News Release 17 November 2008

Boots acquire new pallet stacking software from AutoLogic Systems

Boots, the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, has acquired the specialist pallet stacking software TOPS LoadStak® Pro from AutoLogic Systems. AutoLogic Systems provides specialist software for all stages of the supply chain including case and package design; container & vehicle load planning; manufacturing and warehouse simulation; and vehicle scheduling and tracking.

The Boots supply chain is currently going through some major changes. As part of a centralisation of the supply of products to their shops, Boots are consolidating stock from eighteen stock points down to one central warehouse. This will give a much greater need for optimum cubic volume utilisation throughout the new facility.

Steve Jordan, Capacity Planning Manager at Boots comments: “Most stock we receive in our central warehouse will be supplied in pre-stacked pallet form, but there is some stock that is imported in containers and cartons. The central operation has always put these cartons onto pallets manually, which may not have resulted in the most effective stacking patterns and pallet stability.”

Boots selected TOPS LoadStak® Pro due to it being easier to use and more intuitive than other similar products available on the market. TOPS LoadStak® Pro is ideal for companies looking to obtain the best fill of a pack of fixed dimensions on a pallet or vehicle/container while improving stability of load and reducing packaging and transport costs.

Steve continues: “The software approach allows a greater control to predefine the best way to stack a pallet. Samples have shown that a 15% reduction in pallet bases can be achieved when using the software as opposed to the human eye. “The use of the software will reduce our need to hold stock outside of our main warehouse facility. The cost of the software is paid back in just a few months.” For more information on AutoLogic Systems visit www.autologic-systems.co.uk or call 01753 64 76 64.

For more information on AutoLogic Systems visit www.autologic-systems.co.uk or call 01844 281380.

Media Contacts

Jo Love, LoveCommunication, +44 (0)7887 775271, jo@lovecommunication.co.uk

About AutoLogic Systems Ltd

Founded in 1993, AutoLogic Systems Ltd provides specialist software for all stages of the supply chain including: optimisation of pallet, case and package design; container & vehicle load planning; manufacturing and warehouse simulation; optimisation of process variables; and vehicle scheduling and tracking.

Our software helps: manufacturers; warehouse management; fleet and transport managers; large retailers; freight and cargo handling companies; systems integrators; materials handling equipment providers and airport baggage systems reduce waste, minimise risk and improve the efficiency of their supply chain.

For more information, please visit www.autologic-systems.co.uk
Phone : +44 (0) 1753 64 76 64 or
email : info@autologic-systems.co.uk