Swisslog ASRS and SynQ software enhance transparency and delivery of quality products in new Walmart milk processing facility

Swisslog, a leading provider of best-in-class intralogistics warehouse automation and software, has announced that Walmart will install a Swisslog automation solution within its Valdosta, GA, facility to enable seamless material flow and increase uptime. Walmart is planning to break ground on the milk processing facility later this year and the project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

According to Walmart, the automated storage and retrieval solution (ASRS) will bolster the company's capacity to meet consumer demand for milk. It continues the company's commitment to building a more resilient and transparent supply chain to deliver high-quality products. This is Walmart's second milk processing facility. The company worked with Swisslog to open its first milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, IN, in 2018.

Designed by Swisslog's automation experts, the ASRS brings together five Vectura pallet stacker cranes with KUKA palletizing and de-palletizing robots, a ProMove pallet conveyor system, as well as a conveyor system for small loads. The automation solution operates on synchronized intelligence from Swisslog's SynQ software, which provides warehouse management, material flow and automation control system functionality in a single, modular platform.

"We are excited to partner with Walmart once again to open its second milk processing facility. From the initial discussion through design completion, it has been a very hands-on, collaborative and proactive approach," said Sean Wallingford, president, and CEO of Swisslog Americas. "Our automation experts worked closely with Walmart's group to incorporate lessons learned and best practices from the first processing facility, as well as improvement concepts designed to enable Walmart and its farmers to bring fresh, transparently sourced dairy to market."

The project also includes Swisslog's IT Managed Services, which puts in place experts to proactively manage the IT systems and software required to keep the equipment running at peak performance. The higher-level 24/7 support allows Walmart to free up internal resources from routine IT system administration, while also enabling data-driven proactive maintenance that helps reduce unplanned downtime.

SynQ management software not only optimizes the flow of the equipment to increase efficiency and accuracy of the operation, it also orchestrates the operation of multiple sub-systems. It equips warehouse automation and IT systems with synchronized intelligence of people, processes and machines to boost the efficiency and productivity of warehouse processes and adapt to changing market requirements. SynQ provides sophisticated inventory management and material flow capabilities that enable real-time inventory tracking and management of items to ensure freshness, quality and transparency of the food supply chain.