In the dynamic landscape of the Australian supply chain and logistics industry, staying ahead requires more than just keeping up with trends—it demands innovation. However, innovation doesn’t always equate to high levels of automation. Instead, it often involves the strategic implementation of technologies and software designed to optimise human processes within distribution centres. Often, by focusing on enhancing these processes, businesses of all sizes can achieve greater efficiency and adaptability in a dynamic and varied market.
As an industry leader, Dematic has a strong commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and maximising productivity in close collaboration with its customers, regardless of the size of the operation, or scale of the automation. The Dematic Real Time Logistics (RTL) division focuses specifically on optimising manual processes and pairing improved workflows with technology enablers, specifically warehouse WLAN, RF, Voice, Vision and AMR offerings. The RTL division leverages the local expertise of Dematic and its capabilities in warehouse optimisation across a range of industries, from manufacturing and wholesale to retail and third-party logistics operations, for greenfield as well as brownfield facilities. The best practice approach of Dematic reflects its unwavering dedication to understanding and responding to customer operational outcomes to deliver tailored solutions.
Understanding the Dematic Approach
At the heart of this approach lies a strong emphasis on the customer experience and working closely with customers in partnership. Dematic RTL begins its journey not with products, but with understanding unique customer needs. By immersing themselves in the operations of customers, the Dematic consultation and design team gains invaluable insights into workflows, pain points, and objectives – business, operational and supply chain. This customer-centric approach ensures that every solution is meticulously tailored to address specific challenges and to get the best outcomes.
Navigating the Customer Journey & Identifying Pain Points
Dematic RTL’s journey with its customers begins with a comprehensive walkthrough of its operations. Dematic starts by tracing the workflow backwards, meticulously analysing each step and identifying potential pain points/areas of inefficiency or waste. By working in reverse, Dematic can analyse how each step in the process contributes to achieving the desired output or end goal of the customer’s operation. This ‘Pull-through’ methodology is key to debottlenecking and determining operational constraints. By analysing operational flow and understanding the intricacies of a customer’s operations, Dematic RTL lays the foundation for a collaborative partnership aimed at driving tangible results.
One of the key features of Dematic RTL’s approach is its ability to uncover hidden pain points and inefficiencies that customers may not even be aware of. In many cases, pain points are only identified by a customer when a known solution exists – with broad industry knowledge and experience the RTL team often identifies potential improvements to workflows and unidentified pain points. These solutions once identified can seem obvious in retrospect and are easily implemented. Dematic ensures that its solutions deliver real value and efficiency gains to its customers.
Dedicated Software Engineers
Dematic RTL has a dedicated software team that implements interfaces between any WMS and a broad range of manual optimisation technologies. We know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and our software team is pivotal in our solution offering. Our software engineers are part of the solution from the beginning. Developing detailed Proof of Concepts (POCs) and then engaging in detailed operation flow workshops to scope out an optimised solution. The outcomes are customised workflows, device screens, voice tasks and vision user interfaces that provide the most beneficial outcomes.
Improved workflows, however, are only one part of the solution. Dematic RTL has a wide range of operational analytic reporting platforms to help track in real time the performance of the manual tasks and pivot when needed. Live streams on customised dashboards mean the operation team are presented with the data they need in the format they want it.
Dedicated Project Management & Technical Expertise
Dematic RTL assigns dedicated project managers and engineers to each project to oversee its execution and ensure smooth communication. These project managers act as a central point of contact for the customer and coordinate all aspects of the project, from planning to implementation.
Dematic RTL offers deep expertise in various technical areas relevant to warehouse and logistics operations, such as WLAN, RF devices, voice solutions, vision-guided tasks and operator interfacing automation. Dematic leverages this expertise to design and implement optimised solutions that meet the unique requirements of each customer.
Solution Agnostic Approach & Tailored Solutions
Dematic RTL remains impartial when recommending solutions, focusing solely on what is best for the customer’s specific needs. This includes an evaluation of a wide range of technologies and products to identify the most suitable options for each customer, regardless of the provider.
Armed with a deep understanding of customer requirements, Dematic RTL leverages the broadest array of technologies, products, and solutions to craft tailored offerings to meet the specific needs of each customer. Dematic considers factors such as the size of the operation, industry requirements, and budget constraints when recommending solutions. Whether it’s streamlining processes, enhancing connectivity, or optimising workflows, Dematic RTL’s solutions are designed to deliver tangible benefits and drive operational excellence.
Holistic Approach
Dematic RTL takes a holistic approach to warehouse optimisation, considering all aspects of the operation, from rack systems to automation. The approach also recognises that human performance is a crucial element of supply chain efficiency and as such the solutions are designed to optimise human workflows, productivity, accuracy, asset management, and more. This philosophy has resulted in the development of performance-enhancing layering such as gamification which focuses on the underlying psychological needs of staff and provides for a more engaging workplace, increased performance, and higher job satisfaction.
Throughout the project lifecycle, Dematic RTL provides comprehensive support. Dematic ensures that customers have access to the resources and assistance they need to successfully implement and maintain their solutions.
Essential to Dematic RTL’s approach is the POC, where proposed solutions are validated and tested before implementation. This real-life experience allows the operations to touch, feel and interact with the proposed solution and ensures alignment and transparency throughout the implementation process. With dedicated project managers overseeing every stage of the project, from conception to execution, Dematic ensures seamless implementation and timely delivery.
Ongoing Support and Service
Beyond implementation, Dematic RTL remains committed to supporting its customers through every stage of their journey. With dedicated technicians and a robust service infrastructure, Dematic RTL’s dedicated Customer Service team offers round-the-clock support and maintenance, ensuring that its range of solutions continues to deliver optimal performance. By offering comprehensive after-sales service and support, as well as a local repair centre, Dematic reinforces its commitment to customer satisfaction and success.
Dematic RTL’s approach is scalable, meaning it can accommodate the needs of both small startups and large multinationals’ distribution centres. Solutions are tailored to the size and scale of each customer’s operation, ensuring flexibility and adaptability. Future-proofing is also built into solutions, to ensure they can be easily and quickly scaled up in line with customer business growth.
Commitment to Excellence
In a rapidly changing supply chain industry, Dematic RTL’s customer-centric approach stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. By prioritising customer outcomes, uncovering hidden pain points, and delivering tailored solutions, Dematic redefines the boundaries of operational efficiency and productivity. As the Australian supply chain industry continues to evolve, Dematic remains at the forefront, driving innovation and empowering its customers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Start your journey today – contact our Dematic RTL Team.