Yusen Logistics Singapore Pte Ltd marked two significant milestones on 20 September 2017 in Tuas – a groundbreaking ceremony for its first future-ready warehouse and the commissioning of Swisslog Autostore, an automated ultra-high-density storage and robotic order-picking technology.
Breaking ground to superstruct a new warehouse on existing site and launching the Swisslog Autostore that is newly installed within its current Tuas warehouse, Yusen Logistics is advancing existing operation productivity by:
- Optimising storage volume for a 1,260 square metre floor area, in existing building, from
- 2,000 cubic metres to 3,500 cubic metres;
- Increasing throughput for receiving, sorting and put-away by 18 times;
- Upskilling 60 per cent of manual labour by transforming manual tasks to digital skills;
- Increasing high volume and high mix order fulfilment rate by 200 per cent; and
- Creating new data analytical jobs – Executives analysing data from various digital systems to uncover new patterns for operational improvements and to improve customers’ supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
Ready by Q1 2019, the new three-storey ramp-up warehouse is designed and built by Boustead Projects and offers seamless process integration with the existing building. Advanced robotic, radio-frequency identification (RFID), vision recognition system and autonomous technology will be installed and integrated with Swisslog Autostore, to transform the conventional warehouse operation to smart data driven logistics operation.
The new warehouse comprises 20,000 square metres of storage area, with 36 loading bays and an 8,000 square meter rooftop parking area for up to 100 trailers.
“We are always applying insight, service quality and innovation to be the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. This new warehouse in a strategic location is equipped with the most advanced technology. We will create sustainable growth for Singapore by providing high quality supply chain logistics service that will meet our customers’ needs,” said Kenji Mizushima.
“Data driven operation provides the infrastructure for process customisation. The capabilities to provide customisable work processes mean Yusen Logistics can tailor specific services for the various industry verticals. This is a unique capability. Singapore is a global transportation hub with extensive trade links and market connectivity. Storage space with tailored quality, reliable and consistent value-added services provide competitive advantages to our customers who use Singapore as a regional distribution centre,” said Francis Kwa, head of contract logistics and information system, Yusen Logistics Singapore Pte Ltd.
Yusen Logistics’ vision of connecting people, businesses and communities to a better future, through logistics, focuses on providing customers with the Japanese Kaizen Culture of continuous improvement of work processes and efficiency. Embracing Smart Technology is a logical step from the Kaizen Culture.
“We are transforming ourselves to get closer to our customers and helping them with challenges that they are facing. With a vision to create sustainable growth for society, Yusen Logistics works towards driving productivity, space and operational efficiency by re-skilling our employees through partnership with educational institutions to be ready for the future and be equipped with the skills for automation. We strive to create better connections where we convert insights into actions to optimise their supply chain in the most effective and efficient way,” said Ng Kim Hung.
Lee Eng Keat shared his optimism for the growth potential of the logistics sector: “Singapore’s logistics industry has consistently been ranked among the world’s best, reinforcing our position as a global leading logistics hub. EDB is excited to support the ambition of companies like Yusen Logistics, to catalyse enterprise-level transformation and improve productivity through innovation and greater adoption of automation. This will also translate into new professional roles and career pathways for Singaporeans, as well as the upskilling of rank-and-file jobs, building the necessary talent competencies to further the strengths and capabilities of the industry.”