Intralogistics systems supplier Kardex recently showcased its FulfillX warehouse execution system (WES) at Automate 2024 in booth 4681. The trade show was held May 6-9 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.
A3 said this year’s show is the biggest yet, featuring more than 365,000 square feet of exhibit space, over 800 exhibitors, and an expected 30,000 registrants, with learning and networking opportunities. Attendees are able to see the latest in robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and motion control.
“Automate offered the ideal opportunity to introduce U.S. manufacturers to AutoStore empowered by Kardex FulfillX,” said Mitch Hayes, Kardex Solutions AutoStore president. “Our advanced software solutions provide manufacturers with the flexible, convenient and efficient capabilities they need to meet industry challenges now and in the future.”
FulfillX can provide real-time operational overview
FulfillX WES is purpose-built to allow new AutoStore automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to ramp up faster, Kardex said. It has been specifically created by Kardex, a global AutoStore partner, to maximize the capabilities of AutoStore robotic cube storage systems for manufacturing customers.
FulfillX can optimize picking and packing, while also streamlining putaway and other inventory processes. It provides a real-time overview of a whole operation in a simple window. Enhancements can be deployed by Kardex’s dedicated AutoStore support team, and digital twins enhance planning and commissioning.
As well as promoting FulfillX, Kardex’s booth also used digital tools and augmented reality simulations to bring to life its range of smart intralogistics solutions including Intuitive Picking Assistant.
Kardex said its Intuitive Picking Assistant is suitable for a wide range of industrial manufacturing applications, including spare parts picking, visual direction, and kitting. It uses digital tools and augmented reality to respond to movements and project relevant picking information directly onto the surface of an access opening. The Intuitive Pick Assistant is compatible with AutoStore ports and can be tailored to specific customer requirements. In addition, it can be used to direct operators through kitting processes.
AutoStore customer case studies
One customer deployment of AutoStore empowered by Kardex is Anyseals, a wholesale sealing supplier. Anyseals provides their distribution customers with services including just-in-time delivery, bar coding, kitting, and custom labeling. The company was moving from a completely manual to an automated operation, and implementing a new warehouse management system (WMS) at its main U.S. facility in Ohio.
The Anyseals AutoStore system went live in October 2023. Anyseals described working with Kardex as “a great experience,” with employees happy with how the technology assists them with their work. Average picking time reduced from up to 15 minutes per pick to seconds, with time saved on putaway as well. Rush orders are prioritized to ship on time.
“The AutoStore solution will enable us to continue our strong growth trajectory and will enhance our ability to meet and exceed the high level of fulfillment execution for our customers,” said Toby Rose, Anyseals USA COO.
Parts provider MAHLE Aftermarket saw a shift in customer order profiles from larger pallet orders to smaller package orders in higher frequency. This resulted in an increasing number of shipping points per customer and shipping smaller quantities to more locations.
To accommodate this shift, MAHLE Aftermarket implemented an AutoStore system from Kardex in their Olive Branch, Miss. location to automate small parts handling. The official release of the MAHLE case study is set for mid-May 2024.
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