MAHLE aftermarket achieves milestone in Operational Efficiency with AutoStore empowered by Kardex
MAHLE Aftermarket turned to Kardex for an automated storage and retrieval solution following a shift in orders from large pallets to mixed-SKU single cartons and storage constraints at its Olive Branch, Mississippi fulfillment center, with the global parts and solutions provider ultimately selecting AutoStore empowered by Kardex Having witnessed a trend towards more small package orders and less frequent large stock pallet orders, MAHLE Aftermarket selected a highly efficient AutoStore empowered by the Kardex robotic cube storage system to increase capacity and throughput. A global parts and solutions provider to the independent aftermarket was also experiencing storage capacity constraints at its Olive Branch, Mississippi distribution center. MAHLE looked for a high-density storage solution that would enable it to adapt to the shift in customer order profiles and is scalable for future growth. Having examined various options, MAHLE Aftermarket invested in the AutoStore empowered by the Kardex solution. The project has been hailed a success by MAHLE, helping the company store more products in less space and ship small orders more efficiently. Working together proves successful for MAHLE and Kardex MAHLE chose Kardex to implement the intelligent goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) tailored to MAHLE Aftermarket’s material flow, with market-leading inventory storage density and processing. The complete AutoStore solution at the Mississippi facility comprises 42,000 bins, seven ports, and 18 robots, in addition to a connected conveyor solution with 18 gravity lanes used for consolidation. Designed and planned by the experts at Kardex, the AutoStore solution was built and commissioned on schedule and ramped up quickly and smoothly. Kardex FulfillX maximizes the capabilities of AutoStore robotic cube systems to optimize resources and processes, delivering the fastest order fulfillment solution per square foot on the market. It increases storage capacity by up to 4 times and enhances performance by up to 10 times compared with traditional methods without additional workforce. MAHLE praises density, scalability, and hands-on support MAHLE Aftermarket has hailed the support Kardex provided throughout the project. Lorraine Hinderer, MAHLE Aftermarket Head of Business Innovation and Excellence, says, “One of the reasons we chose Kardex is because compared to the other integrators, they were able to provide an end-to-end solution tailored to our material flow, whereas the others were focused on selling their solution and not a holistic approach. I would recommend Kardex to other companies – and have actually – just due to the way that they support in the whole initial design and sizing… but also in actually implementing the system on-site.” Rhiannon Fisher, MAHLE Aftermarket Head of Business Excellence for the North America region, adds, “The support provided by Kardex exceeded expectations. During the design process, they were very hands-on. They provided support on-site during the entire process and ultimately delivered a turnkey solution.” Fred Fox, Director of Project Success for the Kardex Solutions AutoStore team, explains that Kardex offers clients the flexibility to either leverage Kardex FulfillX, the purpose-built software package designed specifically for AutoStore end-user solutions, integrate other warehouse management systems (WMS), or utilize their own software. In the case of MAHLE Aftermarket, it chose to integrate with its existing SAP Warehouse Management System. “Together, we got a really good solution in place, and that’s just part of who we are and what we want to do,” Fox states. MAHLE Aftermarket prepares for the future with AutoStore empowered by Kardex Following the success of the Olive Branch project, MAHLE Aftermarket automated a second operation in Décines-Charpieu (Lyon), France, including 22,440 storage bins, seven robots, and two workstations. MAHLE continues to evaluate its other locations worldwide to assess if AutoStore, empowered by Kardex, can enhance customer service, increase efficiencies, and standardize its operations. Kardex delivers a wide range of potential solutions for both logistics and manufacturing operations.
AutoScheduler.AI wins NextGen Solution Provider Award in Artificial Intelligence Category
NextGen Supply Chain Conference Awards Recognize Companies Shaping Tomorrow’s Supply Chains AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, has announced the company is named a winner in the Artificial Intelligence category of the NextGen Solution Provider Awards. The NextGen Solution Provider Awards honor up to four solution providers that have utilized NextGen supply chain technologies in a project implemented for a customer in the following categories: Robotics, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Predictive Analytics. “We are proud to win this prestigious award for our AI-enabled technology that takes disparate data and converges supply chain activities to create plans that orchestrate campus operations for optimized efficiency prescriptively,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “Our clients’ warehouses operate at peak performance.” The NextGen Supply Chain Conference Awards recognize the companies shaping tomorrow’s supply chains with advances that are helping organizations navigate the complexities of the modern supply chain while also preparing them for success in the future. Winners will be presented their award at the conference which takes place in Chicago, October 21-23, 2024, at the Chicago Athletic Association. Moore adds, “Our technology smooths warehouse operations by orchestrating and planning all activities in real-time on top of an existing WMS. It considers space, time, labor, dock doors, and more constraints to ensure that orders are fulfilled on time and in full. Clients gain efficiencies and value in their supply chains through optimized labor, schedules, touches, and inventory.” AutoScheduler’s AutoPilot converges disparate data to orchestrate supply chain activities and optimize campus operations. By integrating data from WMS, yard management systems, ERP, visibility systems, and production schedules, it creates a unified view of operations. Utilizing operational twin technology, AutoPilot predicts future states by analyzing current conditions and planned activities across systems. It employs complex mathematics, AI, and optimization techniques to determine the most efficient use of capacity. This approach optimizes activity systems, prescribes event sequences, and creates a feasible operational schedule, minimizing touches and labor while maximizing service levels.
Episode 492: Driving innovation in supply chains with PepsiCo Labs
Today’s episode of The New Warehouse Podcast features Anna Farberov, the General Manager at PepsiCo Labs. Anna is at the forefront of technological innovation at PepsiCo, exploring and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance efficiency across their supply chain. In this episode, Anna delves into the inner workings of PepsiCo Labs, their approach to innovation, and world-changing technologies that are revolutionizing their operations from seed to shelf. The Integrated Value Chain of PepsiCo PepsiCo’s operations span the entire supply chain, making their approach to supply chain innovation uniquely comprehensive. Anna explains, “We start with what we call ‘seed to shelf.’ We own the seed, we grow the potatoes, and we use our own trucks to ship them.” This vertical integration means that PepsiCo controls every step, from agriculture to direct store delivery, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout. Anna highlights the sheer scale of their operations, noting that small changes can lead to significant impacts. “Imagine if we find a way to grow potatoes better or use less water in our irrigation. Even improving the throughput of our warehouses can have a huge impact,” she says. This comprehensive control allows PepsiCo Labs to target innovations that can deliver substantial benefits across various touchpoints in their supply chain. Taking a Pragmatic Approach to Innovation in Supply Chains PepsiCo Labs takes a pragmatic approach to innovation in supply chains, focusing on solving specific business problems rather than chasing the latest tech trends. “We look at what are the biggest problems in the business, go to the business experts, and ask them what we can solve,” Anna explains. This problem-first strategy ensures that the innovations they adopt are both relevant and impactful. One example Anna shares is their approach to eCommerce warehousing. “We needed a solution for eCommerce that required a large number of SKUs moving fast in a small footprint. This led us to micro-fulfillment centers with automated storage and retrieval systems,” she explains. By focusing on the specific needs of their eCommerce operations, PepsiCo Labs was able to implement solutions that improved efficiency without compromising product availability. Balancing Technology with Human Elements While automation and technology are crucial, Anna emphasizes the importance of centering supply chain innovations around the human element. “You can’t just throw a lot of tech or robotics at a warehouse and expect it to happen. You need to center it around the human element and bring the people with you on the journey,” she states. This approach ensures that technological advancements enhance rather than disrupt the work environment for PepsiCo employees. Anna shares a practical example: “We’ve implemented a scanning solution that can capture multiple labels in one photo, reducing the repetitive task of scanning labels individually.” This not only improves efficiency but also enhances the work experience for employees by eliminating tedious tasks. Key Takeaways PepsiCo controls its supply chain from “seed to shelf,” allowing targeted innovations with significant impacts. Focusing on solving specific business problems ensures relevant and impactful technological adoption. Centering innovations around employees enhances efficiency while improving the work environment. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 492: Driving Innovation in Supply Chains with PepsiCo Labs
Kardex launches fastest order fulfillment per sq ft with FulFillX powering AutoStore at MODEX 2024
Kardex appeared at MODEX 2024 where it unveiled its FulfillX solution, specially designed by expert automation engineers to maximize the capabilities of AutoStore robotic cube storage systems and deliver the fastest order fulfillment solution per square foot on the market. The latest development in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), AutoStore powered by Kardex allows new systems to ramp up faster and takes the unexpected surprises out of go-live, with systems capable of meeting or exceeding business cases in as little as 6 months. Kardex teamed up with cube storage pioneer AutoStore to launch FulfillX, demonstrating how the innovative warehouse execution system (WES) can maximize the potential of automation and robotics. Bringing together the right automation with the right global AutoStore partner, the flexible FulfillX WES is tailored to optimize picking and packing, maximizing the capabilities of AutoStore to complete orders for fulfillment while also streamlining putaway and other inventory processes. With Kardex FulfillX, users get a real-time overview of their whole operation, viewing and managing work in a simple window, receiving downtime estimates, and rapidly deploying enhancements, supported by Kardex’s dedicated AutoStore support team. Cutter & Buck harnesses the power of AutoStore with FulfillX With retail customers becoming more demanding when it comes to delivery times and efficient order fulfillment, conventional solutions are falling behind. Kardex FulfillX for AutoStore can ramp up to full capacity in as little as 6 months. Iconic US clothing retailer Cutter & Buck was able to reinvent its omnichannel business by harnessing the capabilities of AutoStore powered by Kardex’s precise FulfillX WES. The company needed a system to help it handle rising online and bricks-and-mortar sales, and growing inventory levels. The company opted to install an AutoStore system with Kardex FulfillX at its site in Renton, WA. The speed and density of the AutoStore robotic cube solution and the FulfillX-focused ‘pick to pack’ solution were ideal for Cutter & Buck’s existing fulfillment center near Seattle. Combined with Cutter & Buck’s commitment to leverage automation to address business challenges and its forward-looking approach, the project successfully optimized inventory and order fulfillment processes to deliver streamlined results. Kardex at Modex 2024 Visitors to the Kardex booth (B6410) at MODEX 2024 were able to see how Kardex combines its software know-how with the capabilities of AutoStore cube storage solutions to create user-friendly, highly configurable and focused ASRS solutions. In addition to new developments in warehouse software, visitors experienced live demonstrations of Kardex’s Intuitive Pick Assistant. With a user-friendly picking display, the innovative warehouse solution responds to movements and projects relevant picking information directly onto the surface of the access opening. It is compatible with both Kardex Remstar and AutoStore ports to facilitate accurate, ergonomic picking. Using digital tools and augmented reality, Kardex brought to life its full portfolio of solutions, including vertical lift modules, vertical carousel modules, vertical buffer modules, and AutoStore systems. Mitch Hayes, President of Kardex Solutions AutoStore, comments: “It was great to be able to demonstrate the capabilities of our portfolio of automation solutions at MODEX 2024, including Kardex FulFillX for AutoStore, our Intuitive Pick Assistant, and our wide range of modules, software packages and concepts. At Kardex, we assess each customer and understand their needs to develop a tailored solution designed to transform their warehouse operations. “MODEX 2024 was also the ideal opportunity to showcase the real-world success leading apparel company Cutter & Buck has had in North America with FulFillX. FulFillX has been designed to enhance the power of AutoStore, helping companies meet and exceed their business cases quickly by providing exceptional results within months. The modern microservices backend and simple window have been developed by our team of experienced automation engineers with extensive experience of AutoStore and complementary technologies.” Commenting on the capabilities of FulFillX, AutoStore Partner Sales Manager, Matt Savoie, adds, “We are delighted to work in partnership with Kardex on its innovative FulfillX warehouse execution system. AutoStore solutions are built for the future and Kardex has successfully pushed the boundaries of what cube storage can achieve to deliver the fastest order fulfillment system per square foot on the market.”
Hargrove Controls & Automation’s Chet Barton, P.E. awarded Functional Safety Expert Certificate
Process Safety Industry Leader Chet Barton, P.E. of Hargrove Controls & Automation achieves a prestigious Functional Safety (FS) Expert Certificate from TÜV Rheinland, joining an elite group of professionals globally. Hargrove Controls & Automation, a leading industrial automation system integrator and a subsidiary of global EPC firm Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, has announced that Process Safety Leader Chet Barton has been awarded the highest level of certificate from TÜV Rheinland, a Functional Safety Expert Certification. This designation is only available to professionals who meet TÜV Rheinland’s top global standards to be able to call themselves a process safety expert. Barton has been certified as an FS Engineer with TÜV Rheinland since 2010. After gaining years of experience, submitting the required documentation, and fulfilling all requirements such as participating in standard committees, submitting technical papers, presenting at technical symposiums, and obtaining two letters of recommendation, Barton has now achieved the FS Expert (TÜV Rheinland) certificate in Safety Instrumented Systems. “I am deeply honored to receive the FS Expert certificate from TÜV Rheinland, the most recognized testing service provider in the world in the Process Safety field,” said Barton. “This marks a significant milestone in my career; I leveraged my years of experience, community involvement, and dedication to educating others for this achievement. I am committed to mentoring and guiding others in the crucial practice of enhancing facility safety. This certificate represents the next step in my journey, allowing me to contribute more effectively to our shared goal of a safer industry. For me, this achievement is more than just a personal accomplishment; it’s a commitment to making a real difference in the world.” “We are incredibly proud of Chet’s achievement,” expressed Karen Griffin, Vice President of Hargrove Controls & Automation. “This prestigious certificate is a testament to Chet’s dedication, expertise, and his unwavering commitment to safety in the industrial automation sector. His accomplishment not only elevates his professional stature but also reinforces Hargrove’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and technical excellence.” You can learn more about Barton’s safety expertise and knowledge in Hargrove Controls & Automation Insights. The TÜV Rheinland Functional Safety & Cybersecurity Training Program, established in 2004 in collaboration with multinational enterprises, has played a pivotal role in the professional development of engineers and technicians over the past 20 years. It stands out as the only global vocational training program that encompasses both Functional Safety and Cybersecurity (FS & CySec) with its content and competencies validated by a neutral third party. Over 30 international companies and their experts back the FS & CySec Training Program, ensuring the highest quality of training. To date, the program has had more than 18,000 engineers participate, each of whom has earned the globally acknowledged FS Engineer (TÜV Rheinland) certification, marking a significant contribution to the field of industrial safety and security.
CKF recently started the install of the third central palletizing project for iconic snack manufacturer
CKF Systems are delighted to have started the installation of another Robotic Central Palletising system for a world leading snack manufacturer at one of their large state-of-the-art, modern facilities, building further on the company’s 25-year strong working relationship. This latest install will provide fully automated palletisation, taking cased product from seven existing production lines. Elements of the systems design were carried over from the two large Robotic Central Palletising systems already supplied and commissioned by CKF for them at another of their plants. CKF are providers in automated robotic solutions with more than 30 years’ experience supporting different industries including Food & Beverage, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Automotive. This new multi-million-pound system is the latest robotic system to have been delivered and commissioned by the experienced engineering team at CKF, aiding our client’s drive for the improvement and automation of the operations within their manufacturing facility. This system is a full turnkey solution from CKF Systems incorporating CKF’s own range of pallet and case conveyors along with ABB robots, Apollo Spirals and Intralox ARB equipment. CKF are ABB Value Providers and are the only company in the UK to hold a full Preferred Partnership agreement with Intralox giving CKF a license to manufacture Intralox’s ARB equipment in house. Jamie Quinton CKF Managing Director said “CKF Systems have built an established and successful relationship with our customer spanning more than 25 years. We’re delighted that they have again chosen CKF Systems to help automate their operations and further drive their ambitions to increase productivity, streamline their operations and reduce manual handling through effective use of automation and robotics. The length of the relationship shows how much trust has has been established between our two companies and the confidence they have in the reliability of our solutions”
AutoScheduler now available on SAP® Store
AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, announces that its warehouse resource planning and optimization platform, AutoScheduler, is now available on SAP® Store, the online marketplace for SAP and partner offerings. AutoScheduler takes data from SAP ERP solutions and uses capacity-constrained schedules to create plans and schedules that optimize the warehouse. “Adding AutoScheduler to the SAP Store will be an invaluable resource for companies needing to speed fulfillment operations, optimize warehouse resources, and better manage inventory. Many of our customers and prospects use SAP ERP solutions and are searching for ways to improve supply chain operations. AutoScheduler will help them orchestrate warehouse operations to drive value and efficiencies through the supply chain.” said Keith Moore, Chief Executive Officer, AutoScheduler AutoScheduler.AI enables organizations to: Combines disparate data from multiple systems, converges supply chain activities, and prescriptively creates fulfillment plans that orchestrate campus operations for optimized efficiency. Properly orchestrated facilities work harmoniously to get inventory shipped on time and in full. Prescribe the optimal workflow for operations using constraint-based mathematics and digital twins to minimize touches and ensure on-time, in-full fulfillment. Crossdock more frequently to keep inventory and activities steady so everything is on time and available for fulfillment. Minimize the number of transfer shipments by automatically shifting dock locations to reduce the number of moves among warehouses, which helps to speed fulfillment. SAP Store, found at store.sap.com, delivers a simplified and connected digital customer experience for finding, trying, buying, and renewing more than 2,300 solutions from SAP and its partners. There, customers can find the SAP solutions and SAP-validated solutions they need to grow their business. For each purchase made through SAP Store, SAP will plant a tree. AutoScheduler.AI is a partner in the SAP PartnerEdge® program. The SAP PartnerEdge program provides the enablement tools, benefits, and support to facilitate building high-quality, disruptive applications focused on specific business needs – quickly and cost-effectively.
KPI Solutions
Robotics Company is helping facilities leverage economic uncertainty to leapfrog competition through automation
Hai Robotics US, the recent winner of the MHI Innovation Award for Best Innovation of an Existing Product, is making more waves in the American warehousing and manufacturing markets. As a result of market research and evaluating lessons learned from the last recession, Hai Robotics has developed strategic programs that flip exceptions of business development in a recession on its head. The company developed programs that allow facilities to leverage times of economic uncertainty to their advantage through strategic warehouse automation and planning that situate companies for accelerated advancements when markets stabilize. In a slow market, many companies typically increase cash balances to fund operations. As a result, we often see reduced budgets and delays in buying large capital expenses, but the need for automation does not slow down. Companies still face staffing concerns, operating costs still need to be reduced, inventory management and loss prevention need improvements, and business security is always front of mind. COVID provided many lessons on how to manage warehousing and facility development in economic uncertainty and how to reduce risk of entry in those times. Back in 2020 – 2021, many businesses held off purchasing facility automation. Then, when those businesses returned to their automation advancement plans after the initial COVID recession, material and automation equipment backlogs were at an all-time high. Lead times were pushing 12+ months for certain solutions. Businesses that were desperate to speed up their automation plans that were already delayed by spending pause were then facing further delays due to everyone jumping in at the same time. In comparison, the facilities that had already started to implement automation before or through the pandemic were, in some cases, now over a year ahead of their competition in operational advancement. These companies also had automation, or the foundations of a large-scale automated solution in place, making them better situated to manage the labor shortage and surge of consumer demand that followed. Knowing that facilities will someday again need to navigate economic uncertainty while developing business, Hai Robotics evaluated the needs of companies in times of uncertainty and established automation solution options that turn recessions into periods of strategic growth through their pilot programs. The company’s automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is “material agnostic,” meaning it provides automated storage systems created out of almost any industry standard racking and containers. As a result, the system inherently has a lower price point than many comparative options and provides system flexibility not common in ASRS – allowing for simplified expansions and maintenance. For many companies, this also means installing a larger system with lower cost and lower risk, adding business security in times of economic uncertainty. Hai Robotics is offering pilot systems consisting of 1 or 2 robots, racking & totes, 1 workstation, software that includes host interface, implementation, and staff training, as well as a co-developed roadmap for future expansion, for a total price point less than $250,000 USD. These systems allow companies to gain immediate benefits from automation while laying the foundation necessary for smart facility updates with low risk and low cost. Facilities are able to make adjustments necessary for all automated advancements with a smaller system, laying the foundation for strategic growth: Familiarize the facility and workers with the technology, hardware, and equipment Set up the software interfaces and base code Establish operational workflows and trainings Currently, with a pilot program from Hai Robotics, systems can be implemented in 6 months or less, allowing for more immediate operational security. Each system is designed with an understanding of the anticipated growth for that business, making system expansions simpler and with a lower price point at each stage of growth. This breaks up the costs of a full-scale solution, so companies only pay for what is needed as they need it. When asked about the pilot programs, Brian Reinhart, VP of Sales, Marketing, and Solutions at Hai Robotics US, replied, “We’re excited to help our customers begin their automation journey in a low-risk environment. We’ve been touting the technology’s flexibility a lot recently and this is another avenue to prove that value to the market. We’re committed to maintaining and supporting a low-cost point of entry and speed to market, two critical elements for those just beginning their adoption of automation.” Customers are seeing the benefits of this scalable solution and are experiencing the value in the simplicity of its ability to expand. “We have a big space, but we don’t want to buy too much upfront.” Adam Womble, Co-Founder of Avenue Shops stated, “The flexible nature of Hai’s system and the ease to add more rows of racking and robots made it the better system for us.” Avenue Shops, a full-service apparel sourcing, storage, and distribution facility that supports thousands of women’s fashion boutiques around North America, purchased a pilot system at the end of 2022 that reduces their storage footprint to 30% of the original space, increases storage height by 4x, and improves operator order fulfillment speed by 3-4x. As the business continues to grow, the system is designed to expand. Companies that utilize time when the markets are slower to implement pilot systems that set up the foundation for larger-scale automation can find themselves months, or even a year+ ahead of companies that chose to hold off all together until markets rebound. To know more about Hai Robotics’ pilot programs, contact info.us@hairobotics.com.
PeakLogix welcomes Pat Peplowski as VP of Business Development
PeakLogix announced that Pat Peplowski has joined the company as VP of Business Development. Peplowski is a data-driven leader who has spent his 30-year career profitably growing and scaling companies operating in B2B markets. The material handling market has been on a significant rise, bringing an abundance of companies seeking expedited solutions for managing inventory, increasing operational efficiencies, and driving profitability. Peplowski carries a deep level of expertise in business development and client relationship management. Peplowski’s career began in various front-line and mid-level management roles, gaining him valuable hands-on experience within the manufacturing, distribution, and material handling industries. Before joining PeakLogix, Peplowski was with Heartland Steel Products for over 11 years, first as their VP of Sales and later as CEO/President. He played a significant role in re-establishing the company in the marketplace, spearheading the business’s development and client management, and implementing effective growth strategies and processes. Prior to that, he managed the sales group of Interlake Mecalux, Inc. for over a decade. Peplowski earned an MBA from Wayne State University and a BA from Michigan State University, is a Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) and Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO®), and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt 2.0. “PeakLogix’s advanced ability to develop data-driven, tailored solutions for our client’s specific needs is seemingly unmatched in the industry, and I’m excited to join the company as it’s increasing market share and expanding its suite of innovative solutions,” said Peplowski. “As the product suite becomes more software-driven, my technical background brings a unique lens to how we engage our clients and solve their immediate and long-term distribution and facilities challenges,” he added. “Pat brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to PeakLogix, not only in the industry but in building teams and scaling businesses,” said Robert Giberson, President of PeakLogix. He added, “We are excited to have him step into such an important role for the company. His seasoned leadership skills and customer-centric mindset will be crucial to our team’s success.” Peplowski’s position with PeakLogix began in October 2022.
SHAKE-HAND utilizes warehouse space with the new extended version Kardex Compact Buffer
The new Kardex Compact Buffer utilizes warehouse space from top to bottom and from side to side for long-term partner SHAKE-HAND. Five years ago, SHAKE-HAND implemented two Kardex Compact Buffers for efficient and accurate order picking of smaller materials at its facility in Belgium. Based on this success, the company knew Kardex would have a solution on how to navigate the latest challenge: efficiently managing full box picking within a minimal footprint. The recently launched upgraded version of the Kardex Compact Buffer was the answer. The flexible design allows the buffer to extend up to 20 meters, seamlessly maximizing existing warehouse space. For the past 30 years, the family-operated company, SHAKE-HAND, has played an integral role in the machine and appliance construction industry. Operated by two brothers, the organization focuses on the distribution of standard machine elements for the mechanical engineering industry including grip, (adjustable) feet, hinges, clamps, couplings, and more. Prior to working with Kardex SHAKE-HAND, used static racking in its warehouse. Realizing its inefficiencies, the company turned to Kardex to implement two Kardex Compact Buffers. The solution allowed SHAKE-HAND to save space and significantly improve performance. Following the success of their 5-year relationship, SHAKE-HAND knew Kardex was the place to turn when the company recently needed to find an affordable mini-load system for full box picking and a higher storage capacity for bin locations. From all the options SHAKE-HAND considered, they selected three upgraded Kardex Compact Buffers to add to its existing solution. The recently launched version, capable of extending up to 20 meters 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 warehouse management software, Kardex Power Pick System, and create a fully integrated, efficient, and accurate intralogistics solution. 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 at two different heights. The Kardex Power Pick System has the functionality to consolidate picks from the existing small parts picking zone and from the full carton picking zone. To complete the full intralogistics solution, Kardex also provides a global service care network to manage remote services. “We have worked with Kardex for five years and have seen excellent results from the Kardex Compact Buffer. We are very happy with the solution and how it has fulfilled our business needs. With our business growing, we knew we could count on Kardex to help once again. The extended Kardex Compact Buffer was just what we needed to optimize our full bin picking. With its dimensions of up to 20 meters long and 12 meters high, we can use it to maximize our existing space and increase storage capacity.” – Niek Lerou, SHAKE-HAND Owner.
Columbia/Okura LLC
Abel Womack Integrated Handling Solutions
EP 292: Autostore at MODEX 2022
Joining me for this week’s podcast from the booth at MODEX 2022 is Mark Hasler, Business Development Manager at Autostore. With over 900 global installations, Autostore is a goods-to-persons automated storage retrieval system (AS/RS). Autostore’s unique cube storage automation allows organizations to maximize space and utilize nontraditional warehouse space to serve their customers. Key Takeaways Mark discusses a future in which the consumer directly interacts with the AS/RS system. The pandemic has forced retailers to find ways to get goods to customers faster. Autostore’s compact size allows retailers to move closer to the consumer by utilizing smaller spaces such as strip malls or retail locations. Autostore provides an exciting solution when warehouse space is scarce and expensive. For warehouses busting at the seams, Autostore allows them to operate in a much smaller warehouse footprint. In some cases, implementing Autostore resulted in a 75% reduction in footprint by eliminating aisles and shelves. We also discuss an actual “lights out” solution through future integration of Autostore’s cube storage automation and robotic picking. The potential here is fascinating as organizations look to support growth while navigating labor challenges. In some potential future cases, we may see the customer actually do the picking from an Autostore system at a retail location. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 292: Autostore at MODEX 2022
Muratec
T3 Motion
Tompkins Robotics continues to enhance Automated Sortation Process with new tSort3D System
In keeping with the belief to deliver adaptive, flexible, and portable solutions, Tompkins Robotics introduces the new tSort3D. tSort3D is modular, allows customers to implement quickly, and the system can grow and change as their operational needs evolve. The tSort3D greatly multiplies the destination density and volume of the sortation process. A tSort3D system is mated with the Tompkins Robotics tSort solution for item sortation loading and routing the items to tSort3D modules for order consolidation. The system is ideal for the fulfillment of items for customer e-commerce orders and other fulfillment flows such as store replenishment and reverse logistics. The system can be deployed in a scalable fashion in sites as small as the backroom of retail stores and up to very large Distribution and Fulfillment Centers. tSort3D allows 6 to 8 times the sort destinations in the same space as other traditional automated sortation solutions, provides for thousands of sort destinations, volumes up to 20,000 an hour, and facilitates a single, very large batch pick. These capabilities far exceed other dense sortation systems on the market today. This solution solves a pressing need in distribution and fulfillment operations that no previous automation solution fully addressed. “tSort3D can handle the widest range of products compared to other automated sortation solutions on the market,” says Tompkins Robotics President & CEO, Mike Futch. “The tSort3D uses a tray as the carrier, while other solutions use a cross belt. Tompkins Robotics unique tray design ensures that round, cylindrical, and oddly shaped items are compatible with our system.” In addition, tSort3D can handle wider, taller, and deeper products than other dense, robotic sorters on the market. The system can continuously track items, orders, and order status to provide real-time updates to an operator. tSort3D provides a much less labor-intensive process from picking through to order delivery to packing for many product flows and products. Completed orders can be removed individually or as a batch of up to 24 orders. The system greatly enhances the productivity and capacity of an operation while taking up less space, deploying in less than half the normal required time, and costing less. In addition, the system is very flexible having modular, scalable configurable, and portable abilities that are unique and not found in other solutions.
Kardex goes digital at MODEX 2022
Kardex, a world manufacturer of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) will display solutions digitally at MODEX 2022 for a new customer experience. Well known for vertical lift modules, vertical carousel modules, and vertical buffer modules, the manufacturer has also added a new product offering to support their customer’s growing needs – AutoStore, a cube-based robotic picking technology. With e-commerce continuing to grow, both B2B and B2C manufacturers and distributors are experiencing fluctuating order volumes and increasing customer requirements – making it challenging to manage order fulfillment. Implementing scalable automation and intuitive pick-to-light technology enables higher picking throughput and maximum labor efficiency to manage demand fluctuation common with e-commerce businesses. Using augmented reality at MODEX 2022, you can see your warehouse come to life with automation solutions throughout your facility. From order picking to kitting and buffering, Kardex solutions support a wide variety of industries and applications. Our experts will consult with you to provide the best solution for your business. Our ASRS technologies operate on the goods to person principle, delivering stored items directly to the operator at an ergonomic access point with the push of a button. High-density automation can reduce your storage footprint by up to 85%, increase pick accuracy and reduce labor requirements. In addition to our ASRS and software solutions, Kardex has various life cycle services to support your systems both in-person and remotely, to keep your business running smoothly. To see our full portfolio, visit the Kardex booth B8613 at MODEX 2022 in Atlanta, GA March 28-31, 2022.
Darein Gandall named CEO of Cisco-Eagle
Effective January 13, 2022, Darein Gandall has been named CEO and Chairman of the Board of Cisco-Eagle, a Dallas-based material handling systems integrator. Previous CEO Warren Gandall will now serve as Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors. Warren Gandall founded Cisco-Eagle in 1970 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his partner William D. Cupps transitioned Cisco-Eagle into an employee-owned company in 2000. During this time, Cisco-Eagle grew from a single location to offices in nine states and customers in over 70 countries. Warren Gandall taps his decades of experience and creativity to provide advice and consultation to Cisco-Eagle in his new role. “I’m proud of what we’ve built,” Warren said. “I’m probably most proud that we passed ownership to the people who built it—the employees. They have driven our innovation and growth. I’m elated that Darein has agreed to guide them as the company moves ahead.” Before he became President in 2013, Darein Gandall served as Oklahoma Sales Director. He joined the company in 1992 following his graduation from the University of Tulsa and served in sales, warehousing, and customer service throughout his career. During his tenure as president, Cisco-Eagle’s revenue and markets grew substantially as it improved and strengthened its processes, empowered its sales groups, created a more agile management structure, developed key customer partnerships, built industry-leading eCommerce capabilities and expanded into new markets. “The new role allows me to focus more on our company’s future growth and strategic objectives,” Gandall said. “We’ve been in business since 1970, but have the heart of a startup, and that’s why we’re successful. I’d like to thank my father for this opportunity, but I’m deeply grateful to our employee-owners. Warren always taught me that if we take care of our people, they’ll take care of everything else.”
Cisco-Eagle has promoted Bryan Gauger to Vice President of Systems Integration
Cisco-Eagle has promoted Bryan Gauger to Vice President of Systems Integration according to Cisco-Eagle President Darein Gandall. Gauger brings decades of experience and a long list of accomplishments to the role. He started his material handling career as a CAD technician in 1996 and quickly rose to manage Cisco-Eagle’s CAD group. Gauger subsequently was promoted to work in various roles, including project management and application design positions. He became senior project manager before accepting the role of Director of Texas Systems Integration in 2018. In that position, Gauger was instrumental in the design and implementation of multiple large-scale material handling projects across the United States and in Texas. In his new role, Gauger will serve as part of Cisco-Eagle’s senior leadership team, where he will participate in strategic planning and other management decision-making. He will oversee the systems integration group, working with its teams on project design, integration, and implementation for a broad variety of material handling, conveyor, automation, and storage projects. Throughout his career, Gauger has worked Cisco-Eagle’s most significant customers and projects, designing and implementing automation concepts, sophisticated conveyor applications, advanced storage systems, and more. “Bryan is one of the best in the business,” said Gandall. “He has technical skills, experience, and knowledge, but what really sets him apart is his ideas. He’s got this way of seeing an operation and figuring out ways to improve it that is just flat out special.”