Thursday, December 14, 2017

How about an AS/RS system?

Did you know:
AS/RS systems are designed for automated storage and retrieval of parts and items in manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale and institutions.[3] They first originated in the 1960s, initially focusing on heavy pallet loads but with the evolution of the technology the handled loads have become smaller.[4] The systems operate under computerized control, maintaining an inventory of stored items. Retrieval of items is accomplished by specifying the item type and quantity to be retrieved. The computer determines where in the storage area the item can be retrieved from and schedules the retrieval. It directs the proper automated storage and retrieval machine (SRM) to the location where the item is stored and directs the machine to deposit the item at a location where it is to be picked up. A system of conveyors and or automated guided vehicles is sometimes part of the AS/RS system. These take loads into and out of the storage area and move them to the manufacturing floor or loading docks. To store items, the pallet or tray is placed at an input station for the system, the information for inventory is entered into a computer terminal and the AS/RS system moves the load to the storage area, determines a suitable location for the item, and stores the load. As items are stored into or retrieved from the racks, the computer updates its inventory accordingly.
The benefits of an AS/RS system include reduced labor for transporting items into and out of inventory, reduced inventory levels, more accurate tracking of inventory, and space savings. Items are often stored more densely than in systems where items are stored and retrieved manually.[5]
Within the storage, items can be placed on trays or hang from bars, which are attached to chains/drives in order to move up and down. The equipment required for an AS/RS include a storage & retrieval machine (SRM) that is used for rapid storage and retrieval of material. SRMs are used to move loads vertically or horizontally, and can also move laterally to place objects in the correct storage location.[6]
The trend towards Just In Time production often requires sub-pallet level availability of production inputs, and AS/RS is a much faster way of organizing the storage of smaller items next to production lines.

Rather than selecting a manufacturer who is only going to recommend the best solution that “they” can provide you with, why not go to a systems integrator with experience in all types of AS/RS who has access to many of the best products on the market and all types of AS/RS? This is just one of the advantages that you will benefit from when choosing Kuecker Logistics Group to assist you in the implementation of an automated storage and retrieval system that is custom designed to meet all of your specific and unique requirements.
More to come soon!


Monday, December 11, 2017

Palletizers

A bit about palletizers:

palletizer or palletiser is a machine which provides automatic means for stacking cases of goods or products onto a pallet.
Manually placing boxes on pallets can be time consuming and expensive; it can also put unusual stress on workers.[1] The first mechanized palletizer was designed, built, and installed in 1948 by a company formerly known as Lamson Corp. Lamson is currently owned by ARPAC (.com) who provides both robotic and mechanical palletizers with complete end of line packaging equipment systems.
There are specific types of palletizers including the row-forming which were introduced in the early 1950s. In row-forming palletizing applications loads are arranged on a row forming area and then moved onto a different area where layer forming takes place. This process repeats until a full layer of goods and products are configured to be placed on a pallet.
The in-line palletizer was developed in the 1970s when higher speeds were needed for palletizing. This palletizer type utilizes a continuous motion flow divider that guides the goods into the desired area on the layer forming platform.
Robotic palletizers were introduced in the early 1980s and have an end of arm tool (end effector) to grab the product from a conveyor or layer table and position it onto a pallet.[2] Both conventional and robotic palletizers can receive product at a high elevation (typically between 84” - 2.13m to 124” - 3.15m) or low “floor level” elevation (typically at 30” - 0.76m to 36” - 0.91m).
At Kuecker Logistics Group, we can provide your company with the right palletizing equipment and palletizing solutions that meets the specific requirements of your project. Whether you are in need of one of the fastest and most durable models in the industry or a unique robotic application, we have the right palletizing system for your operations.
Our services don’t have to stop there, though. As an expert integrator of palletizing equipment, conveyor systems, AS/RS and multiple material handling solutions, many times the palletizer is simply one facet of the entire project scope that we provide. Our team analyzes your businesses needs and creates a palletizing solution that can make it run more smoothly.

More to come soon!

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Warehouse Automation Solutions to Streamline Distribution Center Operations


Achieve Optimal Operations With Warehouse Automation

Streamline your processes with warehouse automation from KLG. Our team aims to make your operation as efficient as possible and will do everything we can to help you expand your business by providing warehouse automation and distribution systems.
From handling greater amounts of products to allowing for quicker turnaround times, warehouse automation has been assisting the biggest names in a variety of industries. Consider making your business smarter with warehouse automation from KLG.
Learn more about our custom warehouse automation systems by reading more below or calling (816) 348-3100 today.

Warehouse Automation Solutions

We offer comprehensive warehouse automation solutions for your distribution centers. Here are some of the services we provide:

Put-to-Light

With put-to-light warehouse automation, operators can easily replenish stock thanks to light displays that provide allocation instruction and packing quantities. Operators pick more efficiently thanks to this warehouse automation system.

Omni-Channel Distribution Systems

The convergence of mobile technology, e-commerce websites, and wireless networks have enabled consumers to make purchases almost anywhere -- and they expect prompt delivery. Our warehouse automation solutions include omni channel distribution strategies, including inventory and distributed order management systems.

Supply Chain Automation

Still relying on outdated manual entry, invoicing, printing, processing, mailing, order status updating, and more? Not only does this waste paper, it also takes time. Pair your warehouse automation system with supply chain automation to streamline your processes.

Goods to Man

Our warehouse automation solutions include goods-to-man (also called goods-to-person) systems designed to cut labor costs and cycle times, plus increase order accuracy and employee productivity. Integrate these systems with our other warehouse automation, like put-to-light and pick-to-light systems, to further optimize distribution systems.

Distribution Center Design

Our warehouse automation services include distribution center design. We’ll tour your current facilities and discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to design a distribution plan that meets your needs and corrects any inefficiencies. Then, our warehouse automation team can provide integration, installation, training, and more.

Warehouse Control Software

Without good control software, warehouse automation won’t be as effective and time-saving. KLG will connect you with the software your distribution and fulfillment center needs for streamlined operations.

Contact Kuecker Logistics Group Today for Warehouse Automation Solutions

If you're ready for your operations to run more efficiently, contact us today. KLG is happy to provide you with more information about our comprehensive warehouse automation technology.
Call (816) 348-3100 to discuss your warehouse automation options with our expert team. Talk to Jim tell him Joe sent you!

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Third Party Logistics & Warehouse Management Solutions

Third Party Logistics & Warehouse Management Solutions

Third party logistics - It's just one piece of the logistics, distribution, and supply management industry. This is when a company uses a third party business to outsource some or all of the distribution and fulfillment of their own products and is sometimes abbreviated as 3PL or TPL. Kuecker helps small and large businesses alike achieve efficient, dynamic logistics management solutions.
 As a company in the distribution and supply chain business, we know the difficulty in predicting what type of material handling solution your operation may need now and how your current operation can grow in that direction. You want a solution that works for their current client base, but possesses the flexibility to serve future customers.
When you need an expert with understanding and vision of how you can meet the ever-evolving needs of your clients,  let Kuecker Logistics Group fulfill that role.

Third Party Logistics Management Solutions

Kuecker Logistics Group represents and implements a wide variety of third-party logistics management products and solutions. We are an integrator, taking the best products and solutions from our diverse pool of sources and resources, and integrating them together in a custom designed solution for your company's unique needs. We can help identify the solution that makes your operation more efficient and flexible, leaving you free to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Advantages of Using Kuecker for Your 3PL Needs

1. Saving Time & Money

KLG is an experienced material handling integrator. When you use us as a 3PL to manage your distribution and supply chain demands, you get the benefit of our vast experience and ability to pull together numerous efficiencies. This translates into cost and time savings for you. We are experts in logistic solutions, warehouse management, and much more.
Our third party logistics management solutions result in a lower capital commitment when engaging a 3PL. And because of our ready adaptability, you can more quickly and cost-effectively adjust to meet customer and supplier needs on an ongoing basis.

2. Allowing You to Focus

Let us do what we do best -- logistics management, material handling, warehouse automation, and more -- while you do what you do best.

3. Flexible Logistic Solutions

Our experience and expertise in designing and building solutions for every type of business operation gives us an advantage and a range of flexibility that you cannot match with in-house direct handling of your company's logistics challenges. We specialize in an array of third party logistics services that you may not be able to offer in-house.

A Trusted Provider of Third Party Logistic Solutions

We are knowledgeable in providing warehouse logistics, material handling and management solutions to third party logistics companies, including the organizations listed below.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Warehouse information


Automation and the Warehouse Enviroment

Some warehouses are completely automated, and require only operators to work and handle all the tasks. Pallets and product move on a system of automated conveyorscranes and automated storage and retrieval systems coordinated by programmable logic controllers and computers running logistics automation software. These systems are often installed in refrigerated warehouses where temperatures are kept very cold to keep the product from spoiling, especially in electronics warehouses that require specific temperatures to avoid damaging parts, and also where land is expensive, as automated storage systems can use vertical space efficiently. These high-bay storage areas are often more than 10 meters (33 feet) high, with some over 20 meters (65 feet) high. Automated storage systems can be built up to 40m high.
For a warehouse to function efficiently, the facility must be properly slotted. Slotting addresses which storage medium a product is picked from (pallet rack or carton flow), and how they are picked (pick-to-light, pick-to-voice, or pick-to-paper). With a proper slotting plan, a warehouse can improve its inventory rotation requirements—such as first in, first out (FIFO) and last in, first out (LIFO)—to control labor costs and increase productivity.[19]
Pallet racks are commonly used to organize a warehouse. It is important to know the dimensions of racking and the number of bays needed as well as the dimensions of the product to be stored.[Clearance should be accounted for if using a forklift or pallet mover to move inventory.
Warehouses have changed accordingly as the economy and the internet shopping has thrived around the world increasing the demand for quick delivery of products. Amazon has changed warehousing and automated warehousing and the expection of same-day delivery. We are seeing older warehouses in inner cities standing abandoned for being too small for retrofitting by companies to compete and deliver goods quickly. All Of these warehouses have similar problems: how do you staff, and quickly train,  a warehouse worker? This is where automation comes in and it is this automation that is now critical for companies to compete. Automated picking systems, automated robots, racking systems and more are now becoming the norm as demands for quick shipping increase. With companies experimenting with drone pickup and delivery, we may soon see drone landing ports on top of warehouses or next to warehouses with operators all over the world flying or controlling these drones.
Where does it leave us in today's environment? I believe that you must have your warehouse designed  by a professional company, and that company then needs to be able to implement or suggest a solution to guide your company into this new and exciting age. Kuecker Logistics Group has the experience and the knowledge to guide you and implement the new products and services that will lead you to success and to profits.
Written by Joe Rossini 
Some information provided by 
Wikipedia