The heavy equipment industry demands top-notch efficiency, especially when it comes to managing parts and tools. To stay competitive, dealerships need advanced storage and retrieval systems that optimize space, improve accuracy, and increase productivity. Southwest Solutions Group (SSG) is proud to offer Kardex automated storage systems tailored to meet the unique needs of the heavy equipment market.
In this blog post, we’ll explore key Kardex solutions that help dealerships revolutionize parts management, tool storage, and service bays and discuss their real-world benefits.
The Need for Advanced Storage
Heavy equipment dealerships often face the challenge of managing large, ever-growing inventories of parts. Traditional storage methods—such as shelving or drawer cabinets—can no longer keep pace with the efficiency required in today’s fast-paced environment. Kardex automated storage solutions, including Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), Vertical Carousels, and Horizontal Carousels, provide a much-needed upgrade. These systems are game changers, helping dealerships save space, boost productivity, and reduce retrieval times, all while increasing overall profitability. From concept to completion, our case studies showcase the impact of our tailored solutions.
Introducing Kardex Solutions for Heavy Equipment
Vertical Lift Modules
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are advanced storage systems that store items vertically on trays, maximizing the use of floor space. With each tray supporting up to 2,000 pounds, VLMs are ideal for handling the bulky and heavy parts common in heavy equipment dealerships. Compared to traditional storage systems, they can save dealerships up to 85% of valuable floor space.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Pick-to-light technology for fast and accurate retrieval.
- Integration options with robotic arms and conveyor systems.
- Enhanced security with automatic shutter doors.
- Modular design, enabling future expansion.
For heavy equipment dealerships, VLMs significantly improve efficiency by speeding up retrieval times and keeping essential components within easy reach, minimizing downtime, and ensuring quick service.
Vertical Carousels
Vertical Carousels operate like a Ferris wheel, rotating trays or shelves into the operator’s reach. They’re ideal for facilities with lower ceilings and for storing similarly sized parts in a compact footprint. By using vertical carousels, dealerships can save up to 80% of floor space, freeing up valuable real estate for other operations.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Multiple access points for multi-floor or through-wall use.
- Pick-to-light software for efficient retrieval.
- Bar code integration for quick and accurate inventory management.
- Built-in workstations for batch picking.
For managing tools and smaller parts, vertical carousels deliver items directly to the operator, reducing search time and ensuring equipment is back in operation quickly.
Horizontal Carousels
Designed for speed and accuracy, Horizontal Carousels are ideal for heavy equipment dealerships that need fast, precise order picking. These systems rotate bins to the operator, enabling rapid part retrieval and reducing manual labor.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Adjustable shelves rotating at 85 feet per minute for quick access.
- Batch picking lights for accurate order fulfillment.
- Inventory management software to streamline picks.
- Optional security doors to protect valuable inventory.
For high-volume environments like heavy equipment dealerships, horizontal carousels help reduce labor costs and improve inventory accuracy, leading to faster service and increased throughput.
Real-World Benefits for Heavy Equipment Dealerships
Automated storage systems have transformed operations for heavy equipment dealerships by improving inventory accuracy, cutting labor costs, and increasing storage capacity. These solutions ensure fast and precise part retrieval, helping dealerships meet maintenance and production deadlines, reduce equipment downtime, and boost overall operational efficiency.
Parts Management
In heavy equipment operations, managing large inventories of parts is critical. Automated storage solutions like VLMs and Vertical Carousels streamline the storage and retrieval process, ensuring parts are readily available. This reduces stockouts and optimizes inventory levels, ultimately lowering holding costs and improving service delivery.
Tool Storage
Efficient tool storage is essential for heavy equipment dealerships. With Kardex automated systems, tools are securely stored and easily accessible. Pick-to-light technology ensures fast and accurate retrieval, reducing setup times and improving workflow efficiency.
Service Bays
Equipping service bays with Kardex automated storage systems dramatically enhances productivity. These systems ensure that all necessary parts and tools are available at the technician’s fingertips, reducing downtime and speeding up service times.
Upgrade Your Operations with SSG
Automated storage solutions from Kardex, available through SSG, provide unmatched efficiency, accuracy, and space-saving benefits for heavy equipment dealerships. Whether for parts management, tool storage, or service bay optimization, these solutions are designed to meet the high demands of your industry.
At SSG, we go beyond simply providing storage solutions—we partner with you every step of the way. From the initial design phase, where we customize solutions tailored to your dealership's specific needs, to the installation process, ensuring seamless integration into your operations, SSG is there to ensure success.
Our support doesn’t stop at installation; we offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your systems running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today at 866-993-0640 or fill out our free quote form to learn how we can transform your storage and retrieval systems.
