Automated Distribution and Logistics Facilities

The ADMC plans to provide a flexible facility for businesses to explore, innovate, create, and reduce the risk of implementing an automated distribution and logistics project to address your improvement needs. This reflects the growth in this type of activity in the UK along with the need to improve productivity within this area or work. The ADMC is believed to be the first independent innovation centre in this field in the UK.

A range of equipment will be available to undertake this work. Some of this will be made available from equipment suppliers and systems integrators, including those partners and members showcasing their systems in the centre. Alternatively, the ADMC will also purchase automated distribution and logistics equipment to complement its offer to businesses and allow the simulation of methodologies and proving of technology solutions.

Please contact the ADMC team should you wish to get involved in this facilities and equipment selection process via andy.dean@ashfield.gov.uk

Typical of the work the ADMC will undertake with business members are:

• Providing opportunities for businesses to review the benefits offered by automation in their field, including observing demonstrations based on the facilities and equipment housed within the Centre.
• Simulating, testing and validating distribution and logistics automation solutions either on the equipment available in the Centre or by building a bespoke system within it. The latter allows for the development and proofing of new or amended processes without disrupting the existing distribution and logistics facilities of member companies
• Providing access to and involvement with distribution and logistics research and development being undertaken in the Centre by its staff, its partner Nottingham Trent University, and other research and technology development organisations.
• Providing pathways to sources of distribution and logistics automation funding to undertake development projects within the Centre, working with the likes of Innovate UK, the UK lead for innovation nationally (https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/).
• Allowing colleagues to generate the skills and expertise to install, operate and maintain the automated distribution and logistics facility away from their existing workplace.

There may be opportunities to undertake some of this work on your premises whilst the ADMC is being built. If you have a distribution and logistics automation opportunity to discuss, please contact the ADMC to arrange a review visit via andy.dean@ashfield.gov.uk