We started with manual picking alongside manual storage, then came ‘RF’ Radio Frequency and barcoding as this technology was able to increase picking speeds by a 33%. With further advances in technology and the need for further efficiency we are now firmly in the age of automation, which has more than trebled the speed and accuracy of a picking process.
” In the past we could achieve a rate of about 30 manual picks an hour. The addition of Radio Frequency technology and bar coding and tour management has increased this to 40- 45 picks and hour, but we must then compare this to the automated Shuttles which are giving us 90-100 picks per hour. These advantages are further enhanced by much quicker replenishment.” Flow Technologies, UK
For those involved in intralogistics, key drivers are remaining competitive and delivering a customer delight whilst closely monitoring the bottom line. This is achieved by critical consideration of processes and available technology.
As market leader in intralogistics Kardex have a comprehensive view of the industry across all segments and see not only a requirement, but a desire across all industries to enable ‘real-time’ optimisation. This is achieved by increase in picking accuracy, and a doubling or tripling of picking speeds. Being competitive and delivering a faster more accurate service at a lower TCO is without doubt a vital consideration to achieving customer excellence and maximising profitability.
Kardex remain the vanguard for automated storage and retrieval systems. Solutions such as ‘Pick by Light, Pack to Light and Colour Picking systems have become key trends in automating the order picking process. The key feature is that these systems can be linked up to an organisations internal dynamic storage systems giving a seamless experience from storage through to packaging, which impacts all areas of delivery.
Kardex’ most recent development in warehouse storage solutions is the LR35 vertical buffer module. The LR35 sits at the heart of the production process by delivering increased material flow, providing flexible, precise, efficient & secure storage and retrieval of fast moving stocks. LR35 was developed to offer faster access to items and parts whilst maintaining processing time at the machines, storing semi-finished and finished products for increased accuracy and speed as all are key in maximising delivery times. This state of the art technology is the best in class alternative to a mini-load is and to more traditional ASRS.
For a growing number of companies, whether B2B or B2C market focused, there are bottlenecks in traditional fulfilment operations. Efficient, dynamic and flexible systems for fast order fulfilment are essential to eliminate the more traditional, slower, labour intensive and expensive processes.
Globally many companies use LR35’s FramePick4Wholesale as their chosen goods-to-person solution, enabling wholesale companies to reduce the distances walked in their warehouses by as much as 65%. With a combination of smart and intuitive technologies that eliminates picking errors, combined with intelligent order batching; a fourfold increase in the productivity of order pickers can be achieved. All these benefits achieved with one smart and dynamic system, without having to install a complex array of rigid conveyors or investing in other costly material handling equipment.
Kardex systems offer huge space saving, and significantly increased efficiency by reducing fulfilment and storage costs, whether implemented as stand-alone unit or integrated within a wider platform, connected to the client’s ERP/MRP or warehouse management systems.
With the advent of digital, the impact on the intralogistics market was inevitable. Digital is all about the connected world and naturally, intralogistics processes will follow suit.
Automated systems that are connected to storage machines, order picking stations, inventory, data (for analysis) and as the IoT market continues developing, technology that monitors every part of a process from development through to delivery of a product, makes ‘just in time’ delivery easier and more connected, not just for the companies of today but also for the demands of tomorrow.
Companies providing intralogistic solutions understand the importance of optimising their services, to remain competitive and profitable while at the same time retaining their customers and differentiating themselves from their competitors.
Remote access and greater innovation to deliver an efficient and accurate service is now essential when using sophisticated automation. If the Picking system goes down, the financial impact can be disastrous to any company. Recognising that alongside automation there will be a greater need for innovative services, such as remote camera’s installed within the machines that gather information and feed back to the service teams, and remote support software, this information can be accessed quickly to identify any areas for improvement and identify if this can be addressed remotely or require first hand intervention. Combining this approach with the ability to collect the data, companies can define future analytics and transparency of performance. Intelligence which is an essential part of any automation solution supporting continuous development and growth. These solutions are available today, these solutions are what Kardex deliver!
Download the white paper to learn more about the new solution for faster order processing or contact Kardex Remstar at info.remstar.uk@kardex.com or visit our website at www.kardex-remstar.co.uk
