for the UK's rising industrial rent. Rising industrial floorspace rental costs can be offset by using systems that provide compact and efficient component storage and retrieval
With industrial rent costs steadily increasing, businesses looking to expand their operations face increasing rents and rates along with big capital investments in space. According to the materials handling specialist Kardex, the implementation of intelligent storage and retrieval systems in existing warehouses could provide the solution required to eliminate the need for buying new space.
"The current high availability of warehouse space will be tempting to managers looking at expanding their manufacturing and distribution capabilities", explains Clive Williams, sales manager for Kardex. "However, by implementing automated vertical storage solutions that can free up to four-fifths of existing warehouse floorspace, managers have the freedom to use their current spaces more cost-effectively."
Automated materials handling solutions such as vertical carousel systems consist of computer controlled trays that rotate internally and are stacked in a space-saving high density, vertical configuration. Vertical carousel systems from Kardex, such as the Industriever, operate on the 'goods to man' principle which allows users to request components from a simple keypad. The system then quickly moves selected items to a convenient and ergonomic picking shelf at the base of the system. The system is capable of delivering components around 60 percent faster than traditional manual retrieval, potentially delivering significant labour cost savings in addition to saved space.
Other systems that provide similar benefits include the Kardex Shuttle XP vertical lift-based solution which can detect the height of stored items and automatically adjust internal shelves to maximise the internal storage density and optimise retrieval times.
Williams believes such systems provide benefits beyond simply saving space to cut costs. "Compared with manual handling, vertical carousel and lift systems dramatically increase productivity, provide greater security for high value components and eliminates the need to bend and stretch for awkward items."
Kardex customers benefit from a comprehensive range of additional services including analysis of storage requirements, assistance with equipment selection, configuration and integration. Flexible support contracts ensure that Kardex systems continue to operate at high efficiency levels and they can be adapted and upgraded to suit future needs.
About Kardex
Kardex is one of the world's leading manufacturers of materials handling solutions. Its expertise spans from high density automated carousel solutions to scalable lift-based storage and retrieval systems. With more than 175,000 systems operating around the globe, Kardex delivers solutions that enable world class companies to access their critical components quickly, efficiently and reliably.
Kardex has operations in 30 countries and employs more than 1000 people. For more information visit www.kardex.co.uk
Kardex and Industriever and Shuttle XP are registered trademarks of Kardex Systems (UK) Ltd.