SchwarzwaldEisen stores metal sheets in a separate , manually operated storage area .
“ To achieve this goal , we compared two competitors , and quickly selected KASTO ,” stated Auer . This decision was not based solely on the proximity to the specialists for sawing and storage technology with headquarters located just a few kilometres away from Achern . “ Of course , it is an advantage to collaborate with partners in the region , who can be onsite quickly if needed ,” the Managing Director emphasised . “ However , KASTO ’ s extensive technical competence and willingness to provide a solution tailored to our particular situation was equally important to us .”
Together with the steel distributor , the KASTO experts thoroughly assessed the conditions onsite and in the entire company and developed a solution to display all storage areas in a standardised and consistent control system . One of the tools used was KASTOlogic mobile , a platform-independent and mobile version of KASTOlogic . The software makes it possible to use the essential functions of the warehouse management system on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones – independent from permanently installed operator panels which are available in the automatic storage system , UNICOMPACT . “ For instance , with this system , we can flexibly manage the bar stock storage system regardless of the location ,” Steffen Auer explains . “ But more importantly : We are now able to manage our manually operated metal sheet storage with KASTOlogic .”
ORDER AND PRODUCT DATA ALWAYS WITHIN REACH
Thanks to KASTOlogic mobile , the warehouse employees have access to the order and product data at any time . When removing the sheets , the system directs the user to the respective storage location and specifies the required quantity . The shelves are equipped with QR and barcodes . For instance , when the users scan them with the mobile device , they can confirm the removal or trigger a follow-up order if the inventory is getting low . All information is available both in the warehouse management and the goods management system – customised interfaces make this possible . Auer summarises by saying , “ The result is a standardised , controllable , and seamless , transparent material flow .” “ We have fewer errors when picking the orders , we can work faster and more efficiently , and individual batches can be followed up and tracked seamlessly .”
With the new warehouse management concept , KASTO proved itself to be both a machine supplier and a solutions provider . “ KASTO provided us a customised , software-based system that works completely independently from the existing storage systems and can be scaled for other sites as needed – a remarkable achievement ,” Auer stated . The concept is impressive in every aspect – so impressive that SchwarzwaldEisen wants to implement it at its other sites as well . “ As stated , we try wherever possible , to simplify and standardise processes and avoid unnecessary interfaces ,” Auer says . “ It helps us to become even more efficient and transparent across all sites .” If an ordered product is not in stock at a specific facility , it is found in the system quickly and can be delivered to another site when necessary . “ Ultimately , we are not the only ones who benefit from this organisation ; above all , our customers profit from it – that is the main thing for us ,” exclaims the Managing Director .
THE SERVICE IS ALSO IMPRESSIVE
Another benefit of the KASTO system for those responsible at SchwarzwaldEisen is the high degree of availability . “ Both the storage system and the control system can be serviced remotely . If needed , KASTO can access the software and clear malfunctions quickly and easily at any time .” Thanks to the proximity , the service experts can be onsite at short notice – “ an additional bonus that not every manufacturer can provide ,” Auer finds . In addition to the impressive technology and the attractive price-performance ratio , the excellent partnership with KASTO was a pivotal factor to continue along the path embarked on together . “ We are extremely satisfied with the collaboration and certain that both companies will reap long-lasting benefits .”
For further information , please visit www . kasto . com / en / home . html
144 PECM Issue 52