Order picking is one of the most labor-intensive tasks in both on and online supply chain of Ahold Delhaize (f.e. Albert Heijn and bol.). The costs related to these activities are a major part of the overall supply chain budget.
For item picking, Ahold Delhaize is introducing “goods-to-man” systems (f.e. automated storage systems, conveyors, AGVs and mobile shelf units) to pick and move the different items to fixed stations. Operators – and, in the near future, robotic arms - can then pick the items at the stations in a very efficient way.
However, the task of scanning and transferring loose items (decanting), which are delivered by suppliers in cartons boxes, into these automated systems remains very labor intensive. Unfortunately, there no good solutions are foreseen / in development. We challenge you to increase the efficiency of this decant process.
A tour within our (automated) facilities at bol. and Albert Heijn before the sprint will be part of the program to boost your energy and give you some direct insights.
The desired outcome are innovative solutions, ideas and concepts that will increase the efficiencies of the decant process. This can be (but is not restricted to) technical innovations, required changes supply chain, and making smart use of data. We will then combine your suggestions to create a big mind map showing the various relations / dependencies. We encourage participants to think creatively and collaboratively to generate new insights and create a comprehensive overview of the issue and solutions.
Albert Heijn is a part of everyday life for its customers. The brand has grown from a simple grocer to the food tech company it is today. Albert Heijn understands that value for money is more important than ever. The brand makes it easier and more personal to eat good and healthy food and is there for customers always and everywhere – in stores, online and on mobile devices – with value for money, better food and convenience.
Bol opened its doors on 30 March 1999. More than twenty years later, the shop has 13 million active customers in the Netherlands and Belgium, a product range of 38 million items and 50,000 sales partners who sell their goods through the bol platform (on 31 march 2024).