John Lewis seeks standardised automated despatch

The retailer is looking to create efficiencies in its own network by creating a standard method of connecting its automated despatch function with the lorries of any of its partner carriers.

The idea is to drive efficiencies by simplifying the process and eliminating double handling or re-sorting later at a carrier’s hub.

Presenting at the recent Delivery Conference, Dino Rocos, operations director at John Lewis explained: “We want to talk with carriers and understand their requirements and processes, for example, what sorting they do, and eliminating un-necessary steps where possible. We don’t see competitive advantage here, rather it is an opportunity for everyone to boost efficiency.”

The veteran operations director likened the current situation to the international space station, if each nation had to have its own individual dock to connect, which is clearly absurd.

John Lewis is keen to promote efficiencies in the retail supply chain, particularly in the light of the challenging peak of Christmas 2104.

Dino continued: “It would be easy for us to say ‘we won, you lost’ but the reality is if we compromise the service provision of UK Retail, we all lose. We want a sustainable, vibrant retail sector in the future.

“We have invested in the supply chain from an early stage, pioneering automated mechanical handling with a heavy investment that has allowed us to support aggressive growth.”

As well encouraging greater collaboration, John Lewis is powering on with its own investments. The retailer has announced it will open a third DC at Magna Park in Milton Keynes, to support the growth of its Omni-channel business in both shops and online.

John Lewis signed a 25-year lease on the 638,000 sq feet warehouse. The DC will support the retailer’s existing distribution centre (DC) at Magna Park which opened in 2009, and the adjacent Magna Park 2, which will be fully operational in 2016.

The new DC will be responsible for large furniture and electricals and home furnishings, while Magna Park one and two, will be responsible for handling smaller products such as iPads and accessories and hanging garments respectively.