Order-picking system makes efficient use of machine element distributor’s warehouse space

Situation

For the past 30 years, Shake-Hand has played an integral role in the machine and appliance construction industry. Operated by two brothers, the company focuses on the distribution of standard machine elements for the mechanical engineering industry including grips, adjustable feet, hinges, clamps, and couplings.

The company was using static racking in its warehouse and realized this method was inefficient for its needs. Shake-Hand had implemented two Kardex Compact Buffers for order picking of smaller materials at its facility in Belgium five years before, so it approached Kardex again to find a way to manage full box picking within a minimal footprint and achieve a higher storage capacity for bin locations.

Resolution

From all the options Shake-Hand considered, it selected three upgraded Kardex Compact Buffers to add to its existing system. This recently launched version, capable of extending up to 20 m long, optimizes the entire space of the facility from top to bottom and from side to side.

The new and existing units are connected to the Kardex Power Pick System warehouse management software to create an integrated, efficient system. The existing units are used to pick small parts, while the new extended units are used to pick full cartons. The full cartons are stored in Kardex VBM Boxes in two different heights. The software has the functionality to consolidate picks from the existing small-parts picking zone and from the full-carton picking zone.