GEODIS Partnered with VCO to Maximize Pick Efficiency and Throughput with a Pick-to-Light Solution for Bath & Body WorksContact Us

Introduction

GEODIS is a global logistics provider headquartered in Levallois-Perret, France, delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions across transportation, warehousing, and fulfillment, with roughly $11B in annual revenue. GEODIS supports major retail and eCommerce brands across North America, including Bath & Body Works, a leading American specialty retailer of soaps, lotions, fragrances, and candles.

As part of this partnership, GEODIS engaged VCO Systems to implement a turnkey Pick-to-Light (Light-Directed Picking) solution to improve warehouse picking efficiency and fulfillment operations for Bath & Body Works.

The Problem

GEODIS faced a critical challenge in scaling peak throughput for Bath & Body Works. The existing RF-based warehouse picking process in the Canada facility was unable to sustain the required volume to hit the daily throughput goal during the 2019 peak.

Objective

GEODIS required a robust technology solution to increase picking UPH and eliminate operational constraints. The solution needed to reduce the number of pickers required, eliminating the aisle congestion bottleneck and ensuring client satisfaction. Specifically, GEODIS needed a solution that would:

  • Increase Picking Productivity (UPH)
  • Maximize Daily Throughput
  • Improve Picking Accuracy

VCO's Solution

VCO deployed a turnkey Light-Directed Picking solution built on proprietary hardware and software, replacing the existing RF picking process. Designed for rapid implementation and minimal operational disruption, the solution modernized picking workflows while improving throughput and accuracy.

To validate the approach before full rollout, VCO conducted a head-to-head comparison in which two pickers of similar skill alternated between the Pick-to-Light solution and the traditional RF picking process over two days. The picker using VCO’s solution consistently achieved 1.3x higher UPH than the picker using RF.

Key solution highlights:

  • Completed implementation in just 6 weeks
  • Installed 25 Pick/Put carts and 950 lights
  • Supporting fulfillment operations for more than 100 stores across Canada
  • Replaced handheld scanners with ring scanners, freeing both hands and increasing picker productivity
  • Enabled one pick, multiple puts: bulk-picking a SKU once and distributing across multiple orders, cutting travel time and the number of grabs

Results

Within weeks of deployment, GEODIS achieved measurable operational improvements that enabled higher throughput while maintaining exceptional picking accuracy.
  • 30%+ increase in picking productivity (UPH)
  • 9% warehouse picking accuracy
  • 3x UPH for VCO Light-Directed vs RF in direct comparison
  • Minimal learning curve: pickers reached top speed within a few hours of using the system
  • Reduced aisle congestion through a more efficient picking workflow

The Outcome

By replacing traditional RF picking with VCO’s Pick-to-Light (Light-Directed Picking) solution, GEODIS increased throughput, improved warehouse picking accuracy, and created a more scalable order fulfillment operation. Delivered in just six weeks, the project demonstrates how targeted warehouse automation can quickly deliver measurable operational improvements.

Why VCO Systems

With decades of supply chain experience, VCO Systems delivers turnkey Pick-to-Light and Light-Directed warehouse automation solutions tailored to each customer’s operation. Combining proprietary Light-Directed technology and proven implementation methodologies, VCO helps organizations improve throughput, accuracy, and operational efficiency with confidence. As a silver partner of Manhattan Associates, VCO also brings deep WMS expertise and supply chain best practices to every engagement.
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