Case Study: Advanced Control for Seamless Operation

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Advanced Control for Seamless Operation

• Standardized Wireless Lighting Control
  
• Scalable for Thousands of Fixtures
• Significant Energy Reduction
• Seamless Existing BMS Integration

The Challenge:

ULINE, North America’s leading distributor of shipping and packaging materials, operates large-scale warehouses & distribution centers that demand reliable, responsive lighting to support fast-paced warehouse operations. With thousands of fixtures per facility and forklifts moving continuously through aisles, lighting needed to respond instantly to occupancy while minimizing energy consumption during vacancy periods.

After successfully deploying SimplySnap at its 800,000-square-foot Lacey, Washington, distribution center, ULINE sought a lighting control platform that could scale across its growing portfolio. They needed a solution that could support tens of thousands of fixtures, integrate with their existing Building Management Systems, deliver consistent performance across sites, and provide centralized visibility and control. Additionally, ULINE required coordinated load management strategies for demand response scenarios, including controlled operation when facilities transition to generator backup power. Exterior site lighting and wallpacks also needed to be incorporated into the same unified platform, along with select non-lighting loads such as air curtains.

The Solution:

ULINE standardized on SimplySnap as its wireless lighting control platform for new warehouses across North America. Today, SimplySnap manages approximately 60,000 fixtures across 20 facilities, delivering scalable, high-performance control in large warehouse environments.

Inside each facility, advanced occupancy-based strategies match warehouse workflows. Fixtures adjust instantly during business hours and dim during vacancies to save energy while ensuring safety. After hours, lights turn off automatically in unoccupied areas. Standardized control templates maintain consistent performance across sites. SimplySnap also integrates exterior area lights and wallpacks with interior and exterior lighting onto a single wireless platform, while SNAP mesh network controllers manage air curtains, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Integrated with ULINE’s Trane Building Management System, SimplySnap enables load management and demand response. When facilities transition to generator backup power, lighting output is automatically capped at 50% to reduce load while maintaining safe illumination. The long-range wireless architecture allows quick deployment with minimal operational disruption and centralized visibility across all locations.

The Results:

By standardizing on SimplySnap, ULINE gained a scalable and reliable lighting control solution that reduces energy costs and supports operational efficiency. The consistent platform delivered measurable operational and financial benefits across ULINE's entire distribution network.

• Deployed across 20 warehouse & distribution centers
• Put approximately 60,000 fixtures under management
• Standardized lighting control platform for all new warehouse facilities
• Created ~30% average energy reduction per site through occupancy-based dimming and shutoff strategies
• Automated 50% lighting cap during generator backup and demand response events
• Integrated control of interior high bays, exterior area lights, wallpacks, and air curtains
• Added instant response to occupancy, supporting safe and efficient warehouse operations
• Created a scalable wireless infrastructure supporting thousands of devices per facility
• Utilized a seamless integration with the existing Trane BMS infrastructure
• Centralized visibility and control across North American operations