Overview
A third-generation family owned electrical parts supplier in the Los Angeles area was challenged with growing product demand and increased business opportunities due to manual processes that limited capacity as well as congested floor space limiting the growth of new SKU mix.
Resolution
To help overcome these and other challenges, McCombs-Wall was selected to lead the design and implementation of a semi-automated materials handling solution for the new facility. A new storage / fulfillment system interfaced with ORACLE allowed the customer to add desperately needed SKUs along with a tremendous increase in order picking capacity. System enhancements included a new two story seismically designed pick module for split case and full case picking which included a powered spiral. To manage specialty SKUs a 22-foot high vertical storage carousel (Lean Lift) was also provided.
The conveyor system was designed to automatically deliver empty corrugated cartons within the Pick Module to designated pick zones. If additional picks are required, the system delivers them to the next picking zone until the order is complete. Cartons are then conveyed to a check weighing system and finally sorted to the appropriate shipment lane. Products within the vertical storage unit are picked and conveyed the same way as those in the pick module. The final solution decreased the overall space requirements, increased rate capacity, and reduced order turn around time with a solid return on investment.
