L-A-C Introduces Exotec Into The UK

WHO ARE EXOTEC?

Exotec, founded in 2014, are a specialist intralogistics company, headquarters based in Lille, France. Now, venturing throughout Europe, they are working exclusively in the UK with L-A-C Logistics Automation, to spearhead their high-performing and scalable goods to person system. The Exotec Skypod System is unique to the UK logistics and automation arena. It offers flexibility depending on volumes of growth, a short lead time from order to installation, and tote retrieval capabilities like no other system.

exotec systems at lac

The Skypod System

ASTAR Software

Industry Expertise

LOGILEC’s Installation of the Skypod Shuttle System

LOGILEC’s, the logistics branch for E.Leclerc, was created in 1996 by the Mouvement E. Leclerc with the aim of controlling and organizing its supply chain. Fast forward to 2018 and outgrowing their existing warehouse, LOGILEC approached Exotec to find out more about a robotic Ecommerce Solution.

The Brief

LOGILEC struggled for space to expand in their existing warehouse and found that during the holiday periods they could no longer achieve their 30% annual growth rate. The warehouse operations involved using manual pickers in a 5,000 sqm maze of shelves and could only achieve a productivity of 30 lines per hour.

The Challenge

When planning the installation of the robotic Ecommerce solution, Exotec had to ensure minimal disruption to LOGILEC’s operations during the set-up period. This made it necessary to plan the roll out of The Skypod System in two separate phases.

THE SOLUTION

Exotec’s robotic Ecommerce solution was an innovative system of 50 robots and 30,000 totes. The first phase involved the installation of nearly 10,000 bins and 6 goods-to-man workstations, which left enough space to continue processing orders with the existing system. Around six months later, Exotec added 20,000 additional bins and 2 more workstations without any downtime or disruption.

The Benefits

LOGILEC’s productivity has increased by over 560% after installing the Exotec Skypod System – from 30 lines per hour with manual picking to 200 lines per hour with robotised picking. Typically, Exotec systems achieve 400 lines per hour with one reference per tote. However, several references per tote were required for the LOGELIC system which means the operator must take an additional step to confirm the correct reference. Beneficially, as the Skypod System only takes up 3,000sqm of space, 5,000sqm which was previously shelving, LOGILEC has the potential space to expand and integrate other businesses or a multi-channel site.

The Testimonial

Solange Marie, Agile Transformation at LOGILEC, said: “We needed a solution that could be scaled according to order volumes variations and business growth rate. Our range of products was becoming more and more diverse with fast-moving cultural goods and many different batches for drugstore products. We needed a solution that could be quickly implemented.”

Exotec to Boost its Operational Capabilities and Support Business Growth

Exotec’s collaboration with L-A-C Logistics Automation marks a significant leap in the future of warehouse automation. Their cutting-edge inventory storage solutions, particularly the Exotec Skypod System, address inefficiencies in warehouses by combining the strengths of both human and robotic workers. This cohesive system integration enhances the efficiency of storage systems, allowing for seamless inventory replenishment and retrieval systems. The Exotec Skypod System uses a fleet of autonomous mobile robots, including low-profile robots and 3D robots, to navigate the warehouse and deliver products efficiently. This innovative approach to warehouse automation ensures that physical product weight and specific product details are managed with precision, meeting the high-level logistics solution demands of customer sites.

Exotec Reaches New Heights with Advanced Robotic Solutions

The market for warehouse robotics is rapidly expanding, and Exotec is at the forefront with its modular systems and autonomous robots. Their product roadmap includes regular product updates and new product features to keep pace with the fast-growing warehouse industry. The combination of humans and robot workers enables a perfect balance in warehouse picking, minimising downtime and maximising productivity. Exotec’s autonomous robots, or art robots, are designed for high efficiency, supporting the recovery in warehouses and addressing the needs of a regular warehouse as well as specialised environments. This strategic partnership with L-A-C Logistics Automation not only enhances Exotec’s operational capabilities but also solidifies its position as a global integrator and a leader in the future of warehouse automation. With innovative robotic solutions and a commitment to continuous improvement, Exotec is well-equipped to support business growth and redefine the standards of modern logistics.

L-A-C LAUNCHES THE SKYPOD INTO THE UK

L-A-C Logistics Automation, leading providers of conveyor systems and automation solutions, recently announced the new and exclusive partnership with Exotec to sell and promote the revolutionary Skypod System in the UK. CEO of L-A-C, Chris Unwin said: “I’m delighted to secure this partnership with Exotec, which will not only further enhance our business capabilities but also contribute towards the goal of growing market share within the logistics sector.”