FulfillX can configure lightweight ASRS, and the Intuitive Picking Assistant provides ergonomic guidance. Source: Kardex
CHICAGO — A significant challenge for adopters of warehouse automation, and of cube storage in particular, is the amount of time needed for implementation and return on investment. Kardex this week said its FulfillX warehouse execution system, or WES, can maximize the capabilities of AutoStore grids for U.S. manufacturers.
“FulfillX represents the next evolution of ASRS [automated storage and retrieval systems],” stated Mitch Hayes, president of Kardex Solutions AutoStore. “At Kardex, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with intralogistics automation. Our advanced software solutions provide manufacturers with the flexible, convenient, and efficient capabilities they need to meet industry challenges now and in the future.”
Kardex Group is a global provider of intralogistics systems. The Zurich-based company has two divisions. Kardex Remstar develops, produces, and maintains ASRSes, and Kardex Mlog offers integrated materials handling systems and automated high-bay warehouses. It is also a global AutoStore partner.
Both divisions work closely with their customers, from assessing requirements through planning, realization, and maintenance of customer-specific systems. Kardex has about 2,100 employees in more than 30 countries, and Kardex Holding AG has been listed on the Swiss SIX Stock Exchange since 1989.
FulfillX offers efficiency, flexibility, and fast training
Kardex demonstrated at Automate this week how FulfillX can create highly configurable AutoStore systems. The software can optimize picking and packing while also streamlining putaway, replenishment, packout, and other inventory processes, it said.
The WES also provides a real-time overview of the whole operation in a simple window, according to Kardex. The company said its dedicated AutoStore support team can rapidly deploy enhancements, and digital twins aid with planning and commissioning.
In addition to FulfillX, Kardex displayed other digital tools and used augmented reality (AR) to show its Intuitive Picking Assistant. That system is designed for a wide range of industrial manufacturing applications, including spare parts picking, visual direction, and kitting.
The Kardex Intuitive Picking Assistant responds to movements, thanks to 3D cameras and hand tracking. No scanners are required, said Hayes. It projects relevant information directly onto the surface of the access opening, rather than require the human associate to look up to a screen and down again to pick. It supports up to 180 languages, including Klingon, Hayes said.
In addition to AutoStore, Kardex has also integrated its technology with SVT’s SoftBot and that of new partner Berkshire Grey for item-picking robots.
The Intuitive Picking Assistant can facilitate accurate, ergonomic picking, and it can be tailored to specific customer requirements, asserted Kardex. It can also direct operators through kitting processes and does onscreen logging to help operators catch mistakes early.
The company has taken a “microservices” approach, automating simple workflows to achieve deployments in weeks rather than months, said Hayes. He said a 25,000-bin ASRS (the average size in the U.S.) could be running within six months. Kardex began its first FulfillX projects with select customers last year.
“As U.S. manufacturers increasingly turn to warehouse automation technology, AutoStore empowered by Kardex FulfillX provides them with the opportunity to slash their facility footprint, reduce workload, manage spikes in demand, and address labor and skills shortages,” said the company.
FulfillX is designed to be ergonomic and easy to use. Source: Kardex
Kardex systems demonstrate real-world results
Kardex became a global integrator in 2021, and it has had 50 successful, referenceable contracts since then, Hayes said during a press conference.
MAHLE Aftermarket is a leading parts and systems provider that has observed a shift in customer behavior from larger pallet orders to smaller package orders at higher frequency. It said this resulted in an increasing number of shipping points per customer and the need to ship smaller quantities to more locations.
To accommodate this shift, MAHLE implemented an AutoStore system with Kardex technology to automate small-parts handling at its location in Olive Branch, Miss.
Another company benefiting from AutoStore empowered by Kardex is Anyseals Inc. The wholesale sealing supplier provides its distribution customers with services including “just-in-time” delivery, bar coding, kitting, and custom labeling.
Anyseals moved from completely manual to automated operations and implemented a new warehouse management system (WMS) at its main U.S. facility in Ohio. The company turned to Kardex for a space-efficient, flexible ASRS to increase efficiency and facilitate growth.
The AutoStore system went live in October 2023, and Anyseals described working with Kardex as “a great experience.” It said its employees are happy with how the technology assists them with their work.
Kardex said it provided 100% uptime at the facility and reduced average picking time from up to 15 minutes per pick to seconds. The system also saved substantial time on putwall. Rush orders are prioritized to ship on time, and Anyseals noted that it is still learning how Kardex and AutoStore might further enhance its processes.
“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 fulfilment execution for our customers,” said Toby Rose, chief operating officer at Anyseals USA.