BITO offers flexible and effective solutions for handling returns
Managing returns with LEO AGVs, BITOBOXes and BITO shelving and racking is easy and efficient.
Efficient automation with BITO LEO AGVs
The LEO automated guided vehicle system from BITO is an easy way to automate your returns management workflow. LEO AGVs are automated guided vehicles that operate without a host computer or Wi-Fi. They follow an optical path taped on the warehouse floor and receive driving commands from optical markers (QR codes). LEO is ideal for automating the distribution of returned goods from receiving to the collection points where the goods are processed or disposed of. LEO transports goods in bins and containers or on trays as well as packaged units ready for dispatch and returns empty bins or trays to the receiving area. The workstations or departments for processing returns can be addressed flexibly and configurated as required.
Managing returns with BITO bins and containers
BITOBOXes are ideal when it comes to handling returns within a company. Combining an AS/RS facility, conveyor technology and boxes with excellent handling characteristics such as BITOBOX XLmotion containers guarantees smooth handling. BITO small load KLT totes, Euro stacking containers, multi-purpose MB containers , folding boxes and trays can also be used. XLmotion containers from BITO have been designed for automated handling. They feature a flat-surfaced double base with a non-textured outer tread. This special design enables the extremely quiet operation on conveyor lines and in AS/RS systems. This leads to a significant improvement in workplace ergonomics. Absolutely vertical sides and the generously dimensioned footprint provide a huge storage capacity. BITO XLmotion containers can be subdivided to accommodate products from different return shipments. For a more efficient use of the available space, additional lengthwise and crosswise dividers with location lugs easily slot into predefined fixing holes. In this way, the box can be subdivided into up to 16 compartments. The dividers can be removed quickly and easily. Customised insert boxes are also available for the XLmotion.
Shuttle-serviced intermediate or buffer storage areas
Returns can be efficiently handled in shuttle-serviced warehouses. With the help of shuttle technology, several thousand containers can be automatically stored and retrieved in a single hour. During put-away, mixed-content containers can be placed together to avoid mix-ups of items during the subsequent picking process. The system is designed to store as many different items as possible together, since the number of return shipments is not expected to decline, in particular not in the online clothing retail sector. Automating returns management workflows can therefore be very useful. Automated small parts warehouses (AS/RS systems) are highly efficient computer-controlled storage systems for small unit loads such as returns. Returned goods are placed and retrieved within seconds and with utmost precision by stacker cranes or shuttle carriers. These warehousing solutions ensure direct, permanent and fast access to all returns and are known for their impressive picking performance. The system operates according to the goods-to-person principle, accessing loads in no time using the first in, first out (FIFO) or the last in, first out (LIFO) method. The high-rise design enables compact storage of totes, trays and cardboard boxes, thereby making efficient use of space
How can returns be managed more efficiently?
Our solutions for efficiently managing returns
Preventive and reactive returns management
The first step to handling returns is to avoid return shipments, as they are a non-value-adding process which generates considerable costs, from shipping costs for returns to the costs of checking, processing and re-stocking returned products. In some sectors, such as the clothing industry, the returns rate can reach an incredible 50 per cent. By avoiding returns, companies can minimise associated costs. Return shipping is not sustainable. By reducing the number of return shipments, companies can make a contribution to reducing their ecological footprint. Returns cause an enormous amount of work, for which extra staff must be assigned or hired. Returns can be managed with a preventive or a reactive approach.
Preventive returns management aims at avoiding returns before and after the customer has placed the order. There are various measures to prevent returns such as detailed product descriptions, size charts, 360-degree videos, comprehensive customer advice, test reports and customer ratings, avoiding misleading advertising, virtual try-ons using ‘Magic Mirror’ or augmented reality apps, predictive algorithms, account blocking in the event of too many returns.
In reactive returns management workflows, the focus is on the efficient processing of returns and the seamless reintegration of products into the cycle of goods. The aim of a successful reactive returns management is to optimise returns processes in terms of quantity and quality and, of course, to minimise costs. This can be achieved f. ex. by
- Optimising transport and warehouse logistics
- Automating processes
- Using easy-to-handle packaging
- Coordinating the shop system, ERP system and WMS
- Enclosing return forms in packaging
- Efficient customer relationship management (CRM)
- Meticulous quality control of returned products
What are the benefits of a returns management solution from BITO?
BITO products help to handle returns effectively
BITO has a wide range of products and services to help with managing returns. We provide in-depth advice and work together with you on-site to design the optimal solution. This involves analysing current handling processes in your company and identifying new ways to efficiently manage returns. We plan and implement your end-to-end solution and integrate modules such as LEO locative AGVs, the BITO WMS, BITO bins and containers and (automated) storage systems.
BITO can look back on decades of experience in almost any industry
BITO has decades of experience in project implementation and returns management processes in almost all industries. As a specialist in warehouse technology, we go far beyond manufacturing our own shelving and racking, plastic bins and containers and running our own online shop for components and accessories. We also plan and realise large-scale projects and implement efficient solutions for your returns management process.
Our products are manufactured in our own plants
At BITO, we manufacture premium shelving and racking systems as well as plastic bins, trays and containers in our own state-of-the-art production facilities. Our steel products are manufactured at our company headquarters in Meisenheim, BITO bins and containers are produced in Lauterecken.
BITO LEO AGVs
LEO is an optically guided transport system for bins, boxes, trays or individual unit loads that works without a master computer or a WLAN connection. With the help of colour-coded track tapes and optical markers (QR codes) on the floor, LEO is given clear driving commands. LEO distributes goods flexibly and fully autonomously to a range of picking stations and returns empty load carriers to collection points. Our flexible, customisable AGV solution allows to tailor your returns management processes to your requirements.
Shelving and racking systems are important for managing returns
Returns can be efficiently handled in shuttle-serviced warehouses. Automated small parts warehouses are extremely efficient, computer-controlled storage systems for small unit loads such as returned goods. AS/RS installations are serviced by storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) or shuttle carriers that ensure direct, continuous and rapid access to all returned items.
The system follows the "goods-to-person" principle and enables flexible access to the unit loads according to both the First In - First Out (FIFO) and Last In - First Out (LIFO) principles. The high-bay design enables space-saving storage of containers, trays and cardboard boxes and guarantees an extremely efficient utilisation of the available space.
BITO totes
Using BITOBOXes is an excellent solution for handling returns in companies. Especially in combination with an AS/RS facility and conveyor lines, smooth-running boxes such as the BITOBOX XLmotion offer maximum benefits. BITO small load KLT carriers, Euro stacking containers, multi-purpose MB containers, folding boxes and trays also meet the demands of this application. XLmotion containers from BITO have been designed for automated handling. They feature a flat-surfaced double base with a non-textured outer tread. This unique design ensures extremely quiet operation both on conveyor lines and in automated warehouses.
We take care of your project from concept to completion
We plan and build customised end-to-end solutions for handling returns using for example LEO locative AGVs, our BITO WMS, BITO bins and containers and automated storage and retrieval systems. Our solutions guarantee an enormous increase in efficiency and substantial cost savings.
Active listening and constructive feedback
At BITO, we value clear communication and comprehensive advice. Whether you are planning or building a new, fully equipped logistics centre or need an efficient returns management system – constructive dialogue is a matter of honour and loyalty to our customers. We are thoroughly convinced that outstanding solutions are created through intensive dialogue with our customers.
BITO Warranty
We provide a comprehensive BITO warranty for all products and services. As a renowned manufacturer of material handling and storage equipment, we are fully committed to delivering premium products and services. The BITO brand name is synonymous with outstanding quality and reliability.
Broad range of accessories
Our BITO Online Shop offers the entire range of warehousing products from bins and containers, shelving and racking, in-house transport systems, LEO AGVs and matching accessories. Our portfolio also includes containers designed for conveyor handling and miniload systems, lids, labels and label covers, transport systems, batteries and chargers for LEO, and many other items.