Just-in-Time ASRS Delivery Warehouse Order Picking Military Component Supplies

Just-in-Time ASRS Delivery for Military Component Supplies

A logistics company providing warehousing, transportation, and just-in-time delivery to defense contractors was growing too rapidly for their warehouse to keep up. The warehouse wanted to maximize their existing space and avoid a building expansion while improving efficiency and material flow on the warehouse floor. They eventually installed 21 just-in-time ASRS delivery machines for more efficient warehouse order picking of military component supplies, which drastically reduced their footprint, improved safety and efficiency, and increased order fulfillment. Read on to find out how. Click here to watch a video showing how the just-in-time ASRS delivery VLMs work.

Vertical ASRS Machines Save Space & Improve Efficiency

Due to the warehouse’s layout, employees were moving large products like vehicle engines long distances for staging and shipping. This ate up a lot of time and space in addition to increasing the risk of injury to employees or damage to products. The warehouse wanted to reduce the number of forklifts on the floor, improve picking accuracy, maximize their current warehouse space, and create a more streamlined order picking and delivery process for components and supplies.

The warehouse first installed two vertical lift modules (VLMs) to test the system. The automated picking environment made employees 10 times more efficient and made their data entry control nearly perfect. After such positive results so soon after the installation, they proceeded to grow the system to 21 VLMs.

Combined with narrow-aisle racking and a high-density pallet system, the VLMs also cut the warehouse’s storage footprint down by about 100,000 square feet. A shuttle system also manages large items that previously required navigation and logistical coordination, and in 50% less space than the previous system.

One of the major benefits of the warehouse order picking machines is its inventory management software for all 21 VLMs. With their previous fixed shelving system, the warehouse used specific aisles for different customers that employees would move through to pick orders. Two of the same part were often stored in two different places for two different clients. The inventory software, however, allows multiple client inventories to be stored in one central area while keeping their items separate in the system. This provides greater storage density and allows employees to batch pick multiple orders at once for faster fulfillment.

The ASRS system has allowed the warehouse to exceed their picking efficiency, order picking, and accuracy goals. Employees also now enjoy a cleaner and more ergonomic working environment. The enclosed VLMs prevent dust from gathering on the parts during storage, and employees no longer have to frequently travel across the warehouse and transport large items. Click here to learn more about just-in-time ASRS automated systems.

Contact Us for Just-in-Time ASRS Delivery

Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for just-in-time ASRS delivery for warehouse order picking of military component supplies and other material handling applications. We will also provide you with a free consultation to determine your exact needs and specifications before the design process begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.