Balluff Warehouse Boosts Throughput with Kardex Automated Storage and Retrieval System
Balluff, a supplier of industrial sensor and networking technologies, has begun using the Kardex AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system at its Florence, Ky., facilty.
AutoStore uses high-density cubic bin storage to maximize space using cube-shaped grids to store bins vertically. Robots are used to store and retrieve bins in an AutoStore storage space.
The Balluff site now contains an AutoStore grid featuring 20,100 bins, seven AutoStore Red Line robots, one conveyor port and three carousel ports, all of which are integrated into Balluff’s SAP enterprise system. Balluff implemented AutoStore in response to increasing fulfillment demands and a need to replace its aging carousel technology. The company says installation was completed without major infrastructure upgrades or system downtime.
Kardex and Balluff note that the project was finished within six months (a shorter time frame than usual) by using three main tactics: cross-building system design, with the AutoStore on one side of a wall and ports on the other; use of seismic bracers instead of columns to open up floor space; and an extension of the service grid into an office area.
Since installation of the AutoStore system, Balluff has seen a 177% increase in throughput, higher storage capacity and smoother employee workflow.
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