Sustainability meets automation: What does an innovative hub look like?

For many modern companies, “build a greener future” has progressed from a public relations statement to something deeply anchored in their business DNA. This certainly applies to logistics companies and to their global supply chains and distribution centers. But how can these companies achieve this goal? One example is by implementing cutting-edge order fulfillment systems in sustainably equipped buildings ― as seen at Bolloré Logistics in Singapore in cooperation with automation specialist, Dematic and validated by a Technology Excellence Award presented to Dematic by the Singapore Business Review for this project.

The trade magazine recognizes outstanding innovations in Singapore in technology. This year, they recognized automation expert Dematic for their ability to develop a solution that provides sustainable architecture and energy management systems in the warehouse industry for the French logistics company Bolloré Logistics and their Blue Hub operation. “Our collaboration brought a new level of innovation to life”, says Michael Bradshaw, Senior Director Integrated Systems of Dematic Asia. “The Blue Hub contains a couple of ‘firsts’ for Singapore in automation and robotic piece picking technology, which is allowing Bolloré to increase productivity, space efficiency, speed, and accuracy.” More impressively, Bolloré Logistics is meeting growing customer demands in their highly competitive markets while committing to sustainable initiatives.

Thinking Green ― Outside and Inside

To become a model for sustainable architecture in the warehouse industry, Bolloré looked to implement a sustainable and innovative distribution center located close to the new port of Singapore. The facility is equipped with an energy-management system that uses Internet of Things (IoT) for predictive building analytics and smart lighting control. Other initiatives include rainwater recycling, solar power harvesting, a food digester for a zero-waste canteen, and chemical-free landscape management.

Still, to establish a completely sustainable operation, not only the architecture but also the systems inside need to contribute to the green vision. Consequently, Bolloré partnered up with Dematic to implement a highly automated order fulfillment solution at the 50,000 square meter large facility. Dematic designed an integrated Goods-to-Person (GTP) order fulfilment system that can handle a large range of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) in minimum footprint due to its dense and modular design. In addition, an intelligent order tote and carton transport conveying system includes energy-efficient spiral conveyors to link the central order picking area with the client-specific operational areas.

High Environmental Standards, Even Higher Efficiency

Prior to this award-winning collaboration, Bolloré Logistics and Dematic had already teamed up and to bring this sustainable concept to life at another distribution center, the Green Hub (also located in Singapore). Here too, the building meets the highest environmental sustainability standards and is the largest logistics center in Asia to obtain Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.