to fulfill Axiom’s requirement of 25,000 deliveries and provided a compelling total cost of ownership.
The new warehouse located at Dubai Silicon Oasis includes a range of pioneering distribution solutions that will give Axiom enhanced operational flexibility and efficiency with less manpower.
Modular robotic solution
As a leader in robotic, data driven and flexible automated solutions, Swisslog is dedicated to helping companies improve the efficiency, productivity and cost effectiveness of their intralogistics operations.
The Swisslog AutoStore solution consists of an automated storage and picking system AutoStore, motorized lights goods conveyor QuickMove and SynQ Warehouse Management Software.
AutoStore is an innovative automated material handling solution that uses robots on top of an aluminium grid system to store and locate goods, efficiently delivering them to pick stations for processing.
For Axiom, the AutoStore system will consist of nine robots and five picking stations, providing storage space for 12,500 bins.
Ten gravity shipping lanes ensure efficient order consolidation for both store and home delivery.
Alain Kaddoum, general manager of Swisslog Middle East, says he is “proud to work with Axiom to optimize space storage and speed up the order handling and dispatch for their e-commerce and retail operations”.
This completion of Axiom’s new facility confirms Swisslog’s leading position in logistics automation and increases Swisslog’s footprint in the region to more than a dozen of major automated projects in just four years.
Kaddoum says: “Swisslog is uniquely well-placed to deliver the technology convergence and deep integration necessary to facilitate omni-channel, multi-modal movements across the supply chain — of which warehousing is a critical component.
“The recent installation is a testament to our dedication to innovation and has helped Axiom deliver an efficient and accurate service for its customers.”
There are eight AutoStore projects already live in the Middle East.
Kaddoum says: “Our first Swisslog AutoStore solution went live in the region in June 2016, with number increasing to eight in just three years.
“The project for Axiom demonstrates the ongoing success of AutoStore in the region. At Swisslog, we tailor every warehouse solution to meet the needs of our customers.
“Our team of experts delivers warehouse management software solutions to provide facilities with the best inventory control and faster picking times.”
Meanwhile, Kaddoum has also been talking about Swisslog’s new robotic picking system, ItemPiQ (pictured above).
ItemPiQ features a robotic arm made by Kuka, and can operate at up to 1,000 picks an hour. It’s designed to handle a “wide variety of common products” weighing up to 1.5 kg and has a reach of 1,100 mm.
Kaddoum says: “According to a recently published report by global management consultancy firm Bain & Company, the e-commerce market in the Middle East & North Africa is expected to reach $28.5 billion by 2022.
“The UAE itself has the highest penetration in the region with 4.2 percent, followed by KSA – 3.8 percent and Egypt – 2.5 percent.
“We are committed to supporting Middle Eastern retail and e-commerce companies to help them achieve fast product delivery, high accuracy, and reduce operational costs.
“Swisslog’s intelligent automated item picking applications like ItemPiQ address the warehouse requirements of today as well as help our customers prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.”
