DHL Supply Chain is rolling out SVT Robotics’ SoftBot platform across its network, enabling it to deploy robotics integrations up to 12 times faster than traditional custom coding setups.
The technology-neutral software enables DHL to move away from monolithic, all-in-one systems to modular warehouse setups that accommodate multiple automated solutions and can be reconfigured as technology and customer needs evolve.
“The logistics industry is characterized by rapid change – whether its customer profile, volumes or newly emerging technology – so our automation solutions need to adapt just as quickly,” explained Sally Miller, global CIO, DHL Supply Chain.
“The SoftBot platform gives us an effective and efficient way to connect different types of robotics to our warehouse systems, monitor performance in real time and scale solutions across sites with confidence.”
In addition to accelerating the speed of automation deployments and accommodating different robotic technologies in its tech-agnostic system, the SoftBot platform provides a single, multi-site dashboard for teams to efficiently monitor system-wide operations.
“Our operations worldwide are already seeing clear benefits from deploying robotics and automation via SVT,” said Tim Tetzlaff, global head of digital transformation, DHL Supply Chain.
“As a standard integration layer, the SoftBot platform provides the glue between our warehouse management system (WMS) and our digitalization agenda. It has enabled us to replicate goods-to-person solutions across Europe with integration work completed in just three hours.
“We’ve also added new operational technology to live operations in Asia-Pacific with zero downtime. The platform’s global, real-time data access also unlocks significant opportunities to scale logistics AI.”
According to SVT Robotics, SoftBot’s unified data layer also enables visibility into workforce activity and automation performance, helping DHL better coordinate hybrid fleets of associates and robots working side-by-side. This supports safer, more efficient workflows without introducing new layers of complexity.
“It’s been exciting to collaborate with DHL on their accelerated digitalization efforts and to support their team in their use of our SoftBot Platform,” enthused AK Schultz, CEO and co-founder of SVT Robotics.
“In fact, DHL now does the majority of implementations without hands-on support from SVT. This means they can scale even faster and further reduce costs, accelerate their deployments, and take advantage of the data visibility that our platform uniquely provides. These are benefits that positively impact their customers.”
The SoftBot Platform is now live in 30 DHL Supply Chain sites worldwide, with plans to expand to more than 100 sites across all geographies over the next three years.
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