UK slow to automate storage

A Kardex Systems product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 15, 2002

Although nearly 75% of UK manufacturers have computerised their stock control systems, more than half have still not automated their storage.

Although nearly 75% of UK manufacturers have computerised their stock control systems, more than half have still not automated their storage according to the first national materials handling and storage survey by Kardex Systems.

Of the 500 manufacturers questioned, around 62% are still storing items on conventional racking and shelving.

By automating the storage and retrieval of stock, companies can start to strip out the costs associated with past and outmoded working methods and make considerable savings, helping to drive UK manufacturing to greater levels of productivity.

Inventory transactions can be invariably integrated into the IT system and fully tracked to better manage and control activities and costs.

The implementation of inventory software and the automation of physical retrieval reduces the risk of picking errors and speeds up the retrieval cycle time by up to four times.

In addition, automation will deliver stock at waist height, preventing the operator from bending and stretching which can often lead to staff taking days off as a result of strain or back pain.

The operator is also guided by a light to the correct area from which to pick, and the correct quantities are highlighted on the unit.

In addition automated units can be built to maximise existing ceiling height, saving companies up to 80% in valuable floor space.

The survey also highlights the costs to British manufacturers of not having total control over inventory which can lead to overstocking, above average stock write offs through damage as a result of poor handling, and the holding of obsolete stock.

"Our findings reinforce what we already suspected - that UK manufacturers are slow to accept automation compared to their European rivals", said Nick Tuggey, marketing director of Kardex Systems.

"A surprising number of companies appear to be ignoring the benefits of automation that many of our overseas competitors are already enjoying, such as increased efficiency and productivity, which can hit UK manufacturers hard in competitive bids.

We are constantly being told of the difficulties for UK manufacturing with high interest rates and a strong currency, but many could gain significantly from giving serious consideration to the wider advantages of automation in their factories.

More than a quarter of UK companies still settle for stock accuracy of less than 90% or retrieval times averaging more than five minutes per item, while the rest of Europe expect nothing less than 99% efficiency throughout the warehouse and much quicker picking speeds".

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