Amazon Fulfillment Center Video Tour

Summary

The video tour takes viewers through Amazon's BHX1 fulfillment center in Rugeley, UK, showcasing the process of receiving, stowing, and shipping items. Guided by Paul, Sarah, Toni, and Marta, the tour highlights the integration of people, technology, and algorithms in Amazon's operations. It features traditional stowing methods, advanced robotics in LTN4, and the efficiency of the packing and shipping process. The tour ends with the SLAM system and shipping area, where parcels are sorted for delivery, giving a glimpse into Amazon's commitment to safe and efficient delivery.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The tour takes place at Amazon's fulfillment center in Rugeley, referred to as BHX1, named after the nearest international airport, Birmingham.
• 🏭 The facility is vast, spanning 750,000 square feet, equivalent to the size of 10 football pitches.
• 🤖 Amazon utilizes a combination of human labor, technology, and advanced computer algorithms to manage the fulfillment process.
• 📦 The script highlights Amazon's Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) service, which is used by over half of the small and medium-sized businesses selling on Amazon.
• 🛠️ The process begins with receiving items, scanning barcodes, and placing them into totes, which are then distributed throughout the center.
• 🔍 Damage checks and barcode scanning are part of the stowing process, ensuring items are correctly placed on shelves for easy retrieval.
• 🤖 The script introduces Amazon Robotics fulfillment centers, where robots assist with moving and stowing items on shelves.
• 📈 Amazon's random stow method spreads popular items across all levels, optimizing space and retrieval times.
• 📦 Outbound operations start once an online order is placed, with robots and systems working in tandem to locate and prepare the ordered items.
• 📦 Larger items like kayaks and TVs are stored in non-sortable fulfillment centers due to their size.
• 📦 Packing involves using the correct box size, minimizing waste with precisely cut tape, and ensuring items are correctly labeled and prepared for shipping.
• 🚚 The final stage includes sorting parcels into large and small boxes, applying labels, and preparing them for dispatch to various distribution centers via trucks.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'SAT2' in the script?

SAT2 is the name of an Amazon Fulfillment Center, which is located in Lauwin-Planque, France. Amazon buildings are often named after the nearest international airport, and in this case, it is named after the airport code for the nearest airport.

How is the size of the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Rugeley described in the script?

The size of the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Rugeley is described as 750,000 square feet, which is also compared to the size of 10 football pitches for easier understanding.

What does the acronym 'FC' stand for in the context of the script?

In the script, 'FC' stands for 'Fulfillment Center,' which is a term used to refer to Amazon's distribution centers where products are stored, picked, packed, and shipped to customers.

How does Amazon assist small and medium-sized businesses in the fulfillment process as mentioned in the script?

Amazon assists small and medium-sized businesses by offering 'Fulfilled by Amazon' services, where Amazon takes care of picking, packing, shipping, and even customer service for the items sold by these businesses on their website.

What is the process for receiving and stowing items in an Amazon Fulfillment Center according to the script?

The process begins with scanning the barcode of the items as they arrive on a conveyor belt. The items are then placed into a black tote and distributed throughout the FC to the Stowing area, where they are checked for damages, scanned again, and placed onto shelves with their location barcode scanned for tracking purposes.

What is the role of robotics in Amazon's fulfillment centers as described in the script?

Robotics play a significant role in Amazon's fulfillment centers by moving shelves to working stations, allowing associates to either fill up pods with products or pick orders. The robots also assist in the random stow method, where popular items are spread across all levels, and in the palletizing process, where heavy totes are moved quickly and safely.

How does the random stow method benefit the Amazon Fulfillment Center's operations?

The random stow method ensures that popular items are spread across all levels of the shelving units, which helps in efficient picking and packing processes by reducing the time and distance that associates need to travel within the fulfillment center.

What is the function of the 'palletizer' mentioned in the script?

The 'palletizer' is a robotic arm that helps in moving heavy totes around quickly and safely within the fulfillment center, streamlining the process of preparing items for shipping.

How does the Amazon system respond to a customer's order as described in the script?

Once a customer places an order on the Amazon website, the system receives the item information and informs the robots of the item's location. The robots then pick up the pod containing the item and bring it to the working station for the associate to pick and pack the item into the correct container.

What happens to the items after they are packed in the Amazon Fulfillment Center?

After items are packed, they are sent to the SLAM area, where they are scanned, labeled, and manifested. The parcels are then sorted into large and small boxes and sent to the shipping area, where they are sorted for distribution to the appropriate trucks or ATS carts for delivery.

What is the purpose of the multi-pack area in the Amazon Fulfillment Center?

The multi-pack area is where items are packed into totes by associates. This area handles the packing of items that are ordered by multiple customers, ensuring that all items fit into the appropriate containers for shipping.

Outlines

00:00

📦 Welcome to Amazon's Fulfillment Center Tour

The video script introduces viewers to an Amazon Fulfillment Center (FC) tour, which is a virtual experience due to COVID-19 restrictions. The tour is led by Paul in Rugeley, UK, at a facility named BHX1 after the nearest international airport, Birmingham. The facility spans 750,000 square feet, equivalent to 10 football pitches. The script explains the process of receiving, scanning, and stowing items using a combination of people, technology, and computer algorithms. It highlights the Fulfilled by Amazon service, which supports small and medium-sized businesses by handling inventory, order fulfillment, and customer service. The tour showcases the use of conveyor belts, totes, and scanning technology to track items within the FC. It also introduces Sarah, who demonstrates the packing process, and transitions to Toni, who explains the stowing process and the use of a random stow method to distribute popular items across different levels.

05:07

🤖 Robotics and Automation in Amazon's Fulfillment Process

The second paragraph delves into the advanced robotics systems used at Amazon's fulfillment centers, with Marta guiding the viewers through the process at LTN4 in Dunstable. The robots, once activated, bring yellow shelves to workstations where associates either restock or pick customer orders. The script describes the shelving units and the process of picking items, scanning barcodes, and placing them in the correct location within the shelving units. It explains the random stow method, which ensures popular items are evenly distributed for efficient order fulfillment. The tour also features a robotic arm called a palletizer, which aids in moving heavy totes. The script then transitions to the outbound operations, detailing how orders are processed, items are picked, and containers are prepared for shipping. It covers the packing process, the use of the SLAM system for labeling and sorting, and the final shipping area where parcels are sorted and dispatched to trucks for delivery. The tour concludes with a thank you message, expressing hope for future in-person tours.

Keywords

💡Fulfillment Center (FC)

A Fulfillment Center is a large warehouse operated by Amazon for the storage, handling, and distribution of products. In the video, the FC is referred to as the heart of Amazon's operations where products are received, stored, picked, packed, and shipped to customers. The script mentions BHX1, an FC named after the nearest international airport, Birmingham, highlighting the global scale of Amazon's operations.

💡Barcode Scanning

Barcode scanning is a process used to quickly and accurately identify products by reading the barcode labels attached to them. In the video, scanning is mentioned as a crucial step in the receiving process where each item's barcode is scanned to track its entry into the FC and to ensure accurate inventory management.

💡Tote

A tote in the context of the video refers to a container used to hold and transport items within the FC. Once an item is scanned and placed into a tote, it is then put back onto the conveyor belt for distribution throughout the FC, showcasing the efficiency of Amazon's internal logistics.

💡Stowing

Stowing is the act of placing items onto shelves in the FC for storage. The script describes how items are checked for damage, scanned, and then placed onto shelves with their location barcode scanned to track their exact position within the FC, which is essential for quick retrieval during the order fulfillment process.

💡Robotics

Robotics in the video refers to the use of automated machines and robots to assist in the handling and movement of products within the FC. The script introduces Amazon Robotics fulfillment centers where robots bring shelves to workstations, aiding in the picking and packing process, demonstrating the integration of technology in Amazon's operations.

💡Random Stow Method

The random stow method is a strategy where items are placed randomly on shelves rather than in a fixed location. This method is mentioned in the script as a way to distribute popular items across all levels, ensuring that no single area becomes overly congested and improving the efficiency of the picking process.

💡Palletizer

A palletizer is a machine used to stack products onto pallets for easier transportation and shipping. In the video, the palletizer is described as a newer feature that helps move heavy totes around quickly and safely, highlighting Amazon's commitment to improving efficiency and safety in their operations.

💡Outbound Operations

Outbound operations refer to the processes involved in preparing and shipping orders to customers after they have been placed. The script explains that once an order is made, the information is processed, and the robots are directed to pick the correct items, illustrating the start of the outbound operations within the FC.

💡Multi Pack Area

The multi pack area is a section of the FC where items are packed together, especially when orders contain multiple products. In the video, it is mentioned that items travel in a tote to this area where they are packed by associates, indicating a part of the process where efficiency in packaging is key.

💡Flow Room

The Flow Room is a control center within the FC where operations are monitored to ensure timely delivery. The script describes the Flow Room as having operations watching the workflow and engineers overseeing the conveyor belts, emphasizing the importance of coordination and oversight in Amazon's fulfillment process.

💡SLAM

SLAM is an acronym for Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest, a process that parcels go through before shipping. The script explains that this is where parcels are scanned, labels are applied, and manifests are created, which is a critical step in ensuring that each package is correctly identified and routed to its destination.

💡Shipping

Shipping in the video refers to the final stage where parcels are sorted and loaded onto trucks for delivery. The script describes the shipping area as the endpoint for all parcels, where they are sorted into chutes for different distribution centers, showcasing the last leg of the fulfillment process before products reach customers.

Highlights

Introduction to the virtual tour of Amazon's fulfillment center.

Welcome to SAT2, Amazon's fulfillment center in Lauwin-Planque, France.

Tour guide Paul introduces the Rugeley fulfillment center, named BHX1 after the nearest airport.

The fulfillment center's size comparison to 10 football pitches.

Overview of the process starting from receiving to shipping items.

Fulfilled by Amazon service for small and medium-sized businesses.

Barcode scanning and item sorting process using conveyor belts and totes.

Introduction to the stowing process and the use of technology to track items.

Transition to the robotics site with Marta at LTN4 fulfillment center.

Activation of Amazon robots and their role in moving shelves and picking orders.

The random stow method for efficient item distribution across the facility.

Introduction of the palletizer, a robotic arm for moving heavy totes.

Outbound operations triggered by customer orders on the Amazon website.

Picking process involving multiple pickers for a single customer's order.

Storage of larger items in non-sortable fulfillment centers.

Packaging process in the Flow Room, including single and multiple pack sorting.

Efficiency in packing with exact box sizing and tape usage.

SLAM process for scanning, labeling, and manifesting parcels.

Shipping process involving sorting, palletizing, and dispatch via trucks.

Closing remarks and thanks for the virtual tour.

Transcripts

One of the things

we miss so much

during COVID-19

is not being able to take you through our fulfillment centers

in person.

We're still here

and working hard

to get your parcels

delivered safely

and we thought we'd take this chance

to bring the tour to you

wherever you are

so welcome. Welcome! Welcome to SAT2.

Bienvenue à Lauwin-Planque en France!

Welcome to the Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour.

We're really excited to be showing you around our building.

Hi everybody, my name is Paul and I'm going to be your first tour guide of the day.

Today we're in Rugeley.

This building is one of our Amazon fulfillment centers, or FCs for short.

This building is 750,000 square feet

or 10 football pitches if you want a comparison.

All of our buildings are named after the nearest international airport.

The nearest international airport to this building

is Birmingham. So this building is called BHX1.

And I think you'll agree,

the view from where we are now

is quite spectacular.

This is Sarah, and Sarah's making one of our famous boxes that turn up on your doorstep.

Thank you, Sarah. This box has been on quite a journey. Let's go and see where it all started.

Let's go see Adam at Receive.

This is where the whole process starts from.

It's actually a combination of people, technology,

and high-tech computer algorithms.

Over half the items sold on the Amazon website

by our small and medium sized businesses

have done this by using Fulfilled by Amazon.

Now this is where we will bring the items in,

we'll pick the items, we'll pack the items, we'll ship them out

and we'll even take care of the customer services for them.

and more and more businesses taking this up each year.

As the items make their way up the conveyor belt,

one of our associates

will take the items off and scan the barcode that is on the items.

Once we've done this, we will then

place the item into a black tote.

Once the item is inside the tote, it goes back onto our conveyor belt,

which lets us distribute the item throughout the FC. And it will make its way

to our Stowing area. So we're going to go upstairs, and I'm going to pass you over to Toni.

Now that we've received our items, they're ready to stow.

The way it works is that we scan our item's barcode. We then check it for damages.

We then pop it onto the shelf, and then we scan the barcode of that shelf location.

Once it's on there, we know exactly where that item is at any time

and we can immediately go to that when we go into our next process.

This method of stowing has been very successful. However, over recent years we've developed

something even more exciting. So let's head over to our robotics site with Marta.

Hi folks. My name is Marta, and I'm here in Dunstable

at one of our cutting edge

Amazon Robotics fulfillment centers. This building is what we call LTN4.

Do you remember the naming system? Perfect.

The Amazon robots are activated once the associate logs into their working station

to perform his or her task. The robots are bringing yellow shelves to our working stations

where our associates can fill up pods with more products

or we can pick up your orders. This is one of our shelving units.

Our orange rectangular robots are going underneath these pods

and the lifting device is picking up a shelf just a bit from the floor

so it can be moved to our working station. Let's see our stow station

so I can show you how we are filling up pods with the products.

Our associates are asked to assign containers to themselves.

The next step is to pick up an item from the container.

Then we just have to scan this barcode

and find a space in the shelving units

for this product.

Probably you're wondering

if the system tells us

where we should put this product.

It's completely random - we call it random stow method.

That means that the most popular items are spread across all the levels

and not all in one place.

After the process is completed, then we've got a digital and physical match in our system

and all these items

are available on our website for the customers.

At Amazon, we are continuously looking for ways to make improvements

and this robotic arm is one of our newer features. It's actually called

a palletizer, and it helps us move heavy totes around quickly and safely.

Once you hit the 'Buy Now' button on the Amazon website

This is the beginning of our Outbound operations processes.

Once you order a product, the information about the item

will go to our system and then the robots will be informed about which

item you've ordered and

where it is located.

Then the robots will pick up a pod and bring it

to our working stations facing the correct side.

And then it's quite easy. All the information is on the screen

Then we just have to pick up the item from the shelf

and put it to the correct container.

In one container we can have products ordered by

several different customers. If you would order, let's say, five items

it's really rare that one picker only will pick up all of your items.

More likely, there will be picked up by several different pickers.

All the items you could find in this building

fit into our containers.

We also sell bigger items

such as kayaks or TVs even, and we store them in our so-called

non-sortable fulfillment centers.

Once your products are picked up

they will travel in a tote

down to our multi pack area, where they will be packed by our associates.

And here we are in the Flow Room at LCY2. This is where operations to my right

are watching the workflow to make sure everybody's delivery is leaving on time.

To the left of me here

are the engineers. These guys are watching the conveyor belts. We have 16 miles

in this building, and they're making sure it's all working smoothly.

This is Pack. This is where all of your items end up after they've been picked,

and they are going to come down the lines and they'll be sorted into single pack and multiple pack

Just behind me I have Sebi packing on singles today,

and he is putting one item inside each box.

Everything that they need is here, so all of their boxes

their envelopes, and their tape is always on this station or easily accessible

and they do move around onto different processes, as is required.

So what he'll do is he will scan his item onto the system, it will tell him exactly

what size box he requires. We then have the tape that is cut exactly

to the size of that box, so we do not waste anything.

Once he's finished packing, it will then go onto the line and then sent down to SLAM and then to shipping.

Now that we've finished packing our box and popped it

onto the conveyor belt, it's now going to come to what we call SLAM.

SLAM stands for scan, label, apply, and manifest. And this is where all of our

parcels past through before going down to shipping.

This label is applied by a little bit of air pressure

and each of these parcels is going to be scanned with a little white barcode

that we applied at the pack station, and each one of these barcodes is going to

identify what's inside that box. Once that's been scanned, it will then go

through into the system automatically, and it will tell the system which

address label is required. Once these parcels have continued through this part,

it will get separated into large and small boxes, and these will continue down to shipping.

What's pretty cool about this machine is that it can do this whole process

without stopping the parcel, so that label is applied straight away

and it continues and generates within a matter of seconds the next label.

This is our final stop. This is shipping. This is where all of our parcels end up.

They're going to be sorted, and then they'll be sent onto the trucks

via pallets and ATS carts.

As you can see behind me, we have some chutes.

These are where our parcels are sorted

and sent down the lines.

So each one of these conveyor belts is a different distribution center

and those workers behind me are going to scan those parcels and send them off

onto the correct pallet or ATS cart. And then they will then be scanned in to

the truck that needs to go to the area.

Our trucks, they come throughout the day,

they are given a time slot when they can come into the back of the building

and then they have a certain amount of times that those parcels get onside that truck.

Once it's loaded, they will then close the truck and send it on its way.

This is the last stop of our tour. Thank you so much for coming around with us today.

We hope you keep safe and we hope to see you in person on one of our tours soon.

Thanks for taking our tour today.

It's been a pleasure

to show you around.