MASON, OH - Online grocery services are continuing to climb in both popularity and utilization as consumers are shopping more from home. H-E-B is staying ahead of the curve with a new partnership, tapping Swisslog to support the company’s growing demand for online fulfillment. Swisslog is working with H-E-B to deploy a number of automated micro-fulfillment centers to support the chain’s curbside pick-up and delivery business in its Texas home state.
“Swisslog is pleased H-E-B put its trust in us to automate and support its facilities with state-of-the-art automation and software,” said Mitch Hayes, Vice President of E-Commerce and Retail, Swisslog Logistics Automation, Americas. “COVID-19 and anticipated behavioral changes have created increased urgency around the need for automation within many grocery operations. E-grocery automation is no longer an option—it’s a requirement for survival and continued growth.”
The automated micro-fulfillment centers will enhance H-E-B’s leadership in the industry by streamlining online fulfillment and moving it closer to the customer. According to the press release, it will allow the retail chain to efficiently meet the growing demand for curbside pick-up without negatively impacting customer experience in the store.
H-E-B’s new micro-fulfillment centers feature AutoStore empowered by Swisslog’s SynQ software and pick stations. This goods-to-person solution is one of the most flexible automation solutions available for order fulfillment in e-grocery where density, operator productivity, and lead time are important factors. With more than 170 installations worldwide, Swisslog is one of the largest and most experienced integrators of the AutoStore system, as stated in the press release.
With more than 2,000 installations around the globe, Swisslog has invaluable experience in multiple flexible, scalable, and modular automation technologies. The company offers a range of automation solutions and software to fit grocers’ online fulfillment strategies, whether it’s a hub-and-spoke arrangement, a bolt-on store automation approach, micro-fulfillment centers, or a fully automated grocery store.
To learn more about this innovative partnership, click here for the full press release.
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