ODW Logistics increases a major beverage company’s units picked per hour by 93%

ODW Logistics robots at work in a warehouse.
ODW aims to help companies streamline costs and operate more efficiently with automation. | Source: ODW Logistics

ODW Logistics recently implemented an automated system for a leading national beverage company. It said its integrated system increased the beverage provider’s units picked per hour, or UPH, by 93%.

According to ODW Logistics, its customer faced difficulties in accomplishing its desired UPH because of a combination of low picking density and inadequate order consolidation. The Columbus, Ohio-based third-party logistics provider (3PL) came up with a system to reduce excessive travel between pick locations.

“We were able to implement a solution that included autonomous mobile robots,” explained Jeff Clark, executive vice president of ODW Logistics, in a release. “The use of these AMRs has created a more efficient workspace for the client within the warehouse and established room for additional solutions to be implemented.”

“Aside from the 93% improvement in units picked per hour, there was also a reduction of 21% in labor,” he added. “Results were able to be seen within six months of implementing the changes.”


SITE AD for the 2025 Robotics Summit registration. Register today to save 40% on conference passes!


Team tries different approaches to find the right fit

ODW Logistics said its goal is to prioritize every part of the creation and distribution process for its customers. In this case, its client was open to change and productive risk-taking, so the 3PL was able to test various engineering systems. The team tried out a variety of changes, including an alternative warehouse design, different workflows within those layouts, and mobile robots.

“When our client presented their concerns to the team, we immediately conducted an analysis to identify the opportunities available to improve the full scope of the operation,” Clark said. “The results of the analysis disclosed that there was excess movement during the picking process, multiple product touches and scans per individual order, and an opportunity to improve batching efficiency. Each of these characteristics was negatively impacting the client from accomplishing the end goal, so ODW leveraged our resources to immediately create change.”

In the end, the companies decided on a layout design to create more efficient workflows. By implementing AMRs, ODW was able to increase throughput while reducing human labor. It also implemented a person-to-goods system, which eliminated the movement and picking inefficiencies in the beverage company’s operations.

ODW Logistics tackles a fast-moving, high-pressure market

As fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chains continue to experience external pressures and labor shortages as a direct result of global disruptions, they have become more interested in the competitive edge that automation offers, said ODW Logistics.

The warehouse automation market will return to growth in 2024, predicted Interact Analysis. The market research firm said that from 2025 onward, it expects revenues to return to double-digit growth, giving companies more wiggle room to start automating.

ODW has been providing warehousing, distribution, and transportation services for hundreds of brands since 1971. The 3PL said it helps companies make knowledgeable decisions about warehousing, e-commerce fulfillment, and transportation to streamline costs and operate more efficiently.

Written by

Automated Warehouse Staff