Officeworks has unveiled its most advanced customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Perth, Western Australia in another major upgrade to its supply chain network.
Transforming its customer fulfilment operations, in partnership with Körber and Innoware, using state-of-the-art technology in the form of a warehouse management system integrated with 91 autonomous solar-powered autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the centre has the flexibility to scale up to 150 robots with Körber’s Robot-as-a-service (RaaS) enabling the centre to meet demand during peak periods.
The new facility allows for one-to-one team member to autonomous mobile robot ratio. In addition to training opportunities, the pairing is set to improve team member health, wellbeing and safety measures, eliminating an estimated 10 to 12km of walking per shift.
The 15,000 square metre CFC site – the equivalent size of 12 Olympic swimming pools – will continue to transform and modernise Officeworks’ supply chain. Operations will increase speed of stock delivery to customers and stores, as well as improving availability and inventory management of products.
Showcasing a commitment to people and the planet, both the facility and its robots are solar enabled by 100kw solar PV – another step towards Officeworks’ goal to use 100% renewable energy by 2025. In addition, Officeworks has installed Safer Storage Systems’ Silverline pallet racking within the fulfilment centre; a sustainable racking option which has prevented 17.4 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere – the equivalent offset of 870 trees.
The WA CFC is the third significant advancement in Officeworks’ supply chain. A new import distribution centre was opened in Victoria in April 2023, following the Briggs Drive CFC also in Victoria. The three facilities ensure stores and customers across the country are benefitting from fast delivery times and high stock levels, especially in the lead up to anticipated retail events including Black Friday, Christmas and Back to School.
Officeworks managing director, Sarah Hunter said, “Our business, our team and our customers are already enjoying the benefits from our recent supply chain investments. The ongoing modernisation and innovation in our supply chain operations allows us to deliver even more value to our customers and the fast, reliable and trustworthy service and choice they have come to expect from Officeworks. With 150% more bulk storage than the current CFC, our WA CFC will maximise delivery times across our growing customer base in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.”
Körber managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Anthony Beavis said, “We are delighted to once again be working with Officeworks on its supply chain transformation journey. After the successful rollout of our flexible and agile tech solutions at the leading retailer’s Victorian CFC in 2021, we are proud to continue our partnership and support Officeworks supply chain upgrade at its purpose-built CFC in Perth, Western Australia.”