The signal device and systems manufacturer WERMA, based in Wellingborough with its factory in southern Germany, launches “StockSAVER” at Intralogistex 2017. The system, simple to retrofit to existing FIFO flow racking solves many typical Kanban issues, increases significantly the floor space for value adding activities and increases cash flow. StockSAVER automatically calls up material replenishment requirements and thereby reduces the margin for human error and will significantly cut the amount of line-side safety stock being held.
Few Kanban systems are completely free from errors and weak spots: the processing of Kanban cards can be delayed; cards can sometimes be mislaid leading to very little transparency in the operation. The introduction of scanners provides only partial relief to some of these issues, not least of all because often staff will “forget” to scan leading to incorrect bookings being made and shelves being incorrectly replenished.
The solution: Third generation Kanban
With the help of WERMA’s StockSAVER many of the traditional Kanban issues can be resolved: stock withdrawals no longer have to be scanned and arithmetically calculated stock levels errors are removed.
Intelligent sensors on the FIFO racking give total transparency of stock levels and, thanks to the automatic call for replenishment, stock-outs and incorrect stock replenishment is excluded. The objective of the system is to halve the level of stock held line-side by reducing the traditional amount of safety stock being held there. Human errors in calling up for new material or the incorrect filling of shelves is eliminated.
By using StockSAVER you can halve the number of FIFO racks and space required on the shop-floor. This can free up valuable floor space for other value adding activities and of course cash flow will be improved through reduced stock.
What will StockSAVER do for you?
Sensors can be fitted simply and quickly to any FIFO flow racking system to detect the passage of all sizes of commonly used bins. Bin movements and the requests for replenishment are automatically transmitted wirelessly giving a transparency to the stock levels in the FIFO racks. This will enable a significant reduction in the requirement for safety stocks to be held there.
StockSAVER is simple to install and is easy to extend. Clear and simple Kanban displays keep Production and Logistics informed and enables the process to become more robust and less susceptible to errors.
AndonSPEED: a unique system for optimising warehouse logistics processes
Since 2016 AndonSPEED has been playing its part in optimising processes on manual workstations and in warehouse operations. The system is a unique and innovative intelligent monitoring and call-for-action system. Unlike traditional andon light systems AndonSPEED not only gives a clear local visual signal of a disruption or change in status on the line or workstation, but also documents and analyses downtime. The wirelessly connected system passes information to a control station display on a PC or screen and can also despatch call for action e-mails automatically to personnel required to intervene and resolve a problem.
WERMA UK Ltd
Tel: 01536 486930
uksales@werma.co.uk
