DSC Logistics has joined CJ Logistics to advanced integrated global supply chain innovation. DSC and CJ will be piloting TES applications across DSC Locations and customer networks for the next two years.
In a recent pilot, DSC explored robo wrapper technology: an automated mobile robot that circles a pallet fastening stretch wrap to prepare and secure the pallet's contents for storage and shipping. The robot is moved to the pallet so there isn't a need to transfer pallets to the machine.
“While not necessarily faster, the robot uses less stretch wrap, 70 percent of what humans use,” Richard Heintz, Supply Chain Leader II says. “And productivity is gained when the operator performs other duties while the machine is wrapping. So using the robo wrapper technology results in hard savings.”
The robot-wrapped pallets were found to be more stable and secure, opposed to human operations. This is a gain in this particular environment where requirements to column stack create a challenge for hand wrapping pallets effectively.
All of the technology pilots are close collaborations between DSC's TES engineers and Operations. In the robo wrapper project, when operators identified issues such as the stretch wrap tearing at the corners of the pallets and recommendations were made to adjust the multiple settings on the device.
“In our TES pilots, we are seeking to optimize each piece of equipment and leverage technology to enhance productivity and lower costs, creating value for the customer,” says Kevin Walsh, Senior Manager, TES. “Our pilots are an important commitment for us because we want to ensure that we have confidence in the new technology we offer to customers.” The customer involved in the robo wrapper pilot is purchasing several of the units DSC tested.
