The Next Platform for growth: NEXT expands its online ‘Next Platform’ fulfilment capability with KNAPP’s Innovative Systems Solution

The multichannel retailer NEXT plc has commissioned KNAPP to automate its new e-commerce warehouse in the UK. The new online distribution centre will combine a shuttle system with advanced pocket sorter technology, providing rapid lead times and maximum flexibility.

The warehouse is currently under construction and scheduled to begin operation in approximately two years’ time. The solution’s efficiency and the KNAPP group’s proven technology and project experience were determining factors in the decision for KNAPP.

The NEXT Platform is a powerful aggregation business selling hundreds of third-party clothing and home brands alongside NEXT merchandise. The scale of NEXT’s Online business, supported by NEXT’s UK store network and strong relationships with partner brands, enables NEXT to offer a broad product range to satisfy consumer demand for choice.

AutoPocket: next-stage pocket sorter solution

The impressive performance of this system is achieved by combining shuttle technology, goods to person picking and the Dürkopp AutoPocket technology. The solution is specially designed to simplify complexity in a high throughput warehouse and to reduce the processing time for customer orders. AutoPocket can automatically and precisely drop goods off anywhere in the warehouse, without slowing down or stopping. Pack stations are ergonomic and space saving at the same time. “Thanks to AutoPocket, our new generation pocket sorter system, we can minimise order lead time substantially. I am very pleased that the KNAPP group’s innovative solution is a significant element in Next’s future development” emphasises Sigurd Völker, Managing Director of Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH.

KNAPP is the right partner for fashion logistics

State-of-the-art technology for the automatic provision of hanging and flat-packed goods combined with industry expertise is what makes the KNAPP group the leading logistics partner for fashion companies. Dürkopp’s pocket system solution efficiently integrates diverse systems such as the OSR Shuttle Evo, the returns buffer and manual processes in the warehouse. Sabrina Pretzler, Team Leader of Systems Engineering Fashion Solutions at KNAPP AG adds: “We are delighted that NEXT has chosen our pioneering solution and has given us the trust to implement the next stage within the NEXT distribution network. As a system supplier, we are their first point of contact in all phases of the project from design to commissioning and implementation of the entire system, which we believe is an advantage for NEXT.”

About KNAPP

KNAPP is a leading technological company and provides intelligent solutions for distribution and production. Having the corporate overhead conveyor expertise with Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH in Bielefeld, the KNAPP group’s customers include renowned fashion brands such as Hugo Boss, Olymp, Zalando, Parfum Christian Dior, Esprit and Marc Cain. More than 60 pocket system solutions have been sold worldwide.