Warehouse Best Practice - United Kingdom Warehousing Association

16 Picking Systems
“Because BITO manufactures such a
broad array of products it has the
ability to engineer precise solutions
that provide smooth operational flows
for customers. Having originally
tendered for the racking we were able
to offer Next the benefit of our
capabilities to engineer a solution not
just for the racking but also for the
picking carts, shelving and packing
tables, all meeting Next’s needs
precisely”
top of the cart, which allows more items to be
placed into the cart without the risk of them
falling out. Separate carts are used for collecting
waste plastic and cardboard and are located in
a pallet bay at the end of the aisle.
BITO worked on the idea of making the
ladders removable because Next wanted to
be able to leave a trolley, which is effectively
the size of a pallet, to be picked up and
moved by the AGV as if it were a pallet. The
pick trolley features spring loaded cart
wheels, so as the AGV picks up the trolley,
the wheels will flick into line to stop them
moving and prevent them catching as the
AGV departs. BITO worked with NEXT to
devise a design that met all requirements.
The solution involved a lot of engineering
and BITO excelled in both understanding the
requirements and then devising engineered
solutions to suit. Next was looking for specific
solutions for the project and BITO invested
time in building various prototype trolleys.
BITO also supplied Next with equipment
for 24 packaging locations. These are
formed from galvanised shelving, which provides
pigeon holes to place items for building
customer orders, surrounding 2.2 x 1.2 m
packing tables. Each table is equipped with
waste bins, pull-out drawers, a computer
shelf and a monitor stand - everything that is
needed to pack efficiently.
Commenting on the installation, BITO’s
MD Edward Hutchison says: “Because BITO
manufactures such a broad array of products
it has the ability to engineer precise solutions
that provide smooth operational flows for
customers. Having originally tendered for the
racking we were able to offer Next the benefit
of our capabilities to engineer a solution
not just for the racking but also for the picking
carts, shelving and packing tables, all
meeting Next’s needs precisely.”
www.bito.co.uk
ABOUT BITO STORAGE SOLUTIONS
With its head office and main production
facilities in Germany, BITO is an internationally
operating manufacturer of storage
and order picking systems. The company’s
product range includes shelving and racking;
storage and order picking systems;
bins and containers and warehouse equipment
and accessories.
www.ukwa.org.uk
WAREHOUSE BEST PRACTICE