We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
Home » ProMatDX 2021: Plumbing and HVAC distributor unlocks e-commerce potential

ProMatDX 2021: Plumbing and HVAC distributor unlocks e-commerce potential

Ferguson uses smart lockers from Apex Supply Chain Solutions for self-serve “contactless” pickup of online orders.

April 12, 2021
DC Velocity Staff
No Comments

[Photo caption: Plumbing and HVAC wholesale distributor Ferguson is using these “smart” cages to allow customers to pick up online orders at its distribution facilities on a self-service basis. Instead of going to a will call counter, customers are given a QR code, which they can use to unlock the cage and pick up their products at any time that is convenient for them.]

Like many companies, Ferguson, a wholesale distributor of plumbing and heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) supplies, is seeing an increase in omnichannel retailing, as its customers place orders not only through traditional methods such as in person and over the phone but also online through its website or mobile app.

One way that Ferguson has been handling pickup of online orders sales is by applying a solution that it originally used with its distribution center associates for checking out mobile devices: smart lockers.

Ferguson detailed this new approach during an educational session today at the ProMat DX2021 digital tradeshow. Inside their distribution facilities, Ferguson uses smart lockers from Apex Supply Chain Technologies for storing mobile devices, such as RF scanners and hip printers, according to Chris Everett, director of supply chain strategy. Before each shift, associates enter their own personal code to check out the devices that they need for the day. They then check the devices back into the lockers at the end of their shift.

Working with Apex, Ferguson modified this locker solution to be used for customers picking up orders. Because Ferguson’s products can vary in size from a piece of copper piping to a water heater, the lockers were replaced with a bigger cage setup. When customer make an order, they receive a QR code that they can then use to open up the cage. The self-service cages have made the pickup process more efficient and allow customers to pick up products outside of Ferguson’s normal operating hours.

The presentation can be accessed again on demand after April 19 for registered ProMat DX attendees. Interested participants can still register for show here.

(Apex Supply Chain Solutions, apexsupplychain.com)

Material Handling
  • Related Articles

    Smart lockers help plumbing and HVAC distributor unlock e-commerce potential

    ProMatDX 2021: What to consider when redesigning your DC for e-commerce fulfillment

    ProMatDX 2021: Optimizing store and warehouse operations for e-commerce

Recent Articles by DC Velocity Staff

Logistics gives back: February 2023

Intermodal sector weathered a “challenging” year in 2022, IANA says

Nocturnal robots stock store shelves

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Schneider welcomes first battery-electric truck

  • Fred Smith is not worried about Amazon

  • RJW LOGISTICS GROUP EXPANDS RETAIL LOGISTICS OPERATION TO DALLAS

  • Maersk deploys indoor drones for warehouse inventory counts

  • Outlook 2023: What’s in store for logistics/supply chain?

Now Playing on DCV-TV

5afe63a5 7125 4318 b851 1e5738df1c91

Patterson Fan Co. | HVLS V-Series Ceiling Fan | Staging Area Air Movement

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
The Patterson V-Series is a high-volume, low-speed industrial ceiling fan that is designed to circulate a lot of air at a very low speed. These fans, ranging in diameters of 8’ all the way to 24’, are perfect for large, open spaces such as staging and shipping areas. One 24’ fan can generate a cooling effect of 6 –...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • The five best applications for robotic lift trucks in warehouse environments

  • Fulfillment Facility Improved Efficiencies by 4x

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • Reusable Packaging for the New Wave of Supply Chain Automation

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing