Case studies
Mayflex
Electrical wholesale distribution centre invests in vertical lift technology to improve picking / replenishing times
History
Mayflex's stores prior to the installation of Hanel's automated storageMayflex, a leading distributor of networking solutions throughout the UK & Ireland, operating from a modern warehouse & offices facility in Birmingham, offers customers a first class "order to delivery" response time.
Small to medium sized goods were stored on conventional shelving fitted on ground and mezzanine floor levels. However, due to the tremendous success and expansion of their operation, Mayflex were faced with a storage space problem.
Solution
Mayflex investigated the automated vertical storage market and chose Industore to provide a solution to this problem using an automated vertical storage system. Industore subsequently installed seven Hänel Lean Lifts, which fully utilised the 9.5 metres of height available in the warehouse.
The mezzanine floor, along with all shelving, was removed; with all stock now stored in the Lean Lifts a massive 80% of valuable floor space was saved. This has provided Mayflex with the excess capacity sought within the existing warehouse area.
Industore bespoke software has been interfaced with the Mayflex Warehouse Management System to further enhance the stock pick/replenish operation. This has provided further savings in time and labour costs which, combined with the massive space savings, gave Mayflex a return on investment which was well within the two year target for the project to pay for itself.
Commenting on this implementation of the Hänel Lean- Lifts, Jez Warne, Mayflex Logistics Manager said, "There is no doubt that this innovative way of working in the warehouse is benefiting our customers.
"The speed at which goods are picked and replenished using the Lean Lifts, ensures that both efficiency and accuracy are substantially enhanced. The software designed exclusively for Mayflex by Industore, offers us a unique picking experience not offered anywhere else in the UK".
