A highly automated system

Through a series of upgrades, combined with a rigorous maintenance schedule, Crisplant has continued to extend the capacity and flexibility of the automated material handling system, which has been central to KappAhl’s expansion. Today, KappAhl’s distribution centre handles over 60 million items which are shipped to an international network of 345 retail stores.

Just as fashion changes constantly, one of Sweden’s leading fashion retailers, KappAhl, has constantly updated its automated material handling system to achieve greater efficiencies and faster replenishment for their international network of retail stores.

From the initial installation of the sorter, Crisplant Customer Support has maintained their system through a series of service contracts. These contracts provide a schedule of preventative maintenance in addition to a hotline which provides support during the day-to-day operation of the sorter.

By working closely with KappAhl, Crisplant has undertaken regular upgrades which have updated the sorter’s technology. Crisplant has also extended the conveyor system and increased the number of chutes on the sorter to 250. With a higher number of chutes, KappAhl has been able to service more destinations, without a significant increase in man-power.

With every upgrade, Crisplant has extended the efficiency and capacity of KappAhl’s sorting process. In total, the KappAhl distribution centre dispatches 5000 20ft containers each year, with a workforce of between 75 and 95 staff at the sorter. The high degree of automation increases the flexibility to move staff between sorters to meet fluctuations in demand and making best use of available man-power.

Planning for future expansion in capacity is a key part of the design for the original installation of all Crisplant sorters. Continual reviews, technology updates and a long-term partnership between Crisplant and KappAhl, have delivered several improvements in logistics efficiency and productivity. These have provided a foundation for KappAhl’s long-term goals for growth.