Episode 529: GEODIS’ strategic approach to warehouse innovation

Posted on Oct 16, 2024 in Podcasts

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where our guest is Andy Johnston, Senior Director of Innovation at GEODIS, a global leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions. Andy shares his insights on the company’s disciplined approach to warehouse innovation, a key topic for those navigating today’s fast-evolving supply chain landscape. As one of the fastest-growing 3PL companies, GEODIS leverages cutting-edge technologies to address the most pressing challenges in warehousing, from labor shortages to automation. Tune in to discover how GEODIS is pushing productivity and operational efficiency boundaries.

GEODIS’ Journey to Innovation Leadership

GEODIS has always been at the forefront of warehouse innovation, with Andy Johnston playing a pivotal role in shaping their strategy. Reflecting on his 12-year journey with the company, Johnston highlights how the rise of e-commerce catalyzed the need for innovation. “E-commerce was the big catalyst,” Johnston recalls. “We went from picking cases and pallets to picking individual items, and orders multiplied significantly.” This shift demanded a new approach, and GEODIS has partnered with leaders in automation to tackle these challenges head-on.

The Role of Automation in Modern Warehousing

Automation has become indispensable in the warehousing industry. GEODIS has consistently invested in automation to enhance efficiency and meet the growing demands of e-commerce. As Johnston explains, “We’ve partnered with robotics companies like Locus and Vecna to streamline processes and improve productivity.” One significant advantage of automation is reducing training times. “We’ve cut training from weeks to days, especially during peak periods, which is a game-changer for our customers,” he adds. This focus on operational speed ensures GEODIS can fulfill orders faster, keeping up with consumer expectations.

Addressing Labor Challenges Through Technology

Labor availability remains a significant challenge for the industry, but GEODIS has found ways to address it through technology. Johnston explains that by incorporating cutting-edge robotics, GEODIS enhances productivity and makes jobs more engaging and sustainable. “By allowing our teammates to work with technology, we’re making their jobs easier and more fulfilling,” he notes. This human-centric approach helps retain valuable talent and ensures GEODIS meets its operational goals while fostering a better workplace environment.

Key Takeaways

• E-commerce as a Catalyst: The transition from case-picking to individual items has fundamentally changed how warehouses operate, driving the need for warehouse innovation.
• Automation’s Impact: By leveraging advanced robotics, GEODIS has significantly cut training times and boosted productivity, helping the company keep pace with increasing consumer demand.
• Labor Strategy: GEODIS’ human-centered approach to technology addresses labor shortages and improves job satisfaction and retention.