FIFO, first in/first out, inventory management is usually correlated to time-sensitive items with a limited shelf-life. That is too narrow a definition and application for flow racks because the tube & joint product has many advantages even for items that are not time-sensitive. FIFO racking is a flow rack and consists of inclined roller racking stocked from the back and inventory is withdrawn from the front. It is basically a kanban system and there is often a “return” lane which slopes the opposite way with empty bins.
The kanban method is an aid used to reduce production costs and enhance performance. Kanban fits within every improvement strategy, like Lean Manufacturing. Kanban reduces the stock on the work floor, without the risk of the production stagnating because of lack of materials. These flow racks support a Just-In-Time (JIT) strategy. To achieve this, the stock process is controlled by the material usage of the user; this is considered a demand “pull” system.
This system was created by the Japanese Toyota in the 50’s and is based on the idea of a “supermarket” in which the supply process has an on-demand trigger. Flow racks have a higher stocking density than conventional shelves as they can be considerably deeper. They also offer an ergonomic pick-face as the inventory is always at the front. As the inventory is moved using gravity, there is no requirement for electricity or other services to the racking.
Topper Tube Packing Stations
Packing stations are of critical to logistics and distribution operations. They are also used in cellular manufacturing with sub-assembly. These packing stations are designed with optimum productivity and incorporate best practice ergonomics, allowing maximum efficiency.
Because these packing stations are flexible to easily manage changing designs, Topper Tube is ideal for building packaging workstations from a basic packing bench to an integrated packing line. Topper staff believes ergonomic design is not only required for compliance with health and safety regulations, but also is crucial for improving employee comfort and efficiency. An ergonomically designed packing workstation will reduce injuries and fatigue while increasing productivity and throughput.
Pre-built workstations fail the lean test because they are fixed in their configuration. Because tube & joint equipment is customizable, packing stations are designed for specific tasks.
Incredibly flexible, these packing stations can be a single unit or a large-scale fulfillment system. Workstations can be designed to house a varied mix of packing materials and can be reconfigured quickly if those materials change. Integrated replenishment systems can also be incorporated into the packing station so that there is never a materials shortage. Tube packing stations place the most frequently used materials close to the operator, making the process more efficient and productive.
Information submitted by Jillian Burrow, Marketing Manager for Topper Industrial
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