The timber industry utilises a range of different systems for handling long, heavy and bulky goods. Transport requirements vary significantly but timber producers, manufacturers and distributors all have something in common – they all handle heavy and bulky sheet materials.
This is an important process, as expensive wooden boards and panels must not be damaged when they reach the next stage of production or the end customer.
Ensuring that expensive sheet materials are delivered to the customer damage free may sound easy, but in reality, logistics specialists face a number of challenges. When removing heavy and bulky sheet materials from the rack and then moving them to the loading area, there is no off-the-shelf solution.
Many companies still use a conventional counterbalance forklift to store materials on racking within wide aisles, with order picking performed manually. However, the problem with this method is that the product can be easily scratched or damaged, as well as potential dangers for the operators and pickers. As a result, the value of the product is reduced, or in the worst-case scenario, they may even need to be written off and replaced. Therefore, processes and systems are required that protect the materials and ensure product is transported quickly and precisely from A to B.
The introduction of a new order-picking solution is based on a comprehensive analysis, in which entire storage processes and the design of the warehouse, as well as many other crucial factors, are taken into account.
“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution out there,” said Paul McNally, HUBTEX UK’s managing director. “Every company needs an order-picking solution that satisfies its individual warehousing needs. That’s why it is important to get a complete picture of the warehousing conditions when seeking advice.”
At HUBTEX, order picking systems are manufactured and individually customised to suit customers’ specific applications. As a result, said the company, businesses can increase storage capacities, whilst also improving their picking time efficiencies by up to 80%.
Additionally, there is a reduction in damaged stock by bringing the operator to the goods, increasing order picking safety. These changes in the methods of picking, reduce the damages and wastage, whilst maintaining the stock value, which in turn improves operational profits.
The HUBTEX portfolio of picking systems is built up of a variety of machines including multi-directional sideloaders with detachable order picking platforms, allowing operators to pick lightweight timber profiles in a single or dual-sided rack operation.
The KP Series benefits from the ability to use the machine as a conventional electric multi-directional sideloader for stacking complete timber packs as well as for order picking individual customer orders with the detachable platform.
The HUBTEX VK model is another flexible option for order picking applications. As a conventional multi-directional sideloader operators can stack complete packs, whilst being able to load and unload trailers. With the additional order picking attachment, the VK model utilises extendible vacuum suction pads to lift individual sheets from the racking and place on the platform. In this case, only one person is required for operation. The great advantage of this modular solution is its flexibility. The multi-directional sideloader can be used cost-effectively for both load handling and order picking with a medium handling capacity.
For operations that stack and pick doors or frames, the HUBTEX MK model is the ideal solution, said the company. With an integrated man-up platform, operators can pick individual customer orders with vacuum cups and also replenish the racks with complete packs of doors and frames, via telescopic arms.
Meanwhile, the HUBTEX EZK models are pure order picking platforms. Profiles, sheet stock and other materials alike can be easily picked from the rack on both sides of the aisle. With several configurations available, the EZK, like any HUBTEX machine, can be tailored to meet individual requirements.
The optional scissor lift table adjusts the stacking height of materials, thus avoiding unnecessary strain on the operators. Alternatively, damage to goods can be reduced with the optional vacuum suction device, which enables removal of the sheets from the rack without operators manually picking stock.
