advertising feature handling l
designer an instant, detailed view to work with.
In major projects, after the design concept has been established, Stratos simulation techniques can then be applied to analyse and validate the
potential throughput and material flow. By programming the proposed delivery and despatch schedules and volumes, together with the activity levels of the material handling equipment, a dynamic on-screen simulation of the operation can be viewed verifying storage area and equipment utilisation, energy usage forecasts and delivery-on-time performance against targets. Steve Porter continues: “Stratos provides a complete overview so that
Case study: Toolstation
Founded in 2003, Toolstation Ltd is an independent company that is passionate about running an efficient tool supply operation that keeps costs low so that its trade customers can benefit from consistently low prices for high quality materials. With a thriving online business and over 80 Trade Counters nationwide, the company is one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK serving over 50,000 customers a week. Linde Creighton first started working with Toolstation in 2008 to explore the material handling needs at its new NDC (National Distribution Centre) site in Redditch. The combination of the right product and business solution was a key factor for this customer. Using dynamic warehouse simulation programme, Stratos, Linde was able to help the customer design and deliver the most effective warehouse layout and right mix of trucks to maximise its productivity, performance and operating cost savings.
Linde currently supplies Toolstation with a mixed fleet of over 20 trucks, comprising the NDC’s workhorse – the low- and medium-level order picker – as well as high- level reach trucks, electric counterbalance, pedestrian powered pallet trucks and specialist very narrow aisle trucks to maximise additional warehouse storage capability in areas of the NDC site. Adam Keates, Operations Director, Toolstation Ltd, comments: “When Toolstation designed this warehouse from scratch, the Linde team was involved from
www.PressOnShD.com January 2012 ShD 15
the outset with the planning and organisation of our materials handling. One year on, the mix of trucks works perfectly, managing the extensive throughput and the fleet is performing to a very high standard.”
With a product portfolio of over 10,000 catalogue items and a next day delivery customer commitment, product performance, reliability and service support are critical to the operation. Linde Material Handling provides a dedicated team of highly trained engineers to service and maintain the Toolstation fleet to ensure efficient day to day management of the NDC.
modifications, adjustments and alternatives can be easily assessed to produce the best possible solution for the client’s needs. The great benefit of using the system is that it allows our customers to confirm project viability at the planning stage before any commitment to major investment is made. A recent example of this planning in action is through our work with national tool supplier, Toolstation.” ●
www.linde-mh.co.uk
HD-OFCJan12:ShD template.qxd 09/01/2012 10:45 Page 201 Promoting excellence in logistics and materials handling ShD
Fork Lift Trucks l Order Picking l Facilities Management
January 2012
www.PressOnShD.com
RAGE HANDLING DISTRIBUTION
JANUARY 2012
Informa Exhibitions
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