Case Study

VLM Implementation Transforms Aerospace Parts Operation

The Situation

A longstanding customer approached us to deliver a turnkey solution for a new 200,000 sq. ft. facility on a time-sensitive project schedule. Our dedicated team successfully sourced, designed, and installed a range of components, from power mobile carts to Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) to outfit our customer’s new facility and meet their business goals.

Customer Goals

Increase

storage density

Accelerate

picking speed for small parts

Minimize

unnecessary walking

Ensure

on-time project completion

VLM, Vertical Lift Module

Where Storage Solutions Came In

With this being a greenfield facility, our customer had many options, allowing our team to maximize the design to fit their unique needs. As a fulfillment center for aftermarket aerospace parts, they have up to 20,000 small parts on hand. The ability to receive and ship these parts quickly and in an organized fashion was vital to ensure the facility operated at its highest efficiency.

A few key benefits of VLMs drove the step forward in efficiency for our customer. Valuable floor space was saved by utilizing vertical air space, freeing up areas to be used for receiving and packing shipments. Order accuracy and picking speed will also increase and can be attributed to the put-to-light technology utilized, ultimately leading to higher throughput and happier customers.

Collaboration with a trusted third-party installer and our in-house project manager ensured meticulous attention to detail and seamless communication throughout the project. Our in-house project coordinators, CAD team, engineers, and logistics team also played integral roles to ensure the project was successful.

The Results

The final design incorporated three VLMs strategically placed to separate the inbound and outbound shipping areas. Selective pallet racking spanned the length of the shipping areas to provide easy access for storing and retrieving larger items. Complementary solutions, such as driver cages, powered mobile carts, and work desks, were implemented to enhance organization and workflow efficiency.

3

Modula Vertical Lift Modules

stores 3,000 cubic feet of small parts

20,000

Product Locations within the Selective Racking

5

Power Mobile Carts

Also,

Work Desks, Line Striping, Rack Labels, Drivers Cages