A Case Study of the Navy Exchange Service Command West Coast Distribution Center's Planning Approach to Automation and Robotics

Abstract

This study investigates the planning process for implementing automation and robotics in the warehouse operations of the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), a military retailer, within the Department of Defense. The study explores the current situation of warehouse operations, distribution center, and distribution processes at NEXCOM and why the retailer is motivated to shift and improve processes with advanced technologies. The research examines specifics to the unique challenges and considerations when integrating automation and robotics faced by a government-owned entity, focusing on the decision-making process within the military retail context. A qualitative analysis and a case study of NEXCOM’s West Coast Distribution Center in Chino, CA, provides insights into these complexities. Additionally, the research explores other alternatives to improve processes without the use of automation and robotics to aid in the decision-making process and evaluation of integrating and implementing automation and robotics.