JD Logistics
California Distribution Center
100,000+
SKUs Currently Managed
240%
More Vertical Storage
641.7
Outbound orders/hour
JD Logistics
JD Logistics is a leading international logistics provider offering Retail-as-a-Service solutions, including inventory management and e-commerce order fulfillment for global brands.
Its order fulfillment facility in Fontana, California experienced rapid growth driven by increasing e-commerce demand. To maintain the high service levels its customers expect, JD Logistics needed to scale operations quickly while improving efficiency, accuracy, and storage capacity.
To support this growth, JD Logistics partnered with Hai Robotics to modernize its warehouse operations and transition from manual processes to automated fulfillment.
In 2021, the California distribution center implemented Hai Robotics’ Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) ASRS solution, enabling faster order fulfillment, higher storage density, and more efficient inventory management without disrupting ongoing operations.
The Solution
Hai Robotics designed a flexible automation solution using standard shelving and totes readily available on the market. This approach allowed JD Logistics to optimize system design for its specific operational needs while avoiding unnecessary costs.
The ACR system is built to operate reliably in real-world warehouse environments. Robots required only standard configuration, ensuring compatibility between robotic grippers, totes, and shelving units.
To ensure a smooth transition, Hai Robotics’ ACR solution was seamlessly integrated with JD Logistics’ existing WMS through a flexible communication interface. This minimized system adjustment time and allowed JD Logistics to quickly adopt new workflows.
System overview:
- 60 Autonomous Case-handling Robots (ACRs)
- 100,000+ SKUs managed
- 42,028 sq ft (3,906 m²)
- 731 shelving units
- 32,428 tote locations
- 3 inbound workstations
- 6 outbound workstations
The Results
Throughput and Efficiency
After implementing Hai Robotics’ ACR system, JD Logistics achieved 100% picking accuracy, significantly improving shipping precision and order quality.
Ergonomic workstations were introduced with clear visual instructions and action prompts, while repetitive tasks were automated. This improved operator efficiency and reduced physical strain.
The system now supports:
-
Up to 600 picks per hour per operator
-
Around 350 orders per hour per workstation
-
A maximum throughput of 2,100 orders per hour
Before automation, JD Logistics averaged 451.6 outbound orders per hour. After implementation, this increased to 641.7 outbound orders per hour — a 42.09% improvement, while operating at only about one-third of the system’s maximum capacity.
Flexibility During Peak Periods
One of the biggest advantages of the solution is its ability to scale with demand. Throughout the year, JD Logistics can deploy more or fewer ACRs and adjust workstation capacity as needed.
This flexibility was especially critical during Black Friday Week.
-
Average weekly orders with Hai Robotics: 44,919
-
Orders fulfilled during Black Friday Week (Nov. 24–30): 98,156
-
118.52% increase compared to the normal weekly average
Before automation, JD Logistics fulfilled 35,745 orders during Black Friday Week. After implementing Hai Robotics’ system, this increased by 62,411 orders, representing 174.6% higher throughput during the busiest period of the year.
Labor Efficiency
Automation significantly simplified training and reduced labor strain.
-
Training time reduced from 8 hours + 2 weeks of supervised work to a 2-hour training video + ~2 days of supervision
-
Order fulfillment tasks became less physically demanding
-
Employee walking distances were reduced from 10+ miles per day to stationary, ergonomic picking stations
This helped JD Logistics lower turnover rates and expand its hiring pool while maintaining high productivity.
Storage Density
Hai Robotics’ ACR solution enabled JD Logistics to dramatically increase storage density:
-
Storage height increased from 5 feet to 17 feet
-
240% increase in vertical storage
-
SKUs managed increased by 42.9%, from 70,000+ to 100,000+
By maximizing vertical space and minimizing aisle requirements, JD Logistics was able to increase capacity within the same warehouse footprint allowing the company to onboard new customers and support continued growth.
Customer Testimonial
JD Logistics' California distribution center maximizes throughput and operational efficiencies with Hai Robotics' ASRS solution.
JD Logistics' California distribution center maximizes throughput and operational efficiencies with Hai Robotics' ASRS solution.
Download the Case Study
JD Logistics’ California location upgraded its manual processes by implementing Hai Robotics’ Autonomous Case-handling Robotic (ACR) Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) to speed up order fulfillment, increase storage density, increase efficiencies, and improve inventory management.