Brother Improves Warehouse Efficiency with Locus Robotics

LocusBots improve efficiency and accuracy for industrial warehouse associates

“The bots have really helped our productivity and throughput,” said Libby Wilson, Operations Manager of National Distribution Operations at Brother. The efficiency and accuracy of the LocusBots allows Brother to deliver products at a faster pace. Before bringing on Locus, Brother was picking at 30 UPH. After the implementation, Brother has increased productivity and is now picking at 100 UPH.

Because of the bots’ ease of use, associates can be trained in one day, becoming immediately efficient. The bots have cut down walk time for associates, reducing employee fatigue and increasing employee morale. “The bot does the hard work and the traveling for the associate, so they are not as tired from a long day of pushing and dragging products,” said Mark White, Senior Supervisor of the Saddle Creek Logistics Parts Department.

Locus’s item verification ability was another deciding factor for the Brother team. Visibility of the product on the bot’s screen to confirm the product increases its pick accuracy. 

Brother is using Locus’ Dashboard features that identify high-volume pick areas and provide visibility into associates’ individual productivity. 

Combined with live WMS dashboards, management can track employee performance and make data-driven, real-time business decisions. “The Dashboards measure productivity in units per hour for each user and the robot so we can see at a quick glance if anyone is underperforming or if there are stellar performers that need to be rewarded,” said Andy Nichols, Operations Manager at Saddle Creek Logistics. 

Brother plans to expand Locus into other warehouse facilities, including the Brother Gearmotors assembly sector.