BLECKMANN ADOPTS GROUNDBREAKING RFID SCAN TUNNEL FOR SURE SORT® SORTER, ACHIEVING A 2X INCREASE IN OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
The new RFID-scanning technology from OPEX® enabled Bleckmann to achieve a 99% read rate in the company’s sorting process.
The Background
Founded in 1862, Bleckmann is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in omni-channel commerce. The company is a market leader in supply chain management services for fashion and lifestyle brands with specific expertise in e-fulfillment. From its strong base in Europe, Bleckmann expanded into the United States and Asia, enabling the company to serve its customers internationally. Bleckmann’s site in Grobbendonk is located directly on the Albert Canal connected to the Port of Antwerp. Grobbendonk DC further expanded to a total operating area of 120,000 square meters, making it one of the largest campuses under one roof within Bleckmann.
The Challenge
During the continued expansion of the e-commerce sector in recent years, Gregory Brignola, Site Manager at Bleckmann, recognized the necessity of integrating automation into their operations. One of the main challenges for Bleckmann was being able to efficiently scan barcodes and RFID tags, which were often hidden inside an item’s poly-bag. This, along with escalating labour costs, sourcing skilled workers, managing seasonal peaks, and addressing environmental concerns all underscored the necessity for automation. The need to stay competitive and future-ready prompted a strategic consideration of automation as a crucial solution to address these multifaceted challenges.
Key Challenges
Rising labor and operating cost
Manual sorting was in effecient and time-consuming
Growing need to effectively manage seasonal peaks
Scanning barcodes on tags which were often hidden in packaging
The Solution
“THE OPEX SORTATION SYSTEM HAS IMPROVED OUR SHIPPING ACCURACY TO AN IMPRESSIVE 99.97%, SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCING OVERALL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.”
Christopher Hill
Directo, Eastern Distribution, Rocky Mountain ATV
Key Results
2X
Efficiency increase with Sure Sort’s RFID Scan Tunnel
99%
Read rate for items with Sure Sort’s RFID Scan tunnel
1.3M
Number of items sorted on the sure sort system
>32K
Distance traveled by OPEX iBot’s to Sort item
The Future
The integration of this solution seamlessly aligned with Bleckmann’s requirements, solidifying their position as the first European 3PL to adopt a Sure Sort automated sorting system that leverages the RFID scan tunnel. This move underscores Bleckmann’s dedication to enhancing service standards for clients. With a validated automated sorting process for order fulfillment, they are well-positioned to onboard additional lifestyle brand clients sharing similar product profiles, further expanding their client portfolio.
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