Danish 3PL Automation Deployment Marks 600th for AutoStore

To meet its goals of e-commerce competitiveness, efficient client support, and environmental sustainability, DSV Panalpina A/S yesterday said it plans to expand its deployment of robotics from AutoStore Technologies A/S and software from Element Logic. The Danish third-party logistics provider's (3PL) multi-site rollout represents the 600th implementation of AutoStore's technology.

"Our latest partnership with DSV is a positive milestone for AutoStore, representing a crucial part of our growth journey," stated Karl Johan Lier, president and CEO of AutoStore. "They are an excellent partner for us to have on board, as both companies hold the same values of efficiency, innovation, and environmental impact, making our positioning in the market a unified one.”

DSV's decision to expand its use of the systems to sites in nine countries followed a successful implementation at its distribution center in Vestby, Norway.

Partners expand international presence

Nedre Vats, Norway-based AutoStore was founded in 1996 and has provided automation for warehouses in 30 countries. Viken, Norway-based Element Logic is a longtime AutoStore partner. It installed AutoStore's first automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) in 2005.

The partners said their hardware and software will help provide DSV's customers a competitive advantage in a growing global market.

“With a proven technological solution, combined decades of experience between ourselves and AutoStore, and the integration of our eManager software, DSV will benefit from a significant competitive advantage when serving both existing and new customers,” said Håvard Hallås, chief commercial officer at Element Logic.

“Providing integrated solutions and a common technology across countries and continents brings competitive advantages," he added. "It is an exciting time for DSV.”

“This is a logical next step, considering the growth of our e-commerce operations," said Brian Ejsing, CEO of DSV's Solutions division. "This partnership enables us to scale our B2C [business-to-consumer] fulfillment network much faster.”

AutoStore continues growth

The continuing growth of e-commerce demand has encouraged 3PLs and others to invest in automation. Last month, SoftBank invested NOK 25 billion ($2.8 billion U.S.) in AutoStore, increasing the company's valuation to NOK 65 billion ($7.7 billion).

“The demand for automated solutions in the retail trade and an increasing uptake of e-commerce by consumers means that the market for automated warehousing solutions is strong,” said Lier. "In addition to the fact that AutoStore represents a unique and efficient technology, it is actually players such as DSV that are the main argument for AutoStore and Element Logic’s eManager software. Our technology is flexible and scalable. Companies using our solution do not need to predict demand but can scale up when the need arises.”