Ohio-based ODW Logistics has adopted Zebra’s Symmetry fulfilment technology to optimise its ecommerce operations.

With this implementation, ODW anticipates a 42% improvement in pick rates, enhancing its ability to scale while maintaining cost efficiency.

ODW selected Zebra to enhance efficiency and flexibility across its fulfilment operations. The technology’s use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), decoupled bakers’ rack carts and directed workflows enable ODW to transition from a pick-to-tote to a pick-to-shipper model. This shift increases units picked per hour, lowers costs per unit, reduces parcel spend and improves throughput.

By leveraging Zebra’s intelligent automation, ODW can achieve seamless cart accumulation at induction and drop-off points, keeping AMRs active in the pick area. This approach allows buffering with inexpensive carts to optimise robot and labour use, ensuring consistent productivity and eliminating downtime.

“The decoupling of AMRs from carts is a game-changer for our operations,” said Adam Schlaudecker, director of engineering at ODW Logistics (www.odwlogistics.com). “It enables us to reduce the number of robots required by up to 30% compared with payload integration while also increasing pick density and cutting shipping costs. This unique design allows us to maximise the benefit of the pick-to-shipper transition, while reducing our total costs dramatically.”

This approach (www.zebra.com/us/en/products/autonomous-mobile-robots/order-fulfillment-solutions.html) includes the use of baker’s racks to expand cubic capacity and the pairing of multiple carts with pickers to streamline workflows. The transition to a cartonisation-focused, pick-to-shipper model further reduces corrugated and filler material use.

“ODW Logistics’ adoption of Zebra Symmetry fulfilment exemplifies how intelligent automation can transform ecommerce operations,” said Matt Wicks, vice president at Zebra Technologies. “We empower businesses to optimise the fulfilment workflow, achieve greater asset usability and visibility while ensuring connected collaboration between workers and robots.”

The implementation aligns with trends highlighted in Zebra’s Warehouse Vision Study (www.zebra.com/content/dam/zebra_dam/en/reports/vision-study/warehouse-report-vision-study-convergence-en-us.pdf), which reveals that 73% of warehouse decision-makers globally are expediting modernisation projects. As ODW prepares to open its new facility in 2026, this trial phase should provide insights to refine and scale its automated operations.

Illinois-based Zebra (www.zebra.com) provides the foundation for intelligent operations with a portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation technology. Organisations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare and other industries use the firm’s technologies.