SALISBURY, N.C., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Ahold Delhaize USA BB #:138251 is marking a milestone in its supply chain transformation to create an integrated self-distributed supply chain of the future.
Today, the first distribution center, Freetown Grocery in Mass., transitioned procurement from a third-party vendor to the self-managed network, providing direct control of inventory and replenishment at this facility.
“Our work to transform the supply chain to an integrated self-distribution model of the future is not only on-time, but ahead of schedule,” said Chris Lewis, EVP, Supply Chain for Retail Business Services, Ahold Delhaize USA’s services company.
“Today marks an important milestone in our journey with the transition of procurement at this facility, and we’re looking forward to other facility transitions this year. On top of that, we’ve launched new programs to begin to help us as we optimize the network at scale.”
Ahold Delhaize Steps Up Automation Efforts
A rendering of the Philadelphia e-grocery FC by AutoStore and Swisslog (Ahold Delhaize)
Ahold Delhaize, the Netherlands-based grocery conglomerate that owns Stop & Shop, Giant and other U.S. chains, plans to pilot micro-fulfillment technology at one of Giant’s fulfillment centers in Philadelphia as it competes with Kroger’s e-fulfillment model using tech partner Ocado.
The project leverages a grid-based AS/RS hive system from AutoStore, as well as syncing software from system integrator Swisslog, and manual picking from Peapod Digital Labs. While calling it micro fulfillment, a video simulation of the new fulfillment center looks more along the scale of a massive Kroger/Ocado facility than smaller store-based MFCs from providers like Fabric, Takeoff Technologies and Dematic.
Ahold Delhaize USA Companies Expand Micro-Fulfillment Capabilities as Part of Omnichannel Supply Chain yahoo.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from yahoo.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
• Applications that disinfect both air and surfaces.
• A disinfection rate of approximately 9,000 square feet per hour, with 99% effectiveness against COVID-19.
• Full autonomous operation and safe navigation.
• Remote access to the robot for facilities managers or other users.
• Emailed reporting, automatically sent to managers, confirming appropriate dosages for assigned areas.
• Integration of screens and speakers for disinfection-related announcements.
• Easy integration with cleaning best practices and existing protocols.
Retail Business Services, the services company of leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA, led the industry by piloting the robots in two of its affiliated distribution centers to support enhanced cleaning procedures during the pandemic.