AutoStore Deployment for PPE Logistics in Australia

Kardex and PIP Global Safety have entered a cooperation to deploy an AutoStore-based automated storage and retrieval system in Sydney, targeting improved order fulfilment efficiency and scalable logistics operations in the personal protective equipment (PPE) sector.

Context of the Cooperation
PIP Global Safety operates across more than 30 countries, supplying PPE to industrial and commercial markets. The company manages high SKU diversity and fragmented order profiles, which increase complexity in manual picking and inventory control. These operational conditions require more consistent throughput and higher storage density.

Kardex contributes expertise in automated intralogistics and acts as a system integrator for AutoStore solutions. The cooperation addresses the need for scalable industrial automation capable of supporting distribution growth while maintaining process stability. The Sydney installation represents the first phase of a broader rollout strategy.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The solution is based on an AutoStore grid system designed for compact storage and automated goods-to-person picking. The installation will provide approximately 56,000 bin locations served by 19 robots operating on a modular aluminium grid. Five workstation ports will be used for picking and replenishment tasks.

Kardex is responsible for system integration, including the implementation of its Warehouse Execution System (WES), which coordinates robot traffic, order prioritisation, and task allocation. The system enables real-time inventory control and optimised order sequencing.

In addition, the Kardex Intelligent Picking Assistant (IPA) supports operators at workstations by providing guided picking instructions, contributing to reduced error rates and more consistent processing times.

Deployment and Integration
The system will be deployed at PIP Global Safety’s Sydney facility and integrated with existing warehouse and order management processes. The modular design of the AutoStore system allows incremental expansion without major structural changes, supporting phased capacity increases.

Kardex provides engineering, commissioning, and system integration services to ensure alignment between automated storage operations and inbound and outbound logistics flows.

Applications and Use Cases
The installation supports PPE distribution scenarios requiring efficient handling of small parts, high picking frequency, and accurate order assembly. Typical use cases include piece picking for customer orders, replenishment of fast-moving items, and consolidation of multi-line shipments.

Results and Expected Impact
The system is expected to increase storage density and reduce operator travel time by shifting picking activities to goods-to-person workstations. This contributes to more predictable throughput and improved operational consistency.

The standardised system architecture also enables replication at additional sites, allowing PIP Global Safety to scale its logistics network while maintaining uniform performance and simplified maintenance.

Edited by an industrial journalist Sucithra Mani with AI assistance.

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