Kardex takes manufacturing distribution to the next level #Engineering #VerticleBufferModule

When Kardex released its Vertical Buffer Module back in 2017, it offered a revolutionary way of efficiently picking in a small footprint.  To all intents and purposes, it was a warehouse in a box.

Today it is being used globally by companies who are looking to decrease the amount of picking errors.  But Kardex R&D rarely sits on their laurels and this month they released their extended upgrade version to the market.

SHAKE-HAND in Belgium is one of the first companies to use the new extended version.  With a focus on the distribution of standard machine elements for the mechanical engineering industry including grip, (adjustable) feet, clamps, couplings and more, they needed a way to handle small parts as well as bigger items and full cartons.  They chose the Kardex Compact Buffer to manage full bin picking within a small footprint.

The upgraded version of the Kardex Compact Buffer is extremely flexible in its design, and the new upgrade allows the system to extend up to 20-meters long. Thanks to this upgrade Kardex was able to provide the exact amount of bin locations they needed. The full solution consisted of three 18-meters long units to fully maximise warehouse space, they also utilised Kardex’s VBM Boxes in two different heights to store cartons and bigger items.

“The extended Kardex Compact Buffer was just what we needed to optimise our full bin picking.” Said Niek Lerou, Owner, SHAKE-HAND

Prior to working with Kardex, SHAKE-HAND used static shelves. Realising inefficiencies and with a need to manage growth, they have now replaced their manual storage locations with an automated system that reduced the footprint while optimising volume.

SHAKE-HAND were able to decrease the amount of picking errors after checking articles in the incoming goods area by using Kardex Power Pick System (software) which assigned a storage location in one of the five Kardex Compact Buffers (standard ones for small parts, extended ones for cartons). The employees store the articles in the machines and pick them when needed. There is a display tool on the Kardex Power Pick System that facilitates enhanced picking.

The Kardex VBM solution features a turntable, designed for fast order picking. The turntable sits at the front ensuring the next pick is ready in advance. The VBM’s modular design with its small but secure footprint, allows for scalability. The system’s ability to work alongside other software and hardware solutions, such as the Kardex Frame Pick System, provides greater flexibility for individual order fulfilment.

To learn more about the Kardex Compact Buffer or download a fact sheet click here.