The Perfume Shop, the UK’s largest fragrance retailer, has launched its new cutting-edge warehouse automation system to process hundreds of customer orders.
The new system, provided by Sci-Tech Daresbury-based Breathe Technologies will lead to improved efficiencies with three times quicker processing of customer orders and a reduction in packaging of 40%.
Breathe Technologies was selected by The Perfume Shop to design and deliver an integrated solution, comprising both conveyor and machinery together with Breathe’s Orquestr8 Software execution and control system. Orquestr8 is Breathe’s proprietary AI driven software platform that simplifies and harmonises the integration of physical automation and digital systems in the warehouse.
The £2.5M investment by The Perfume Shop into Breathe Technologies’ industry-leading automated packaging system will accelerate The Perfume Shop’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its outbound supply chain, future-proof distribution capabilities and operations, reduce trailer fill and reduce packaging by 40%.
Breathe’s advanced warehouse automation system will allow the packing machines to fold boxes to the size of the content included, reducing the overall cardboard and parcel size, while all cardboard used is made in the UK and is 90% recyclable.
Overall, with the new system in place, The Perfume Shop will have less trucks on the road, and consequently lower carbon emmissions.
With a growth in online traffic and an expectation that the e-store will deliver around 28% of sales this year, with growth vs last year, The Perfume Shop’s investment in Breathe Technologies’ warehouse automation solution will allow it to fulfil ambitious sales targets.
David Carroll, CEO of Breathe Technologies, said: “We are delighted to have supported The Perfume Shop as they invest in the latest smart warehouse technology.
“The real impact of the system is derived from Orquestr8, with its ability to provide visibility and control across the packing function. Not only does it support their rapid online growth and high customer service standards now and in the future but also their commitment to a sustainable operation playing its part in reducing carbon emissions.”
Gill Smith, managing director at The Perfume Shop, added: “This scale of investment demonstrates The Perfume Shop’s commitment to our customers, our communities, and our colleagues.
“While we remain committed to delivering a brilliant customer shopping experience, we’re also seeing our e-commerce business move from strength-to-strength. Investment into warehouse automation will ensure we’re keeping up with the increasing demands of our online business.”
