Features/Benefits Provided:   20-30% increase in throughput due to semi-automatic crane operation Reduction in training time for operators Reduction in downtime

Problem This government distribution center needed to expand their facility by the consolidation of smaller facilities. The supplied system allows 20,000 pick faces for medium to slow moving product. This consolidated facility is subject to extreme peaks during troop build-up and related operations. Requirements of the new system included maximizing throughput potential and product selectivity, accommodating extreme peaks with an untrained staff, and also minimizing normal operating costs.

Solution A semi-automatic picking solution was provided which included 16-cranes, an infeed and outfeed conveyor system, and modifications to an existing in-floor tow line system. The cranes provide a unique interface between the onboard terminal and the crane's PLC, which provides automatic positioning for the crane operators based on downloads from the existing government-supplied host WMS. This provided 20% greater throughput but also removed machine operation and position responsibilities from less trained operators used during peak throughput periods, effectively providing higher throughput with less trained operators.

More expansions are happening every day with this customer and the involvement of cranes is an integral part to the updates.

is a Proud Member of the AS/RS Product Section of Material Handling Industry of America

FKI Logistex
9301 Olive Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63132-3299
Tel: 1-877-935-4564
manufacturing@fkilogistex.com
www.fkilogistex.com