Magnit Intends to Reduce Energy Consumption at Its Distribution Centers by Using Smart Lighting

The Company has successfully completed tests of the lighting control system based on motion sensors in its logistics center in Krasnodar. The main peculiar feature of the project was evaluation of operating efficiency of sensors in places of permanent presence of people. The launch of this technology at all facilities of the Company will allow saving about 3,120,000 kW/hour per year. This quantity will suffice to provide energy to one distribution center.

Krasnodar, July 10, 2020: Magnit has tested the automated lighting control system in those areas of the logistics complex where employees always work. These are warehouses for goods picking and storage occupying about 60% of the total area of a distribution center (DC). While efficiency and effectiveness of usual use of motion sensors – in back rooms, dining rooms, recreation rooms, etc. – was confirmed, their installation in places of permanent presence of people required testing.

The aim of the experiment was to see the result of the system launching in those warehouse sectors where several hundred people were working at the same time. However, employees require lighting only in the areas they work in, not in all ones. The existing system was additionally equipped with special motion sensors that react to presence of employees within the radius of their operation and turn on the light where required. As a result, energy consumption in sectors of goods picking and storage has reduced by 41%.

After the project performance is finally evaluated, the Company will take the decision on the use of sensors in other logistics complexes and on introduction thereof in the standard of operation of such facilities.

“We consider and test different solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of warehousing processes and operation of distribution centers as a whole. It is important for us to optimize routine work, make clever use of existing capacities and resources, create “smart” logistics with the use of advanced tools, such as Internet of Things, robotic automation, video analytics, etc. Our customer proposition and service level depend on this inter alia,” – said Marya Dey, Member of the Management Board, Supply Chain Director of Magnit Retail Chain.

In general, Magnit implements a set of measures on optimization of energy consumption in logistics, retail, and in-house production. One of the Company’s obligations undertaken as part of the strategy of sustainable development is reduction of water and energy consumption by 25% by 2025.

Thus, the Company’s facilities are equipped with the advanced automated equipment allowing to keep records of energy on an hourly basis. As a result, about 0.5 billion rubles are saved every year. In 2020, we plan to replace all light bulbs with energy-saving ones at all facilities of the Company. By the end of 2019, 77% of light bulbs have been replaced. Other activities have been planned as well.