In Reunion Island, Groupe RAVATE Revolutionizes Its Supply Chain and Logistics with SCALLOG Robotics

As a major retail player in the Indian Ocean, Groupe RAVATE is accelerating its supply chain modernization with the simultaneous deployment of two SCALLOG warehouse robotics systems. Implemented across two fulfillment centers—one dedicated to DIY hardware and operated by ID Logistics, the other focused on home goods and operated by COR Logistique—this automation project aims to optimize item-level order fulfillment and support the group’s omnichannel growth.

This project directly addresses the core challenges of island logistics in Reunion Island, including industrial land scarcity, high-density storage needs, and extended supply chain lead times. It also marks a world first with the deployment of the SCALLOG Under Rack robotic solution at the COR Logistique facility. As the cornerstone of a broader master plan, this warehouse automation strategy speeds up order processing, optimizes floor space, and drives digital supply chain transformation for Groupe RAVATE.

Modernizing Retail and E-Commerce Logistics in the Indian Ocean

For over 70 years, Groupe RAVATE has been a key driver of economic development in Reunion Island. Originally specializing in building materials and hardware, the group has successfully expanded into DIY, home decor, discount retail, and apparel. Operating in Mayotte and Mauritius as well, it manages 15 retail brands and nearly 60 store locations while establishing itself as the leading home goods e-commerce platform in Reunion Island.

To support its growing retail and e-commerce operations, subsidiary RAVATE Distribution launched a supply chain transformation program focused on real-time inventory management and automated split-case order picking. Processing nearly 700,000 order lines annually with replenishment lead times from mainland France spanning 4 to 8 weeks, maintaining high product availability and maximum storage density became critical operational priorities.

Choosing SCALLOG’s Modular Goods-to-Person Robotics Solution

To absorb rising order volumes without expanding physical warehouse footprints, Groupe RAVATE selected French robotics company SCALLOG’s Goods-to-Person system for medium and fast-moving SKUs. Modular, scalable, and fully reversible, this automated storage and retrieval technology seamlessly integrates with existing WMS and ERP software across both ID Logistics and COR Logistique operations.

Deployed in early 2026 following a successful pilot phase, the two robotic automation zones feature customized layouts:

• ID Logistics Site (DIY, Under Mezzanine): 180 m² equipped with 1 picking station, 3 Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and 80 shelf units (1,800 storage locations housing ~800 SKUs across DIY, home decor, and consumer electronics).

• COR Logistique Site (Home Goods): 750 m² equipped with 2 picking stations, 6 mobile robots, and 200 shelf units (5,600 storage locations for ~5,000 SKUs).

World First: Warehouse Automation with SCALLOG Under Rack Technology

The COR Logistique facility hosts the global debut of the SCALLOG Under Rack solution. This system enables safe, co-existing operations within the same footprint: mobile robots move shelving units underneath pallet racks to picking stations, while traditional forklifts continue heavy-duty material handling on upper rack levels.

Heavy-duty floor QR codes ensure precise robot navigation despite continuous forklift traffic. Through this innovation, RAVATE has doubled its storage capacity and operator productivity without requiring additional floor space.

Doubled Order Fulfillment Productivity and Improved Ergonomics

Just weeks after going live, the automated system delivered immediate operational gains:

• Productivity: Item picking throughput multiplied by 2.

• Space Optimization: Maximum volumetric efficiency through 3 custom shelf formats tailored to various product dimensions.

• Ergonomics: Dramatic reduction in warehouse worker walking distances and manual handling fatigue.

Zoubier RAVATE, Retail Director of Groupe RAVATE, notes: “The success of a warehouse robotics project relies on far more than just technology. It requires a clear supply chain vision, structured data, and close collaboration between our operational, logistics, and IT teams alongside our partners ID Logistics, COR Logistique, and SCALLOG.”

Building a Scalable, Future-Ready Supply Chain

This initial rollout sets the stage for a complete redesign of the group’s fulfillment network, laying the groundwork for flow-based facility specialization:

1. Small-Item Fulfillment Center: Centralizing nearly 20,000 fast-moving, small-format SKUs.

2. Bulk & Pallet Distribution Center: Dedicated to full pallets, oversized items, and bulk goods.

Zoubier RAVATE concludes: “With SCALLOG, we are building the foundation of our modernized supply chain. Today, we are automating split-case picking. Tomorrow, our goal is to extend mobile robotics across all logistics flows—from small parts to full pallets and container de-stuffing—creating a resilient, high-performing omnichannel supply chain across the Indian Ocean.”