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Smart technology adds value to space-saving storage
While the most obvious advantage of lifts and carousels is their ability to save 90 per cent or more of the space taken up by conventional storage methods, they provide many other significant cost-saving and efficiency opportunities. As Keith Couzens from Couzens Storage Solutions explains, integrated IT systems and technologies can deliver virtually 100 per cent accurate picking, stock management and security, improving manufacturing, assembly and service performance levels
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hile companies willingly invest six figure sums into the latest manufacturing and engineering technologies, their productivity still depends on the immediate and timely availability of components and materials. Any short- fall, whether from inadequate stocks, damage, delays in locating materials or even “shrinkage”, can seriously affect the business process and customer ser- vice, with potentially damaging results. Lifts and carousels are progressively establishing themselves as the ideal complement to ensure the maximum return from investment from core pro- duction and engineering processes as well as for their dramatic space saving abilities. However with each machine individually specified and equipped with the appropriate technologies, they can provide a complete storage, stock management, information and materi- als supply centre.
The fact that each unit comprises a fully enclosed, compact and protected storage facility with limited access greatly enhances stock integrity and safety, as well as virtually eliminating delays from lost or misplaced items. However the many smart technologies available can raise their performance and contribution to productivity to a whole new level. To start the process, access to the entire machine or a limited number of storage trays can be strictly controlled to approved staff using systems such as biometric, swipe card or password entry, ensuring full traceability of each stock movement. Using a touch screen PC, staff are then able to call up the required item in seconds through the inventory management software. The screen can display both product iden- tification data and a picture or a dia- gram, to help ensure first time, fast picking. Barcode scanning enables the operator to check again for accuracy, at the same time updating central stock
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records. With each tray being delivered at a comfortable working height, the picking process is both fast and efficient.
Any machine in the range can be supplied with a choice of inventory management software, interfacing with popular MRP systems and using standard or bespoke software modules for all types of equipment. This includes computer hardware and accessories such as wireless barcode readers, printers and scanners deliv- ered as part of a fully installed and complete turnkey package.
Software is designed to provide fully integrated, real time inventory manage- ment, and to reduce the amount of input required, eliminating much erro- neous data and minimising errors. Information need only be entered once and used by both MRP and ERP sys- tems, saving multiple entry processes. As a result the system can provide valuable management information such as minimum stock levels, stan- dard picking lists, JIT delivery of com- ponent kits to an assembly process, multiple order batch picking and information on usage and demand. Aluminium profile building systems company SAPA operates two Modula lifts with advanced software and digi- tal technology to maximise productiv- ity from their investment. Picking instructions are displayed on a touch screen colour console that slides along the full length of the picking face so it
Top right: Fast efficient picking with smart technology from Couzens Storage Solutions
is always visible to the picker. The Modula software interfaces with SAPA’s own MRP and WMS server, providing complete, real time, stock management and control, all driven from the client’s host machine. When a pick list or an item is selected and called up on the screen, the relevant tray or trays are brought to the picking bay in an average of 26 sec- onds, and a pick-to-light system iden- tifies exactly where the required item is located. The system can multiply the relevant quantity to pick up to ten orders simultaneously linked to a Put- to-Light system with LEDs displaying a place quantity under each of the order totes. Using a barcode reader the operative then confirms the pick and the linked-in printer produces any required documentation.
Smart systems from Couzens Storage Solutions have the potential to add to a company’s competitive advantage
Below: Twin trays presented with stock dividers
In addition the machines have pro- vided SAPA with the scope to consoli- date three existing promises into a single facility. With bespoke software and IT tech- nologies matched with the widest, comprehensive choice of machine designs, clients are able to specify the most suitable and productive configu- ration. Vertical Lifts and Carousels, Heavy Lift designs, Multi-loop Paternosters and Horizontal Carousels can cut space required by up to 90 per cent, can be configured to use almost any space and will easily accommo- date any items from five grams to five tonnes or more.
In an environment where quality of performance and delivery are key components of success, sound stock management can play a vital role in boosting output – and smart systems have the potential to add to a com- pany’s competitive advantage.”
Couzens Storage Solutions T: 01442 250010
verticalcarousel.co.uk Enter 350
MAY/JUNE 2013 Materials Handling & Logistics
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