shuttle VLMs storing and processing custom oil & gas Parts orders
A major oil well company that provides comprehensive drilling systems, rigging equipment, integrated systems, downhole tools, and supply chain solutions for the oil and gas industry was running out of space for storing their ever-increasing number of custom parts orders. To solve their problem and facilitate their growth, the oilwell warehouse installed shuttle VLMs for custom oil and gas parts orders to increase their storage space. Click here to learn more about automated storage systems.
how the VLM shuttles increased space for oil & gas parts orders
With their old storage method, parts were stored on static shelving that occupied 2,654 square feet of floor space. This static shelving not only took up massive amounts of space but required workers to spend extensive amounts of time searching for and transporting parts. The warehouse was redesigned to include three shuttle vertical lift modules (VLMs) that store parts in only 797 square feet of floor space. This opened up 1,857 square feet of usable floor space with 70% floor space savings. (See videos 
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To make order processing fast and efficient, the shuttle VLM operator pulls the order file from the shared network and imports it into the inventory management software that drives the VLMs. The operator simply pushes a button the move the VLM, which automatically starts retrieving the specified parts. The parts are then delivered to an ergonomically placed workstation and the TiC lights display what bin the parts are located in and how many to pick. The operator then picks the parts, bags, and tags it with a pre-printed label. The VLMs have a negligent wait time, and the operator moves between the three VLMs until all of the parts for the order have been picked.
Shuttle VLM benefits at a glance
The oilwell warehouse has reaped many benefits from installing the shuttle VLM for their custom oil & gas parts orders and storage:
- Faster order picking
- 70% floor space savings
- Less labor required
- Better sorting & organizing of parts for faster order processing and better customer service
contact us for shuttle VLMs for custom Oil & gas parts orders
Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services to oilwell warehouses who need automated storage systems for storing and accessing their custom oil and gas parts orders. SSG will even provide a free consultation to determine your warehouse’s exact needs 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.
Resources
Vertical Lift Module
VLM & Shuttle Storage Systems
Order Picking Solutions
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