Online grocery retail, also known as e-grocery, is growing steadily, and packaging plays a decisive role. It influences not only handling efficiency, but also customer satisfaction and carbon footprints. This study therefore saw experts turn their attention to the future of e-grocery packaging. They focused on the question of whether packaging that was designed for brick-and-mortar retail is suitable for online retail as well. In addition to analyzing general data, the project team interviewed retail companies and conducted intensive tests with the TGW picking robot RovoFlex. The study was co-financed by the state of Upper Austria as part of the Logistikum.RETAIL network of excellence.
MODERN GRIPPING TECHNOLOGY AND MACHINE LEARNING
"Although many different types of packaging were tested, RovoFlex's picking performance remained impressive. However, the prerequisite for such performance is that modern gripping technology and machine learning be implemented," emphasizes Michael Schedlbauer, Vice President of Business Development Grocery at TGW Logistics.
The main conclusion of the study of packaging for online orders was that in automated handling, problems arise from irregular shapes and sizes of packaging as well as from easily damageable materials. Lids also presented challenges during the first phase of testing, but now nearly all packaging can be handled successfully. Successful automated handling of items depends greatly on the following factors:
• Standardization: Consistent packaging sizes and shapes facilitate the automation of processes.
• Choice of material: Robust materials that offer protection and also simplify handling.
• Design: An optimized design for machine handling, simple closing mechanisms and clear gripping points.
AUTOMATION AS A DRIVER OF EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT
Analysis of the interviews with retail companies shows: the interviewees considered damage to goods to be a negligible problem. If damages occur, then usually due to mishandling of the products during the last mile. Customers most often complain of shattered glass bottles and torn thin plastic packaging such as tubs of yogurt.
Generally speaking, companies have a very positive attitude toward automation of the picking process because it increases efficiency and offers an answer to the severe labor shortage. If robots are going to be used for picking, the main prerequisite is that they be able to grip a wide variety of products. Those who specialize solely in online retail often balk at the cost of such projects, however.
Michael Schedlbauer insists: "Picking robots not only improve constantly and in a short time thanks to machine learning, in the future they could also be employed for such tasks as restocking shelves overnight, for example. There are special configurations for that."
Based on their analyses, those responsible for the research project expect automation to play a larger role in the packing and dispatch process in the future than it does today. The principal drivers will be the labor shortage and efficiency enhancements. Robots and humans will work together: robots will handle the physically demanding, repetitive standard processes. Humans will take care of special tasks, corrections and monitoring.
SUCCESS FACTOR IN THE E-FOOD INDUSTRY
According to the study, grocery producers and retailers still do not have a strong interest in the subject even as online grocery orders are increasing, especially in urban centers. "Anyone who wants to succeed with e-food will not be able to avoid the subject of automation in the future" stresses Schedlbauer.
The automation of packing processes offers numerous advantages:
• Speed: Automated systems can have groceries packed and ready to ship faster, thus shortening the delivery time.
• Error reduction: Human error is kept to a minimum, customer satisfaction improves and the number of returned items drops.
• Increased efficiency: In the long run, automated systems reduce operating costs because they can remain active around the clock and without breaks.
