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Maintenance Depot Automates To Increase Efficiencies
Fort Hood is the largest active duty armored post in the United States and the only one to support two full armored divisions and over a dozen other brigades, groups and activities.
Maintaining a vital defense force for the United States, Fort Hood meets the training and support requirements of these units and organizations. From the welding, carpentry and machine shops to warehousing small parts and maintenance inventory to holding benchstock and vital documentation, Fort Hood has deployed over 40 vertical carousels and VLMs to meet the challenge in various departments and applications.
Among the applications, the machine shop uses a 28 foot tall MegaLift® Vertical Lift Module (VLM) with a MM550 controller and two carts to store the majority of this building's small parts, fixtures and CNC tool holders and frames. The operator simply puts in a part number, description or tray number in the controller and the tray is automatically delivered to an ergonomic work counter. For heavy items or to deliver a tray of small parts to a workstation, the operator simply releases the tray and pulls it on to the waiting cart. This eliminates the need for heavy lifting and bending by the operator and potentially costly damage to a tool or fixture.
The welding shop and tool rooms utilize MegaStation vertical carousels with MM550 controllers to store and retrieve benchstock and inventory. The carousels use a combination of roll out suspension drawers with partitions and dividers, locking security doors and universal carriers. The universal carriers allow for shelves and partitions to be moved quickly and easily to meet changing needs.
New AIA Lunch And Learns Provide AIA/CES Credit
MegaStar Systems has launched a series of Lunch and Learns for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to provide architects and building specifiers detailed information on various high density and accessible storage systems for files and items. Each participant will receive one AIA/CES Learning Unit/HSW for attending MegaStar's course is entitled ‘Alternative Storage Methods Relative to Today's Accessibility Standards and Requirements.'
Using benchmark criteria known as PEP, various systems will be analyzed for (P) productivity-labor savings, (E) ergonomic accessibility and (P) performance-space savings. Systems reviewed in this course include: vertical and lateral cabinets, rotary files, static shelving, tri-file, mobile aisle and automated vertical carousels.
These systems will then be compared based on labor needs, compliance with currently legislated accessibility requirements, office efficiencies, cost reduction and space utilization. The benefits of using storage solutions that are in compliance with the recent modifications to the Accessibility Guidelines found in the Americans with Disabilities Act will also be discussed.
MegaStar Tray Divider Inserts Designed For Increased Capacity And Flexibility
New MegaLiftTM Vertical Lift Module (VLM) tray divider inserts from MegaStar Systems are designed to provide flexibility in small items or file storage and retrieval requirements. The dividers are available in any size or configuration and are less than half the weight of metal, increasing tray and system capacity.
The tray divider inserts are available in heights up to 20 inches tall. Optional tabs can help operators quickly identify part number and location information. Adjustable on one-forth inch centers, the inserts help keep small items organized for quick and easy retrieval and increased inventory control.
The MegaLift VLM is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an ergonomically designed extraction platform, and computerized controls. The MegaLift VLM saves up to 75% of wasted floor space while giving organizations 100% accessible storage. With a push of a button, the MegaLift VLM delivers the required item to an ergonomic pick window eliminating walking, searching, bending, stooping and reaching.
Hospital Finds Improved Performance, Ergonomics and Productivity
Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point US Military Academy, New York, provides medical care for over 10,000 active and retired military personnel. Supplying the West Point hospital and surrounding area military hospitals of greater New England is no small task. The medical supply warehouse recently needed to increase the size and of their work area, improve staff productivity and locate product more efficiently to increase accuracy.
By implementing three MegaLift Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), the medical supply warehouse was able to improve their Performance, Ergonomics and Productivity (PEP).
Space Savings & Performance
With little room left to spare and an increasing amount of military hospitals to supply, the medical warehouse at West Point decided to take advantage of their vertical space. Three MegaLift VLMs replaced 500 square feet of mobile aisle shelving, storing the same amount of SKUs in 45% less space.
"The newly redesigned work area is brighter and easier for staff to work in," said John Gilardo, Warehouse Manager of medical supplies. He continued, "In the previously wasted floor space, the mobile aisle shelving area was dimly lit and picking and replenishing the hundreds of items of stock was time consuming. The VLMs have illuminated access openings and their automated delivery make it much easier to identify and pick the correct product for shipment."
The warehouse manager continued, "The VLMs have increased our inventory turns while maximizing our use of space. Coupled with the increased order accuracy levels, the automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) provides, inventory is supplied to the multiple sites in less time, with less labor."
"A major concern being a medical supplier is mistakes," stated Gilardo. "With medical supplies there is no room for error. We purchased the vertical lift modules for space savings, to reduce errors and to increase usability."
Ergonomics
The regained floor space allowed for a work counter to be installed and used to unpack and sort incoming pallets of inventory to restock the MegaLift VLMs. Previously, the pallets were unpacked and sorted onto the floor. "Now all restocking, picking and sorting in the warehouse is done at an ergonomic level, making the warehouse more user-friendly and safer for our staff," reported Gilardo. Items picked from the MegaLift VLMs are delivered to an ergonomically convenient work counter with a push of a button, eliminating walking, searching, bending, reaching and lifting.
Productivity
To provide the daily supplies needed at the various medical centers, the warehouse staff receives their orders via their software system. The operators simply enter orders by product code into the VLM controller keypad and each SKU is presented automatically at the access opening. "Instead of taking time to walk and search through sections of shelving for one of many different products, the items are delivered quickly and efficiently," explained Gilardo. "Items are automatically delivered and staff members are directed to the correct product in less time, increasing productivity," he continued. When inventory reaches their minimum stocking levels, the units are replenished the same way as they are picked - automatically with a push of a button.
The three MegaLift VLMs can run simultaneously and allow users to pick and fill orders without having to wait. "Two people can fill orders at the same time," stated Gilardo. Formerly, staff spent a large portion of the afternoon cranking the mobile aisle shelving back and forth instead of picking product, which contributed to employee fatigue. Now staff can access the correct medical items quickly and efficiently. Replenishment can be done on one VLM while picking is being done on another, increasing the warehouse's flexibility as well. "The VLMs have contributed to our increased performance, enhanced ergonomics and higher productivity," said Gilardo.
Secured Access MediaStation ELF System Provides High Density File Storage
The MediaStationTM Electric Lateral File (ELF) system from MegaStar Systems provides high density secured storage of files and items. An operator simply pushes a button or scans a barcode and the ELF delivers the file or item to a convenient waist height.
The MediaStation is a system of vertically arranged rotating drawers/carriers controlled by an electronic keypad or software. In addition to the closed nature of the ELF, locking doors and drawers are available to provide even higher levels of security. Optional office management software can provide additional levels of accountability and productivity enhancement.
The MediaStation ELF offers more than 2,500 linear inches of letter sized filing space which is the equivalent of approximately 16 - five drawer file cabinets. The flexibility of the ELF makes it the most efficient file storage and retrieval system for applications in Federal, State and Local Government and is under GSA contract.
The MegaLift Vertical Lift Module (VLM) from MegaStar Systems now offers system users Near and FarTM technology to increase productivity. With the Near and Far feature, items used most frequently are stored closest to the access opening for faster delivery, decreasing wait time and increasing productivity.
Near and Far technology works by tracking tray usage and user habit. The more the system is used, the more intelligent the system becomes. For example, seasonal items are stored further away during off season, but will be stored closer to the access opening the more they are used, thus providing increased productivity.
The MegaLift VLM is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an ergonomically designed extraction platform, and computerized controls. These highly functional trays can be adapted to suit many applications through the use of easy-to-install tray dividers and accessories.
High Density & Secure Operations Provided By Automated Storage And Retrieval Systems
Vertical storage and retrieval solutions from MegaStar Systems maximize overhead vertical cube to save up to 75% of otherwise wasted floor space while providing maximum security. Unlike shelving and drawer systems, items are stored securely and safely within the units, out of view and reach of non-authorized personnel. Software driven systems can lock out unauthorized users while automatically tracking individual access.
The automated vertical storage solutions are used for many applications including: benchstock, maintenance and repair parts, inventory, tools, dies, fixtures, kits, specialty parts, mobility bags and files.
The systems are designed to bring the material to the operator rather than "walking & searching" through rows of shelving and thereby provides up to a 2/3 saving in man-hours. This increased productivity is also due to the ergonomic design in which all items are presented to eliminate reaching, bending and stooping.
The vertical storage solutions, to be exhibited at GSA Expo 2005 include the MegaStation Vertical Carousel, which is a system of vertically rotating shelves that move up and down along a tracking guide, delivering stored items to an operator at an ergonomically positioned work counter. By eliminating the need for personnel to search traditional shelving, manually picking an order, the MegaStation Vertical Carousel can improve order processing efficiency by 50 to 60 percent.
The MegaLift VLM (Vertical Lift Module), also to be exhibited, is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays that are delivered to an ergonomically positioned work counter and computerized controls. The modular design of the MegaLift VLM allows it to be configured to meet varying ceiling heights. Because it takes advantage of unused overhead space, the MegaLift VLM can recover up to 75 percent of a conventional storage system's occupied floor space. Its small footprint and standalone design make the MegaLift VLM especially suitable for point-of-use storage, allowing more floor space to be used in value-added operations.
MegaStar Systems, a company of the KRI Group of Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading provider of automated storage and retrieval systems for commercial, industrial and office applications. For a copy of the MegaLift VLM specification sheet, call 800-639-5805 or visit the MegaStar Systems web site at www.MegaStarSystems.com.
Office Pro Record Management Software Increases Efficiency And Enhances Accuracy To 99%
Office Pro Record Management Software from MegaStar Systems improves the efficiency of file storage while increasing accuracy and accountability. The intuitive "point and click" simplicity increases employee efficiency. Confirmed transactions help eliminate human error and enhance accuracy to 99%. Detailed tracking reports provide exact usage to improve accountability.
Integrated systems using MegaStar Office Pro software and Electric Lateral Files (ELF) allow organizations to often reclaim up to 52% of otherwise wasted floor space. The ELF is designed to automatically present files at an ergonomically correct height for safe, efficient retrieval of records. Filing productivity can improve up to 56% percent by allowing workers to obtain file folders without walking, searching bending or reaching.
Integrated Office Pro software and MediaStation Electric Lateral File (ELF) system allows file folders to be selected using up to eight user-defined key fields for maximum flexibility in records tracking and management. The software can also import folder information from the MediaStation, increasing efficiency by saving manual key entries, and can control an unlimited number of manual and/or automated file storage systems from one PC workstation. System operators can then spend their time filing and retrieving, not searching and looking.
To help in file management with the MegaStar MediaStation ELF system, Office Pro software offers users a variety of standard report formats. A "Folder Report" details user defined key fields, date of last issue, date of last return and borrower information. The "History Report" includes transaction information with transaction type, first three key fields and borrower information. All reports use Crystal Reports, and custom reports can be created with the Crystal Reports Writer. Reports can be exported to other types of formats, including text documents and spreadsheets.
Folding Posting Board Designed For Flexibility
The folding posting board option for the MediaStationTM Electric Lateral File (ELF) storage system from MegaStar Systems is designed to provide flexibility in work areas and office space. The folding posting board can be folded down and out of the way when not in use so personnel can utilize otherwise wasted floor space. This feature allows the MediaStation to be installed in high traffic areas and tight spaces. The MediaStation ELF is fully compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and provides ergonomic access for all users.
The MediaStation ELF can provide more than 2,700 linear file inches of letter-sized filing space, equivalent to approximately 27 file cabinets. By taking advantage of unused overhead space, the MediaStation ELF can hold the same number of files as traditional four-drawer filing cabinets or lateral files in up to 60 percent less space. Personnel spend less time manually retrieving files so productivity can more than double.
The system can be configured to handle a variety of media including hanging letter, legal, top and side tab files, microfilm, card indexes, computer tapes, and optical disks, boxes and other items.
Dual Pick Windows Add Flexibility To MegaStar MegaLift VLMs
MegaLiftTM Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) equipped with front and back pick windows can increase productivity and efficiency for storage and retrieval applications. The dual pick window design can reduce capital acquisition costs since more than two departments can use the same equipment, maximizing workflow and increasing otherwise wasted floor space.
The MegaLift VLM is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an ergonomically designed extraction platform, and computerized controls. Dual pick windows allow organizations to link adjacent work zones. This can improve existing floor space utilization and reduce the amount of time employees spend searching and transporting materials.
Utilizing the front and back pick window concept, organizations can use the MegaLift VLM as a central storage unit or point of use workstation for linked work zones. Dual pick windows permit buffer storage of material or orders from one work zone to another and provide queuing and sequencing of parts, kits or completed orders for consolidation or shipping. Item returns can also be handled more efficiently with dual pick windows since they can be received in one area and removed in other work zone for repackaging, quality checks, repair, or accumulation. Dual pick windows also make it easier to maintain clean room integrity and Good Manufacturing Procedures by limiting access to protected work zones.
The MegaLift VLM can be configured to meet varying ceiling heights. Depending on useable building interior heights, 75 percent and more of a conventional storage system's occupied floor space can be recovered. Several MegaLift VLMs can be placed side-by-side to form a compact, efficient automated storage and retrieval workzone.
Users can select a number of options to meet specific storage needs, including a variety of tray sizes, access options, partitions and divider systems for compartmentalizing, and the ability to increase the wall heights of trays to store bulk items.
High Density & Secure Operations Provided By Automated Storage And Retrieval Systems
Vertical storage and retrieval solutions from MegaStar Systems maximize overhead vertical cube to save up to 75% of otherwise wasted floor space while providing maximum security. Unlike shelving and drawer systems, items are stored securely and safely within the units, out of view and reach of non-authorized personnel. Software driven systems can lock out unauthorized users while automatically tracking individual access.
The automated vertical storage solutions are used for many applications including: benchstock, maintenance and repair parts, inventory, tools, dies, fixtures, kits, specialty parts, mobility bags and files.
The systems are designed to bring the material to the operator rather than "walking & searching" through rows of shelving and thereby provides up to a 2/3 saving in man-hours. This increased productivity is also due to the ergonomic design in which all items are presented to eliminate reaching, bending and stooping.
The vertical storage solutions, to be exhibited at GSA Expo 2005 include the MegaStation Vertical Carousel, which is a system of vertically rotating shelves that move up and down along a tracking guide, delivering stored items to an operator at an ergonomically positioned work counter. By eliminating the need for personnel to search traditional shelving, manually picking an order, the MegaStation Vertical Carousel can improve order processing efficiency by 50 to 60 percent.
The MegaLift VLM (Vertical Lift Module), also to be exhibited, is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays that are delivered to an ergonomically positioned work counter and computerized controls. The modular design of the MegaLift VLM allows it to be configured to meet varying ceiling heights. Because it takes advantage of unused overhead space, the MegaLift VLM can recover up to 75 percent of a conventional storage system's occupied floor space. Its small footprint and standalone design make the MegaLift VLM especially suitable for point-of-use storage, allowing more floor space to be used in value-added operations.
MegaStar Systems, a company of the KRI Group of Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading provider of automated storage and retrieval systems for commercial, industrial and office applications. For a copy of the MegaLift VLM specification sheet, call 800-639-5805 or visit the MegaStar Systems web site at www.MegaStarSystems.com.
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