Automated storage, such as Kardex systems offer a range of benefits to users, including that they save on floor space, offer safe storage with regard to perhaps valuable stock items, and facilitate the ergonomic retrieval of goods. Those benefits apply no matter what size or weight the goods stored might be.
Carousels and Shuttles are key automated storage systems
With a carousel, the shelves themselves move to bring the required parts to the operator. With a shuttle, the shelves are static and delivery is achieved using a lifting system. As a general rule of thumb, a carousel is best suited to smaller, lighter components and a shuttle to larger, more weighty ones.
A variety of manufacturing processes require the use of heavy parts. The automotive, aeronautic, and agricultural industries spring immediately to mind – when it comes to vans, planes and tractors, for example, it’s not just the finished products that are big and heavy, but also many of the parts that go into them. In addition to those industries, there are many others that work with heavy parts and so would benefit from the use of an automated shuttle for storage.
When it comes to the storage of heavy parts and components, automated storage shuttles really come into their own. Storing and retrieving such components involves risk from a health and safety point of view, and people can easily be injured. With this type of system, there is no requirement for goods to be stored at and retrieved from height, with all the risks inherent in those processes. Instead, the storage tray is presented at a safe, ergonomic level, so whether items are being put into or retrieved from storage, the process is immediately safer. Yes, good health and safety procedures must still be adhered to, but that is the case no matter what activities are being carried out.
As with parts and components of all shapes, weights and sizes, there will be some that are valuable. When it comes to valuable items, security procedures will come into play to avoid damage and loss. Again, automated security systems make this whole process much more straightforward.
Access to those shelves where valuable parts are stored can be limited to certain employees. Storage is secure and contained, so accidental damage is highly unlikely. And should the worst happen, there is a record of who accessed what and when, so an evidence trail exists to help get to the bottom of things. If you are interested in safe storage and retrieval of heavy parts and components and would like to know more about how a Kardex System could help you and your business, get in touch.
Here at Linpic we have decades of experience, meaning we are well-placed to offer advice and assistance to help you understand what is involved and establish an automated storage system that exactly meets your needs.