Modular system is key

MiniTec’s modular aluminium profile system is a very popular choice for manufacturing operations who are commissioning assembly lines and conveyor systems. The system is also suited for warehouse racking and storage requirements, line-side FIFO racking and transport systems. The modular nature of the product and extensive range of accessories allows for a very high degree of customisation in order to provide the customer with exactly what he requires for his operation.

WERMA are manufacturers of process optimisation systems and have recently launched a new product called StockSAVER. The system is a retrofit solution to enable stock movements on FIFO flow racks to be monitored with movements being reported back to a software package wirelessly which then launches replenishment orders automatically – a Kanban system but without cards.

A purpose built flow rack system was designed by MiniTec with input from the customer and a full size demonstrator built which WERMA use to demonstrate the system to prospective clients.

The flow rack has been designed to demonstrate how the system can monitor different sizes of bins used in an operation. Sensors are fitted to the rails of the each shelf which detect the movement in or out of a shelf which is then transmitted wirelessly to a software package thus obviating the need for a Kanban card system and milk-round. The StockSAVER system eliminates the need for excessive line-side stock holding and stock-outs become an item of the past.

MiniTec’s racking solutions are also suited to this type of application because of their relative mobility and re-usability. Should an operation need to move the racking to another location or modify the layout the modular nature of the product means it can be dissembled and reconfigured easily and without any waste of the components already purchased.