Staples has successfully implemented an advanced warehouse management (WMS) system across nine of its U.S.-based B2B fulfillment centers. This initiative is a key part of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize its supply chain. Staples plans to extend this new system to its remaining centers by the end of 2026.
The new warehouse management system is designed to streamline operations, reduce order fulfillment errors, and enhance inventory accuracy. Built on a cloud-native architecture, the solution offers scalability and integrates seamlessly with other modern supply chain systems, allowing Staples to optimize its operations and improve efficiency throughout its network.
Staples’ U.S. fulfillment network spans 12 million square feet across 36 centers, employing 6,000 associates who manage approximately 2.5 million units daily. Serving a broad range of customers, including both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) orders, Staples is a leading supplier of office products and services. Through its extensive retail network and online channels, the company caters to millions of customers nationwide. The new warehouse management system also features advanced cross-docking capabilities, improving the handling of orders for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Ryan Hanson, chief supply chain officer at Staples, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing next-day delivery to over 98% of the U.S. market. He highlighted that the performance and reliability of the new warehouse management system are critical to meeting the diverse needs of Staples’ customers, including those in sectors such as medical, government, and private industries. “We’re investing in the right solutions to serve our customers, and we’ve only just begun to unlock opportunities to drive efficiency and enhance the operator experience,” Hanson said.
In addition to the new warehouse management system, Staples is integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into its distribution centers. These robots work alongside the company’s Warehouse Execution System (WES), optimizing material handling and improving overall operational efficiency.
Staples has partnered with Manhattan Associates, a global provider of supply chain and omnichannel commerce software, to deploy the new warehouse management solution. This collaboration underscores Staples’ ongoing efforts to enhance its supply chain capabilities and improve customer service. By leveraging these innovations, Staples continues to enhance operational excellence and customer satisfaction across its vast fulfillment network and retail operations.
Headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, Staples Inc. is a multinational office supply retailer known for its wide range of office and school supplies, office furnishings, electronics, and technology services. In addition to its strong online presence, the company operates 860 stores in the United States and 303 in Canada, for a total of 1,163 stores across North America.
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