Article
E-Commerce Optimization through the Innovative Noyes Warehouse System
How NoyesStorage helps e-commerce companies scale flexibly, reduce picking costs and respond to demand fluctuations – without expensive infrastructure.
Requirements in E-Commerce Logistics:
The steadily growing online retail market has raised customer expectations regarding fast delivery times, flexible shipping options, and transparent shipment tracking. To meet these challenges, e-commerce companies must build an efficient logistics infrastructure.
One of the most critical requirements is the optimisation of warehousing and inventory management. E-commerce companies must ensure that their warehouses are well-organised to enable fast picking and dispatch preparation. Implementing automated warehousing systems and modern technologies such as robotics can significantly increase efficiency.
In addition, e-commerce logistics solutions must guarantee seamless integration between the online shop and the logistics system. Smooth data transfer is essential to process orders in real time, update inventory levels, and provide customers with accurate delivery information.
During periods of strong order fluctuations – such as the Christmas season – e-commerce companies face particular challenges. The high demand for products requires a well-planned strategy to avoid bottlenecks and delays in logistics.
Overall, logistics in e-commerce is a complex field that demands a high degree of adaptability and continuous optimisation to meet rising customer expectations and succeed in a competitive environment. Companies that invest in high-performance logistics can strengthen their competitive position and ensure long-term success in the e-commerce market.
How Can a NOYES Warehouse System Increase Efficiency in E-Commerce?
Low Initial Investment:
A NOYES Storage S system starts from EUR 70k with approximately 100 storage locations for up to around 400 SKUs (depending on product size). This is made possible by the use of highly standardised shelving components and robots.
Fast Installation:
Such a warehouse system can be commissioned within a few days. The standard shelving modules are assembled by the commissioning team using nothing more than a cordless screwdriver – no permanent anchoring is required. The 6 robots, two per level, are then placed into the shelving unit, and after a brief initialisation, stock induction can begin. The simple shelving system allows assembly without special tools or crane/forklift equipment.
Space-Efficient Storage:
The extremely dense storage within the NOYES shelving unit saves valuable floor space, allowing e-commerce shippers to manage with less warehouse area – which in turn reduces rental costs. Alternatively, more items can be stored on the same footprint, increasing article availability for the end customer and thus their satisfaction. The increased packing density is achieved by eliminating the aisles between shelves, as our robots travel beneath the products.
Picking Instead of Walking:
The usual travel time through racking aisles is drastically reduced. The ratio of value-adding activity (picking) to waste (walking) shifts from 80% walking to 80% picking, generating more value per employee. The robots handle the movement, allowing staff to focus entirely on value-adding tasks. Combined with the low acquisition costs, this results in a return on investment (ROI) of less than two years, depending on the use case.
Grow on the Go:
After an extensive testing phase, the shelving system can be easily expanded as e-commerce volumes increase. New shelving modules are added during ongoing operations and then simply activated for use by the robots via the software.
Functional Expansion through Future Developments:
In the future, an increasing number of additional functions can be retrofitted into a NOYES Storage. Examples include a lift module for accessing higher levels, a pick module for the commission of individual SKUs into a customer order basket, or a cooling module for chilling individual containers. The key principle: all future components are backward-compatible and can be retrofitted into existing systems (the LEGO principle).
Automated Connection to Shop Systems:
Initially, inbound and outbound movements can be managed via the supplied operating panel. A scanner interface is also available. After the testing phase, integration with shop systems or ERP can be implemented in the back end. Full inventory transparency is available at the touch of a button at any time. Each NOYES Storage has its own warehouse management system (WMS) with complete visibility of all stored items. Undocumented removal from the storage unit is not possible. The REST API in the back end, including corresponding documentation, enables straightforward integration.
Scaling for the Christmas Season:
When months with extreme order peaks are approaching, additional robots can be ordered in advance via the operating panel and are available two days later. If the additional robots are no longer needed the following month, they are simply returned. The robots are dispatched by post – RaaP (Robot as a Parcel). Only the required (leased) robots are charged on a monthly basis.
With a NOYES Storage System and the associated NOYES Bots, you are flexibly prepared for any growth in e-commerce and can respond quickly to demand fluctuations. Configure your system today.
Author – Tim Stiefel
Head of Product @ Noyes Technologies