Automation as the rule, not the exception

Schoeller Allibert predicts the future of e-Commerce supply chains

Leading manufacturer of durable transit packaging for the retail and e-tail markets, Schoeller Allibert, has shared its perspective on where the sector is likely to move next, and where the shifting priorities for online retailers will lie.

As the e-tail segment seeks to maintain a strong upward momentum following a period of enormous growth, the business sees a great deal of opportunity for brand owners as the market looks to avoid plateauing. Among its predictions, Schoeller Allibert sees logistics automation moving from a supply chain advantage to a necessity.

Thomas Schleisick, Global Director Sales - System Integrators at Schoeller Allibert, elaborates: “It’s inevitable that after any major market boom, that growth eventually slows. The online retail sector is no different; sales grew exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and brands are now looking to maintain this momentum. We often hear brands talk about returning to ‘pre-pandemic’ conditions, but there’s no way back – only onwards and upwards. Therefore, supply chains must drive more value and efficiency than ever before. It’s time to talk accessible automation.

“For us, it’s clear that for e-tailers, supply chain automation is going shift from a competitive edge to the benchmark; and that’s an incredibly important distinction to make. We still tend to think of automation as cost-prohibitive investment – almost science fiction - but that’s no longer the case. With technologies such as our own SmartLink® system, every supply chain has the potential to be more intelligent and better connected. SmartLink uses LPWAN technology to link individual assets in a digital chain, which can be tracked, managed and controlled from a central platform. Fully ready for digitalised supply chains, the system fits effortlessly into automated workflows and shows that the tools e-tailers need to shore up operations are already available.”

Schoeller Allibert has been a leading supplier of reusable packaging solutions for over 60 years and has seen first-hand the benefits that automation can bring to e-commerce supply chains. The company’s market-leading range of products are designed to work seamlessly with automated systems, helping online retailers to boost operational efficiency while reducing carbon output.

As the e-commerce sector continues to evolve, Schoeller Allibert is committed to helping brands and retailers stay ahead of the competition with the most advanced and diverse transit packaging range on the market. This focus puts the company in an excellent position to help e-commerce customers drive next-generation efficiency throughout their supply chains.

Simon Jones, Global Director Sales - Retail adds: “To keep ahead of today’s retail trends, online retailers need tighter, faster and more precise supply chains, which naturally brings automation into the spotlight. Integrating automation directly into processes is how we see the market staying on its growth trajectory. It’s making automation the rule, not the exception. And for online retailers, having a team like Schoeller in your corner can make a world of difference.”