The 24/7 supply chain operation continues to escalate as an imperative adaption for retailers and brands. In our global marketplace consumer demand is always on. Is it possible to fully automate the entire distribution process in today’s DC and FC facilities? If not, then the question is how close can we come to achieving this state? In this session, Mike Futch, President of Tompkins Robotics will lead a discussion on the advancements, capabilities and possibilities of The Lights Out Distribution Center.

Robotics are an in demand form of automation due to their versatility, affordability and efficiency. Their applications span across the entire supply chain, to include key areas like storage, picking, transport, packing, sorting and other process flows. Distribution centers can now have significant amounts of automation, facilitated by a skilled work force. Is it realistic to think this automation can one day replace the entire manual labor pool?

Optimal distribution performance is achieved through a fully integrated warehouse. Robotic technology can work in collaboration with warehouse software, such as WMS, WES and WCS. The range of automated storage and retrieval, autonomous transport, robotic pick & place, and sortation robots can also be integrated to create a seamless warehouse operation. Inbound and outbound flows, unit and case/carton processes, order fulfillment, store replenishment, crossdock, and other key applications are all in place or possible in the future. In addition to integration benefits, this seminar will highlight present and future limitations. Learn how to assess your distribution needs and determine what robotic solutions will increase your productivity, labor effectiveness, and future growth.

Tompkins Robotics, a business unit of Tompkins International, is focused on the robotic automation of distribution operations. Our primary system t-Sort consist of autonomous mobile robots that sort a wide range of items and parcels to consolidation points. t-Sort is the world’s first portable, automated material handling sortation system that is creating a huge paradigm shift in the supply chain and how the basic distribution function of order fulfillment is accomplished. For more information visit: www.tompkinsrobotics.com.