#France #Munich #Decathlon #Logistics Automation #Exotec Skyfleet

Decathlon Enhances European Logistics with Exotec’s Skyfleet Program

In a significant development for supply chain management, Decathlon has partnered with Exotec, a leading name in warehouse robotics, to implement the Skyfleet™ multi-site automation program. Announced at the LogiMAT trade show, this initiative encompasses seven warehouse locations across five European nations: France, the UK, Portugal, Italy, and Germany.

This ambitious plan not only aims to standardize and manage the intricate flows of Decathlon’s supply chain across Europe but also enhances the working environment for its employees. By leveraging Exotec's advanced automation solutions, the cooperation promises a better operational framework.

Background of the Partnership

Decathlon's journey with Exotec began in 2021, with the introduction of the Skypod® robotic system in Tilburg, marking the first step towards this expansive partnership. The overarching objective remains to establish a standardized procedure for replenishing stores across the European Continent. To achieve this, Exotec has structured the warehouses in a way that emphasizes replicability and scalability, ensuring quick and efficient deployments across the seven selected sites.

Each Skyfleet installation features:

• - A fleet of 150 to 200 Skypod robots
• - 100,000 to 125,000 storage locations
• - Handling capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 lines per hour
• - Daily processing of 150,000 to 200,000 items
• - Between 7 to 13 picking stations
• - Automation of both inbound and outbound processes

The systems are not merely robotic implementations; they represent a comprehensive software solution, managed through Exotec's Deepsky® Warehouse Execution System (WES), which streamlines operations and enables seamless integration across all sites.

Optimizing Intralogistics

Exotec retains a commitment to efficiency, systematically integrating automated machinery at each Decathlon warehouse to automate internal logistics. These additional systems include automatic depalletizers, carton opening machines, RFID tunnels, and more, optimized for each site's specific needs. Standardizing these systems across multiple sites has resulted in significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Through shared experiences and learnings across sites, Decathlon's projects have seen a marked acceleration in deployment phases, improving the ramp-up of the systems. Notably, each site benefits from a unified codebase, allowing for simplified and expedited implementations.

Improved Conditions for Warehouse Workers

Perhaps one of the most notable benefits of the Skyfleet program is the enhancement of workplace conditions. With automation taking over repetitive and physically taxing tasks, warehouse employees have found their daily burdens lightened significantly. For instance, at the Northampton site in the UK, pickers now cover just 1 kilometer daily, a remarkable reduction from the previous 10 kilometers.

Moreover, the rate of workplace incidents has drastically declined, improving safety and well-being for the crew. This transformation indicates not just an investment in technology but a genuine concern for employee welfare.

Scalability and Future Aspirations

The revamped model has enhanced the breadth of stores served by each warehouse, allowing a more efficient and timely replenishment process across Europe. For example, the Ferrières site in France has increased its service capability from 37 to 73 stores, while Setúbal in Portugal escalated from 41 to 73 stores too. The increased demand led to an impressive uptick in order processing at Setúbal, jumping from 57,000 to 114,000 orders per day since implementing the Skyfleet framework.

Flexibility during peak periods has also been prioritized, with robots easily redeployed between sites to meet fluctuating needs. The Ferrières installation alone has welcomed an additional 13 robots into its fleet to accommodate these demands.

Jérôme Saillour, Decathlon's Head of Logistics Automation, emphasizes the vital role of Exotec in this evolution. He states, _“We aimed to rationalize our logistics network. Exotec’s capability to rapidly deploy multiple sites and scale solutions has significantly transformed our warehouse team’s experience and established a new trajectory for logistics at Decathlon.”_

Conclusion

Exotec's Skyfleet program establishes a new standard for automated logistics at a European scale, demonstrating how advanced technological integration can streamline processes while simultaneously enhancing employee experiences. Romain Moulin, co-founder and CEO of Exotec, notes, _“As intralogistics becomes key for our clients, the Skyfleet program shows our commitment to providing effective and efficient solutions across multiple sites.”_

Upcoming Exotours of Decathlon's sites throughout 2026 promise to showcase the progress and innovations implemented through this collaboration, paving the way for future enhancements in logistics automation.