Zappos plans to use Kiva's ItemFetch split-case picking system and OrderFetch shipping sorter at its Shepherdsville, KY facility to store, move, and sort a variety of products, including shoes, apparel and accessories.
"Zappos is a fast-growing service business," said Craig Adkins, VP of fulfillment operations. "We needed a material handling system that could accommodate both the growing assortment of online merchandise and the daily increase in order volume we continue to experience. At the same time, our relentless focus on providing the best customer service in the eCommerce industry meant a high bar for system performance."
The Zappos installation includes a fleet of mobile robotic drive units that bring inventory directly to workers, allowing easy and efficient access to all inventory items at all times. This approach is also applied to completed orders, ensuring that the right order is delivered to the right dock door at the right time. Elimination of operator walking and waiting time enables worker productivity that is two to three times higher than with other automated systems.
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