Mechanized Distribution Center

System Overview

The Challenge

From humble roots as an independent auto parts store, this Philadelphia area distributor has grown into a major East Coast auto parts supplier.

To maintain their growth, EAPW needed to move operations into a more efficient and expanded facility.  A new material-handling system had to be mechanized to allow for growth and lower unit operating costs.

The Siggins Team was hired to help select and modify an existing facility, and create a material-handling system to fit like a glove within the new DC. 

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The Solution

Data from a thorough inventory cube and velocity study was used to apply Best Practices principles of separation, concentration, and specialization to a new system design.

Study results were also used to employ the most efficient storage media by product line, and to categorize product placement based off of inventory cube, conveyability, and individual SKU sales.

A design focus was maximizing the flow of product.  An elevated sorter was applied to enhance the flow of inbound receipts from receiving and of outbound orders from picking zones.

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