Smart storage systems offer solution to lack of space

Lack of space in storage locations, such as warehouses? That's not so bad, argues Pim de Vrind, director of new business at Kardex Remstar. "In many logistics operations, there are opportunities to make smarter use of space. For example, by making more use of the available height."

A large number of companies in the Netherlands and Belgium are running into the challenge called lack of space. This is prompting companies to consider options such as choosing new premises or modifying existing ones. De Vrind: "A recent NVM report on the business space market in the Netherlands reported that prices for new premises have risen as much as seventy percent in a few years. If you can find space at all as a company. Often the storage solutions we offer entrepreneurs are then an eye-opener."

More efficient working and higher peak performance

The director of new business sees the acute shortage of space leading to more interest in the increased demand for solutions such as the Vertical Buffer Module (VBM), Vertical Lift Module (VLM) and Vertical Caroussel Module (VCM). "The VLM in particular gives companies a lot of flexibility," he says. The reasons he hears from customers for looking for smart storage systems are diverse, by the way; there is more at play than lack of space alone. "Logistics automation in general is popular. It leads to more efficient working, higher peak performance, more ergonomics for employees and thus better use of available space."

Leveraging height

What De Vrind regularly sees is that companies with their own warehouse of seven, 10 or sometimes as high as 12 meters deploy shelving solutions up to a few meters high. "The rest of the height is unused. That's simply a waste." At the same time, many operators are running up against the limits of their productivity. "It regularly happens that operators run into each other in aisles too often. Also, crowding can lead to dangerous situations."

Low dust storage

As far as he is concerned, the storage options offered by Kardex, such as the VBM and VCM, but especially VLM, according to De Vrind, are ideal for making smarter use of limited space. Regardless of whether this is in a new or existing building. "Thanks to our logistics automation, users can, for example, pick fast movers from more convenient solutions than they do now. A company is flexible in the way goods are stored, there is guidance from a system when picking products, stock reliability increases, products are stored dust-free, ergonomics also increases, walking distances are more limited and there is usually a time savings."

Diversity of customers

The types of companies Kardex serves are wide-ranging, from e-commerce entrepreneurs growing and multinationals to garage companies, logistics service providers and manufacturers of electronics and clothing. "What these companies have in common is that they say goodbye, for example, to a situation with shelves above which forty centimeters of space is left unused. With our systems you are flexible in the layout and size of storage locations. The VCM starts from 35,000 euros and the VLM from 50,000. The biggest advantage is probably that entrepreneurs can move forward again for years within a building. The software that we additionally supply also controls inventory and helps to create and link orders."