{"id":2284,"date":"2025-01-06T13:21:39","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T13:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elementlogic.net\/uk\/?post_type=case&p=2284"},"modified":"2025-01-06T14:07:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T14:07:16","slug":"direct-soccer-doubles-autostore-capacity-with-element-logic","status":"publish","type":"case","link":"https:\/\/www.elementlogic.net\/uk\/cases\/direct-soccer-doubles-autostore-capacity-with-element-logic\/","title":{"rendered":"Direct Soccer doubles AutoStore\u2122 capacity – boosting efficiency and fuelling growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t
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Direct Soccer doubles AutoStore\u2122 capacity – boosting efficiency and fuelling growth<\/h1>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

Direct Soccer, a specialist in customised football kits serving grassroots teams across the UK, has taken its operational efficiency to the next level by doubling the capacity of its AutoStore\u2122 system. In December 2022, just two years after the initial system was installed, the company expanded from 8,000 to over 16,000 bins, along with adding more robots and workspace to seamlessly meet rising demand.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

This expansion has not only optimised workflows but also improved the company\u2019s ability to handle seasonal spikes, reduce costs, and significantly enhance customer service.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Doubling our capacity has allowed us to improve storage, speed order fulfilments, and scale during busy periods, all while maintaining top-quality service,” explained Bryce Gibson, co-owner of Direct Soccer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scaling up: Increasing storage and speed<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since the initial AutoStore\u2122 launch in December 2020, Direct Soccer has seen dramatic improvements in warehouse operations. The addition of 8357 more bins, five extra robots, and two new carousel ports has made the retrieval of stock faster and reduced manual handling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the expansion, we\u2019ve eliminated the need for overflow storage and simplified our restocking processes,\u201d said Bryce. \u201cWe now have more flexibility in handling daily orders and weekend surges without causing bottlenecks.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extra robots and ports have increased the system\u2019s bin presentation rate – the speed at which items are retrieved – giving Direct Soccer the ability to manage both regular and high-volume periods smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Operational and financial savings<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The AutoStore\u2122 expansion hasn\u2019t just made Direct Soccer faster, it\u2019s made the business more cost-efficient. By optimising its processes, the company has reduced headcount by three full-time positions, recouping significant annual savings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, expanding the AutoStore\u2122 system<\/a> has freed up 210 square metres of operational space. This has helped reduce heating and lighting costs, lowering overheads and increasing energy efficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe results are clear. We have not only doubled our storage capacity but also more than doubled our output,\u201d Bryce said. Before the expansion, Direct Soccer dispatched 40 orders per hour; this number has now surged to 99 orders per hour, allowing them to meet growing customer demand with ease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seamless expansion with zero downtime<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A key highlight of Direct Soccer\u2019s system upgrade was the seamless way it was implemented without any slowdown or interruption to daily operations. Direct Soccer and Element Logic planned the project meticulously to avoid disruption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Element Logic team ensured the expansion was broken down into manageable stages, keeping everything on schedule and under control. When it came time to integrate the extension, we did it over a single weekend with zero downtime,\u201d explained Joyce Gibson, co-owner of Direct Soccer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This smooth transition ensured that the company could keep fulfilling orders without delays, maintaining its excellent customer service during the critical holiday season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving grassroots sports<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Direct Soccer, automation is more than just about operational improvements –  it\u2019s about better serving grassroots football clubs and schools that rely on them for custom kits. By speeding up order deliveries and reducing errors, the company has streamlined the process for volunteer-led teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVolunteer clubs have tight schedules, so fast and reliable deliveries are crucial. With the upgraded system, we get kits out quicker, allowing these teams to focus more on the game,\u201d Joyce said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The enhanced AutoStore\u2122 system helps Direct Soccer simplify the complex logistics of making fully customised kits for grassroots sports teams, reducing the burden on both the company and its customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ongoing support from Element Logic<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Element Logic\u2019s partnership with Direct Soccer didn\u2019t end with the installation. The team provides continued support, ensuring the AutoStore\u2122 system is maintained proactively. Regular system performance reviews and ongoing support have allowed Direct Soccer to operate at peak efficiency, even during periods of growth. Element Logic works flexibly around Direct Soccer\u2019s schedule to avoid any disruption, further reinforcing seamless operations. This expertise also ensures the AutoStore\u2122 system is prepared for future scalability, allowing the solution to evolve as the company continues to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looking to the future<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The success of the AutoStore\u2122 expansion has inspired Direct Soccer to explore further automation opportunities. The business has implemented automating bagging machines in its dispatch area and investigating robotic-assisted production to increase efficiency in other parts of the business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are constantly looking to improve,\u201d Bryce said. \u201cThe AutoStore\u2122 system has transformed our workflow. It allows us to scale quickly while maintaining speed and accuracy, helping us stay ahead of the competition.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For businesses considering warehouse automation solutions<\/a>, Bryce and Joyce Gibson have simple advice: \u201cGo for it. Automation allows you to grow faster than you expect, and the return on investment will surprise you.”\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The investment in warehouse automation has transformed Direct Soccer\u2019s efficiency, enabling them to meet increasing demand while retaining their reputation for speed and reliability.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, automation will continue playing a vital role in supporting the company\u2019s growth strategy as it serves football teams across the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AutoStore\u2122 at Direct Soccer: Key stats<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Initial installation: December 2020 <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Extension completed: December 2022 <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Bin capacity: Expanded from\u202f8,000 bins\u202fto\u202f16,357 bins <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Robots added: 5 robots (bringing the total to 12 robots) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Order dispatch rate: Increased from\u202f40 per hour\u202fto\u202f99 per hour <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Labour savings: Reduced headcount by an additional 3 full-time staff <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Total financial savings: \u00a3470,000 saved over two years on floorspace, manpower, and energy <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Operational footprint: AutoStore\u2122 uses less than a quarter of the available floorspace, optimising both storage efficiency and operational costs <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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