"Global House" has invested over 600 million baht to launch the largest automated distribution center in Thailand's construction material retail sector, covering more than 100 rai in Wang Noi, Ayutthaya. This initiative aims to enhance competitive advantages for the business while implementing an Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS) to support upcoming Global House stores in ASEAN.

Mr. Witoon Suriyawanakul, CEO of Siam Global House Public Company Limited, stated that the company's vision is for "Global House" to be the best distribution channel for construction materials and home decoration products in the ASEAN region. The company has set five competitive strategies:

• Best Price                    Offering products at the most reasonable and fair prices.
• Best Personal             Staff ready to provide the best service.
• Best Selection              A wide range of products available, from low-end to high-end.
• Best Service                The best service compared to international standards.
• Best Store                    Developing the best layout and display of products.

         Additionally, to enhance competitive capabilities, the company has continuously applied modern trade innovations to manage "Global House" in all aspects. In terms of warehouse management, which is a core aspect of retail business, the company first implemented the ASRS at the Pranburi branch in 2016 to increase speed, accuracy, convenience, and save time for customers. Currently, the ASRS is being used in 16 Global House branches. Furthermore, to support future business growth and improve overall supply chain management efficiency, the company has invested over 600 million baht to construct an automated distribution center equipped with ASRS on more than 100 rai in Wang Noi, Ayutthaya. In the first phase, the distribution center will have a warehouse area of 30,000 square meters, capable of storing over 43,000 pallets, over 5,000 tons of steel, and over 5,000 pallets of ceramic tiles. This center is recognized as the largest automated distribution center in Thailand's construction material retail sector, which will help the company reduce missed sales opportunities and increase product variety for customers, while also keeping management costs at a reasonable level, resulting in consumers being able to purchase products at more reasonable prices.

         Mr. Kriangkrai Suriyawanakul, Supply Chain Director of Siam Global House Public Company Limited, mentioned that the Wang Noi distribution center has been specially designed to suit the operational needs of "Global House," from ordering products from suppliers to delivering goods to consumers at the stores. The design and development team was entirely in-house, allowing continuous adjustments and improvements to the center's capabilities and efficiency without limitations. Additionally, we have collaborated with manufacturers to develop packaging that enhances supply chain management efficiency. The Wang Noi distribution center has three main features:

• Suppliers can conveniently book delivery slots in the system, reducing long wait times.
• The storage and distribution system is designed to minimize errors and increase the speed of product distribution, with every touchpoint recorded and traceable. We have also implemented a weighing system instead of counting to verify product quantities.
• The ASRS is specially designed to store and retrieve oversized products up to 2.40 meters in height, accommodating the variety of products available in the stores.

         The Wang Noi distribution center utilizes the ASRS for inventory management, a system entirely controlled by computers, enhancing speed, accuracy, and reducing supply chain management costs effectively. This system significantly reduces reliance on human resources compared to traditional warehouse management systems by up to 60%, especially for skilled labor, which is currently in short supply. The ASRS will also be implemented in the management of products for Global House stores that are set to open in ASEAN soon.

         Moreover, Mr. Witoon added that the company has seen growth this year, with net sales for Q1/2017 reaching 5,376.94 million baht, an increase of 222.32 million baht or 4.31% from the same period in 2016, due to the opening of 12 new branches. Currently, "Global House" has 52 branches nationwide, and in November, we will open the 53rd branch in Phatthalung Province. The company plans to expand branches at the district level, such as in Khon Kaen with three branches in Muang, Ban Phai, and Chum Phae districts, while Sakon Nakhon has two branches in Muang and Phang Khon districts. Additionally, the company has ongoing plans to expand branches throughout ASEAN.

Thank you for the information from https://globalhouse.co.th