The logistics industry in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is undergoing a transformative shift driven by the rapid adoption of automation and technological innovations. Leading this revolution is DSV, a global supplier of transport and logistics, with its strategic investment in twenty automated fulfilment warehouses worldwide, including significant developments in APAC.

DSV’s Automated Fulfillment Centers: A Game Changer for APAC

DSV’s ambitious project involves equipping fulfillment centers with cutting-edge AutoStore technology, implemented by Element Logic. This initiative is designed to cater to both B2B and B2C sectors across Europe, North America, and APAC, providing companies of all sizes with access to automated, efficient warehousing solutions.

“With DSV Fulfillment warehouse, companies do not need to be multinational to get automated, competitive, and efficient warehousing. We know there is a significant gap in the market for automated warehouse solutions for companies without enormous volumes. This is because these solutions, such as AutoStore, often only are accessible as a single-user solution for companies with a certain scale,” explains Ronald Poort, Executive Vice President at DSV. This investment aims to bridge the gap in the market for automated warehouse solutions, traditionally accessible only to companies with significant volumes. The multi-user facilities, integrated with AutoStore technology, offer flexibility and scalability to meet fluctuating demands.

Driving Efficiency and Flexibility in APAC Logistics

The APAC region, characterised by its diverse and rapidly growing markets, stands to benefit immensely from DSV’s innovative approach. The interconnected automated facilities will enhance flexibility, reduce costs, and bring warehousing closer to end-users. This strategic positioning is crucial for managing the surge in e-commerce demand and ensuring swift distribution.

Håvard Hallås, Chief Commercial Officer in Element Logic, highlights the competitive advantage DSV gains from this collaboration: “Providing integrated solutions and a common technology across countries and continents brings competitive advantages. It is an exciting time for DSV.” The system’s interconnectivity allows for seamless picking, packaging, and delivery processes, automatically selecting the nearest warehouse to the delivery point.

Addressing Labour Shortages with Automation

The rapid rise of e-commerce in APAC has exacerbated labour shortages in the logistics sector. Automated warehouses equipped with goods-to-person systems mitigate this issue by eliminating process waste and optimising the use of skilled workers. Poort emphasises, “These goods-to-person picking systems remove a lot of process waste and enable us to use individuals for jobs they do best – which is not walking about.”

During peak seasons, the value of scalable automation becomes evident. Unlike manual warehouses, where scaling up can be challenging, automated systems ensure consistency and quality even during high-demand periods.

Future Prospects for APAC

DSV’s automated warehouses are already operational in various European locations, with plans to expand further in Europe, North America, and the APAC region. This expansion underscores the growing importance of automation in addressing the logistical challenges faced by the rapidly evolving APAC markets.

The integration of advanced technologies like AutoStore in DSV’s fulfilment centres marks a significant milestone in the logistics industry. For APAC, this means enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to meet the demands of a dynamic market landscape. As automation continues to reshape logistics, the APAC region is poised to lead the way in adopting and benefiting from these technological advancements.