I have great admiration and respect for the individuals that have designed and engineered the leading automated micro-fulfillment center (MFC) systems on the market. There are two types of systems: shuttle-based and cube-based. For the purpose of this post I’m focusing on cube-based systems. The leaders in cube-based MFCs are:
AutoStore™
Alert Innovation
Attabotics Inc.
I am on the record as supporting and recommending cube-based systems for companies interested in MFCs.
Attabotics is suing Canadian Tire Corporation for damages, claiming a fire at the retail chain’s Toronto-area distribution centre was caused by “wrongful conduct.” Canadian Tire isn’t commenting on the matter as the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
My name has come up in discussions from multiple parties either directly involved in the matter or from companies and institutions interested in the outcome. I have written profusely about micro-fulfillment centers and I’m considered to be somewhat of an expert on the topic. I’ve been asked to voice my opinion. Here it is:
1. Cube-based systems are incredibly complex from a software and mechanical point of view. However, the leaders in the industry have mastered the complexity and have turned it into a competitive advantage.
2. Cube-based systems, due to their design, pose challenges in the event of a fire. This is why additional fire suppression systems are required in warehouses that install a cube-based MFC.
3. Fires can happen at anytime regardless of the type of MFC that is installed. One of the leading MFC and automation experts told me, “I’ve worked around warehouses and automation technology for 30 years. Fires happen. That’s why it’s so important to have the right fire suppression and work processes in place.”
Specific to Attabotics, many people have made this comment to me, “It’s never a good idea to sue your customers.” In defense of Attabotics, I understand their motivation for filing the lawsuit. However, until an official cause of the fire is released, a lawsuit may be premature.
My name has also come up among members of the press as I have spoken in the past about a fact that will undoubtedly be raised as a result of Canadian Tire’s intention of fighting the lawsuit – Attabotics installed a system at Nordstrom two-years ago that experienced a fire. The fire was extinguished, the system was repaired, and Nordstrom continued with the project. In the end, however, Attabotics and Nordstrom parted ways.
According to individuals familiar with Attabotics and the other cube-based systems on the market, the Attabotics system does not pose an increased risk for fires. Attabotics may have to prove this in court now that the lawsuit has been filed.
I remain a supporter of cube-based systems.
As for Attabotics and Canadian Tire, we have to wait for the facts. I wish both companies the best.
