Global warehouse automation specialist Swisslog, has announced the successful installation and implementation of a new fully-automated and retrieval solution for Mai Dubai, a bottled drinking water company.
According to the Dubai-based firm, the move is part of Mai Dubai’s on-going expansion initiative and involves the implementation of a fully automated and data driven intralogistics system that is in line with industrial revolution 4.0.
As part of an order valued over 20 million euros, Swisslog planned and implemented a fully automated system based on intelligent software in the context of Big Data. The major expansion project included planning and deploying a six-aisle automated high-bay warehouse for raw material and packaging materials and a high-bay warehouse with 17,560 pallet locations for finished goods with 10 aisles.
The use of Swisslog’s fully automated storage and retrieval solution will help drive key benefits and advantages for Mai Dubai, including a significant reduction in labour costs, improved production and enhanced storage efficiencies.
Mai Dubai stated that the installation has proved to be both timely and strategic and it expects to sustain its continuing growth since its inception in December 2012. The company, which is already widely recognised for its excellent reputation, is the official bottled water partner of Emirates Airlines and has become a household brand name in Oman, Bahrain and 13 other countries across Asia, Europe and Africa.
Alain Kaddoum, General Manager, Swisslog Middle East, said: “Warehouse and factory managers constantly need to synchronise their material flow between production and warehouse to optimise the inventory level and reduce the operational costs. The introduction of new automation deployments driven by strong warehouse management software (WMS) can maximise return on investment and minimise risks to supply chain operations. Combining Swisslog’s SynQ WMS solution, Mai Dubai was able to modernise its warehousing, distribution and fulfilment operations by optimising the performance of front-line workers, speed up production and maximise the storage capacity.”
The installed Swisslog solutions included the Vectura pallet stacker cranes (ASRS), which are known for optimised energy-efficient design and delivery of highly efficient storage and retrieval with minimal energy costs, a monorail system complete with 44 trolleys, a ProMove pallet conveyor and lifting systems that ensure the efficient flow of goods and sequencing of pallets in receiving and shipping.
Mai Dubai also deployed an advanced high-performance IT infrastructure and controls systems, which allow for real-time 3D visualisation and condition monitoring of the entire operations. The modular software platform also offers a number of Big Data business intelligence tools that can be flexibly added over time. With a modular architecture and user-friendly design, Swisslog’s WMS is helping Mai Dubai to be prepared for the future.
Alexander van ‘t Riet, CEO, Mai Dubai LLC, said: “We are very excited about the potential benefits to be gained from the installation of this new fully automated storage and transport system from Swisslog. Working closely with Swisslog was part of our expansion strategy. In fact, the implementation of an automated and digitalised logistics solutions is part of and contributes to our customer-focused approach. This initiative has helped us to not only improve our production control, but to also allow for greater storage density and increased efficiency.”
To help ensure business and operational continuity, Swisslog Middle East works as a trusted business partner, providing Mai Dubai with 24 by 7 on-call support services and preventive maintenance for the equipment in order to ensure high availability and low operational downtime.
