Episode 555: Meet Lully – Improving warehouse efficiency without hardware
Today’s episode of The New Warehouse Podcast features returning guest Mike Myers, now the founder of Lully AI. A seasoned expert in automation and process improvement, Mike returns to the show to discuss his latest venture. Lully is breaking new ground in warehouse efficiency by enhancing existing systems without additional hardware. By focusing on software-driven optimization, Lully offers a cost-effective solution for warehouses, particularly those operating with minimal or no automation.
The Story Behind Lully
Myers founded Lully to address a challenge he noticed during his years in automation: improving efficiency in manual warehouse operations without overhauling existing systems. He explains, “I observed some efficiency improvement opportunities that were hard to deliver on, but there for the taking if you could figure out the problem.” Lully’s name pays homage to Jean-Baptiste Lully, the first recorded orchestra conductor, symbolizing the company’s goal to orchestrate seamless operations.
Instead of requiring costly hardware deployments, Lully focuses solely on software solutions. “We’re giving manual operations the ability to see drastic improvements in efficiency without deploying hardware,” Mike notes. This approach resonates with operators hesitant to embrace large-scale automation due to risk or cost concerns.
Achieving Warehouse Efficiency Results Without Hardware
Lully’s early customers have seen impressive results, including a 30-35% improvement in picking operations without introducing hardware changes. Despite their existing efficiency, Lully’s software delivered remarkable gains, demonstrating its ability to enhance even well-optimized setups. “With our upcoming shift to direct picking into shipping cartons, we’re expecting another efficiency boost of the same magnitude,” Mike shares. This approach minimizes overtime and streamlines packing processes by ensuring consistent order flow throughout the day. Mike adds, “We have another customer currently onboarding, and for picking alone, we expect around a 4x improvement. It’s massive, especially given their large SKU base.”
By integrating seamlessly with existing systems like WMS, ERP, or OMS, Lully avoids the complexities of hardware-driven change management. The software’s system-agnostic design allows it to adapt to various workflows, enabling rapid implementation. According to Mike, “From first conversation to flipping the switch, the engagement can be as short as a month.”
Expanding Warehouse Efficiency Optimization
Lully’s roadmap includes tackling broader challenges like slotting, retail fulfillment, and pallet task interleaving. Unlike traditional slotting solutions focused solely on minimizing distance, Lully aims to incorporate real-time trip construction into its approach. This ensures optimal efficiency even in highly complex operations.
“We’re positioned to help industries that rely on manual picking operations, whether on order pickers, pallet jacks, or carts,” Mike explains. The platform is particularly beneficial for facilities managing 500 to 10,000 orders daily, offering significant improvements without requiring large-scale changes.
Key Takeaways
- Lully enhances warehouse efficiency through software-driven solutions, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
- Customers have reported up to 35% gains in picking efficiency, with potential for further improvements.
- The platform integrates seamlessly with WMS, ERP, or OMS systems, making implementation straightforward.
- Future plans include innovations in slotting, retail fulfillment, and pallet task interleaving.
