Singapore was ranked as the world’s top logistics hub by the World Bank in 2023, and the country’s bustling ports and cargo airports ship millions of containers of goods across Southeast Asia and around the world. Singapore-based ST Logistics is a major player in the local industry, with more than 50 years of experience in providing integrated and cost-effective supply chain solutions to clients in sectors including defense, government, and healthcare.
To strengthen its competitive edge and embrace innovation, ST Logistics sought sustainable solutions to overcome inefficiencies caused by traditional racking systems and manual corrections. Emerging robotics technology looked to hold a lot of potential, feasibly allowing the business to accept more orders from customers. ST Logistics partnered with Lenovo to streamline and integrate its system, as well as support the introduction of robots to maximize the use of its warehouse space while paving the way for future innovation.
A two-pronged approach
Over 18 months, Lenovo’s logistics experts designed and implemented a two-pronged approach for warehouse automation at two sites in Toll City and Clementi. Lenovo’s manufacturing experts aimed to deliver a system that was affordable, accessible, and reliable, and worked in partnership with ST Logistics, visiting the sites several times to ensure that the suggested solution was the right fit.
Hamarian Mohamad, General Manager, Homeland Security, ST Logistics said, “Choosing the right partner and technology was crucial—not just to enhance efficiency but to prepare for future automation and AI potential. Lenovo’s capabilities best fit our visions and strategic plan for future development, delivering immediate benefits while integrating with our existing systems.”
Nigel Lee, General Manager, Lenovo Singapore said, “We recommended a Warehouse Execution System (WES) – a form of ‘middleware’ that bridges the gap between several systems including warehouse management and robot control. This helped to solve the existing challenges while also making AI a central component of ST Logistics’ operations for the future.”
Lenovo provided a ‘one-stop’ solution including AI consultancy services, software, hardware, project management, maintenance and operational support. Powered by Lenovo servers, the WES uses AI-driven software to provide an overview of warehouse operations, with real-time reporting of potential problems to prevent large-scale shutdowns. Built to integrate with existing software, the WES makes it easier to manage robots and other automated equipment on the warehouse floor. Previously, workers relied on instinct and past experiences, leading to delays and errors. Now, the system ensures that orders are deposited in the correct place, fast while awaiting retrieval.
The benefits of the Lenovo solution for ST Logistics were rapid and measurable, helping transform the two sites into fully automated, state-of-the-art facilities, whilst also increasing the number of pallets that could be operational.
Previously, the company had relied on manual inspections to determine whether there were any issues with integration between systems, whereas the new solution automatically scans for these. It meant that the company could reduce turnaround time and boost storage efficiency: this increased order processing by up to 40%, while also boosting the sustainability of the two sites, reducing energy consumption by 30%. Productivity at the two sites rose by up to 30%.
Ready for growth
With the WES in place, ST Logistics is ready to integrate effectively with multiple automated systems and prepare for future growth – as well as winning more customers.
Chang Pin Chuan, Head of Homeland Security & Public Sector, ST Logistics said, “Harnessing the power of automation, robotics and AI has meant that we can intelligently manage warehouse operations, reducing costly human interventions and cutting out delays. The effectiveness of these upgrades has made us think about where we can go in the future – and how we can boost our operations further with technology. Finally, we are also able to continue providing best-in-class supply chain solutions.”