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Giant Eagle: Making the Most Out Of Robotics C rafton, Pennsylvania-based Giant Eagle, a supermarket chain, needed a more efficient way to handle inbound pallets in the warehouse. In order to meet their needs, the company uses Seegrid���s robotics equipment, specifically designed to improve their supply chain operations. Joe Hurley, SVP of distribution and logistics, Giant Eagle, recently spoke to Food Logistics about the company���s experience with deploying Seegrid���s robotics equipment. Seegrid���s GP8 driverless robotic pallet trucks coupled with a warehouse management system (WMS) help to reduce wasted time in the facility and increase the ability to haul more products. Asked whether there were any issues when switching to automation, Hurley replied: ���There weren���t any challenges, but rather there were steps that needed to be taken to provide the best chance for success when we first introduced the technology to our retail support centers,��� he said. ���Most importantly, time was spent with our team members to demonstrate how the technol- way the people on the floor can understand the impact of performance and running the line various ways.��� What to expect for 2013 The price of robotics systems is becoming more within companies��� financial reach in part because computer technology is increasingly more affordable. According to FANUC���s Motley, the emergence of system integrators is a big contributor that makes Joe Hurley, SVP of distribution and logistics for Giant Eagle. ogy would, in many ways, improve their day-to-day work environment and how they could work alongside the Seegrid powered robots in a safe and productive manner.��� Giant Eagle���s workers appreciate the robotics equipment and how the equipment can assist workers with doing their jobs more efficiently, added Hurley. Robotics allows the company to transfer team members to other activities in the work place, such as replenishment and selection. With the Seegrid equipment in place, Giant Eagle has reduced its manned travel from putaway by approximately 20 to 30 percent, giving the company a more competitive edge. ���Seegrid technology allows us to move product in a much more flexible manner, providing us the ability to move items based on need,��� concluded Hurley. robotics equipment more affordable. ���The food industry should be putting more of these systems in place to control their costs,��� says Stuart Cooper, VP of sales for Flexicell. ���It is a very cost effective piece of machinery���it offers them that opportunity for efficiency, performance, decent pricing and very good return on investment.��� Additionally, one of the latest developments for 2013 is the introduction of OPEX���s Perfect Pick solution. OPEX���s Perfect Pick made its debut during ProMat in January. ���One of the reasons that we���re entering the market with Perfect Pick is because this really takes the shuttle technology and applies a level of intelligence to it,��� says OPEX���s Hedges. ���We basically have a shuttle robot that is now climbing walls.��� The Perfect Pick is able to climb up onto the rack and move in multiple directions with 100 percent access to any inventory item in an aisle. ��� Left out in the cold with your current temperature-controlled freight solutions? H&M; Bay is the country���s premier logistics provider for LTL refrigerated and frozen commodities. Consolidation centers strategically located nationwide, coupled with a host of web-based systems for ordering and tracking, help you manage all your shipping needs. When keeping it cold counts, contact H&M; Bay. 1.866.964.2755 www.hmbayinc.com PO Box 280, Federalsburg, Maryland 21632 www.foodlogistics.com FOOD LOGISTICS ��� JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 41