Feature Warehousing & storage Dedicated storage to keep tools safe
Many factories use sophisticated and expensive tools and equipment, which need to be protected from wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse and theft. Here Clive Woodward, group managing director of Bott, the workplace and storage equipment manufacturer, explains how dedicated storage systems, coupled with security measures, can help
T
he expensive tools and equip- ment used in factories need to last as long as possible, especially in today’s economic climate. But protecting them isn’t just about making sure employees know how to operate and maintain them; well- designed, dedicated storage systems with added security measures can help to reduce wear and tear, acciden- tal damage, misuse and theft. The days when tools were left lying around on workbenches or the shop floor are hopefully long gone, with most factories having basic tool stor- age facilities. However, sophisticated storage systems are available, some designed to protect certain tools. As an example, Bott offers a highly flexible modular storage system for CNC tools. These specialist tools are housed in removable moulded inserts, available for the most popular shank types or supplied blank for custom configurations, which simply clip into a tool carrier.
Tool carriers can then be positioned so they are always to hand when needed, or stored in larger storage housings such as mobile trolleys. Mobile storage is growing in popular- ity, as it negates the need for employ- ees to spend valuable time locating tools for each task within a fixed tool crib. Instead, they take all the tools they need with them to the machine – reducing non-productive time. When not required for immediate use, CNC tool carriers can be easily integrated into our Cubio cupboards and drawer cabinets. Tools can therefore be safely stored in a central location with the tool carriers simply being removed and transported around the shop floor either to machining centres or for sharpening/calibration as required. Alternatively, inserts can be fitted into a drawer frame and permanently stored in a mobile drawer cabinet, or into blocks installed on a louvre panel positioned above a workbench or on a freestanding unit or mobile trolley. Not only can these systems help keep tools tidy and organised, they can also protect expensive items from damage by ensuring they are properly stored when not in use. If tools have a designated ‘home’ which is easy to find, employees will be more com- pelled to work tidily and put things away at the end of a job or shift. In some cases, to reduce unneces- sary wear and tear, as well as acciden- tal damage, misuse and theft, it might
Top right: Tools can be secured through the use of drawer cabinets, cup- boards and trolleys which incorporate security systems
Bott offers a modular storage system for CNC tools with remov- able inserts that can be clipped onto a tool carrier. The tool carrier can integrated into Bott’s Cubio cupboards
be necessary to restrict access by using drawer cabinets, cupboards and trol- leys that incorporate security systems. Accidental damage and the misuse of tools are not uncommon, and can result in costly repairs, recalibrations or replacements are required. Equally, theft in the workplace is a growing reality, especially in tough economic times. The simplest security solutions are based around standard central and three-point locking systems, operated with conventional keys, or electronic central locking (much like everyday car locks with remote blip- per keys). These locks restrict access, as only the key holder should be able to gain access. However, they don’t offer any real traceability – keys can be passed around, and used at any time. Telekey lock systems are more sophisticated. These only allow the key holder to gain access according to predetermined parameters based on access cycles or specific timeframes (for example access will be available between 8am and 12pm). This system can be useful for factories that operate on shift patterns, as keys can be pro- grammed in accordance with working hours. A factory manager can make sure tools are only used when they are supposed to be.
Racking system optimises worktop storage
racking installation designed to maximise storage capacity while minimising space requirements has been completed by Pro-Dek Storage Systems for PWS Worksurfaces, a kitchen and commercial worktops manufacturer in County Durham. When the company decided to open a new production facility, Pro-Dek was appointed to install a cantilever racking system for timber worktops that would take full advantage of the building height in order to maximise the area available for production. The installation has 200m of racking 9.6m high in single-sided and double-sided runs. With eight arms fitted throughout, some 1,800 linear metres of storage have been provided. The arms are 900mm long and support loads up to 700kg. They can be adjusted vertically in increments of 100mm and have a pre-manufactured rake of two degrees. Arm lengths and column spacings have been designed to accommodate a variety of worktop sizes from 1.5 to four metres long and 620mm to 960mm deep. All locations accept all product variations. A heavy-duty guide rail system bolted to the front face of the racking bases allows efficient operation of a multi-directional sideloader and reduces risk of damage, while minimising aisle widths. Pro-Dek Storage Systems
A T: 0114 244 0100 S14
www.pro-dek.co.uk Enter 361
The inventory management or con- trolled access locking system offers the highest security, and is usually applied to drawer cabinets. It restricts access and offers complete traceability. Users request access via a computer interface and input a secure credential or code to open a drawer, or compart- ment. Access rights are preset on the controller and can be applied to people as well as times of the day. Since trans- actions are recorded, the system offers complete traceability. As an added benefit, the inventory management system can also be interfaced with stock management systems, to trigger automatic reordering.
Expensive tools and equipment need to be protected, and the use of storage systems with added security measures where required can form part of the solution.
Bott
www.bottltd.co.uk
T: 01288 357788 Enter 360
MAY 2011 Materials Handling & Logistics
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