HEAVY-DUTY MATERIAL STORAGE CASE STUDY
Northern Machinery Equipment Manufacturer | Parts Warehouse
Extra-Large 6 m, 1,000 kg Vertical Lift Module Case Study
This case study presents an extra-large automated storage solution implemented for a machinery and equipment manufacturer in northern Taiwan. Following market research, the client contacted Apex for detailed consultations and an on-site assessment. After reviewing the proposed system, the client determined that Apex’s vertical lift module and Taiwan-based manufacturing capabilities could effectively resolve its material storage and inventory management issues. Based on the available 6 m site height, Apex planned an extra-large 6 m vertical lift module with a 1,000 kg load capacity to address wasted storage space, inventory discrepancies, unpredictable material retrieval times, and limitations in storing heavy parts.
6 m
Extra-Large VLM Height
1000kg
Heavy-Duty Load Capacity
6 m
Available Site Height
Goods-to-Person
Faster Retrieval Operations
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The manufacturer previously relied on conventional fixed racks for parts storage. Because rack heights could not be adjusted to match different part sizes, the available vertical space was underutilized. Manual inventory recording also created discrepancies between system records and actual stock, while material retrieval times were difficult to control. Heavy parts were generally restricted to the lowest rack levels, further reducing storage flexibility. After implementing the extra-large 6 m, 1,000 kg vertical lift module, the client gained automatic height measurement, dynamic storage allocation, WMS-based inventory control, and goods-to-person operation for safer, more accurate, and more efficient parts management.
Industry
Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
Client Requirement
Parts Management
System Specification
Extra-Large 6 m
1. Project Background: Selecting a Taiwan-Based Original Manufacturer After Market Research
After conducting market research, the machinery and equipment manufacturer contacted Apex for detailed discussions and an on-site visit. Following a thorough evaluation, the client concluded that Apex’s vertical lift module and Taiwan-based manufacturing capabilities fully met its requirements for parts management and heavy-duty storage.
As the original equipment manufacturer, Apex could provide flexible delivery scheduling and tailor both software and hardware to the client’s site conditions and operational requirements. This gave the client greater confidence in the implementation and long-term operation of the system.
The client ultimately selected Apex’s extra-large 6 m vertical lift module with a 1,000 kg load capacity. The system is now in operation and has delivered measurable improvements in parts management, space utilization, and storage flexibility for heavy materials.
2. Client Requirements and Project Conditions
01
Parts Management
Resolve inventory discrepancies, time-consuming material searches, and the limitations of managing heavy parts on conventional racks.
02
6 m Site Height
Plan an extra-large 6 m vertical lift module based on the available 6 m site height.
03
1,000 kg Heavy-Duty Requirement
A load capacity of up to 1,000 kg supports centralized storage and automated retrieval of heavy materials.
BEFORE / AFTER
Key Differences Before and After Implementation
The operation was upgraded from fixed racks, manual inventory records, and lower-level-only storage for heavy items to a 1,000 kg automated storage system with WMS control and goods-to-person operation.
Before | Conventional Fixed-Rack Storage
Before implementation, the factory used conventional fixed racks with non-adjustable storage heights and manually maintained inventory records. This caused wasted space, inventory discrepancies, and higher material-search costs. Storage flexibility was also limited because heavy items could only be placed on lower rack levels.
- Fixed racks had non-adjustable storage heights
- Storage heights could not be adapted to different part sizes
- Vertical space was underutilized, resulting in wasted storage capacity
- Manual inventory recording frequently caused stock discrepancies
- Material retrieval time could not be accurately controlled
- Excessive search time increased hidden operating costs
- Heavy items could only be stored on the lowest rack levels
- Storage flexibility for heavy materials was limited
After | Extra-Large 6 m, 1,000 kg Smart Parts Warehouse
After implementing the vertical lift module, automatic height measurement, dynamic storage allocation, and WMS management increased storage capacity, inventory accuracy, and retrieval efficiency. The 1,000 kg tray capacity also removed the conventional restriction of storing heavy materials only at lower levels.
- Automatic height measurement determines suitable storage conditions based on item height
- Dynamic storage allocation adjusts tray spacing to reduce wasted vertical space
- The available 6 m site height is fully utilized to increase storage capacity
- The WMS manages all inbound, outbound, and inventory records
- Accurate inventory visibility reduces discrepancies
- Operators issue a simple retrieval command and the required material is delivered accurately
- Goods-to-person operation is fully implemented
- High-capacity trays provide greater flexibility for heavy-material storage
3. Management Pain Points Before Automated Storage
01
Wasted Storage Space
Conventional fixed racks had non-adjustable storage heights and could not accommodate different part sizes, leaving vertical space underutilized.
02
Inventory Discrepancies
Manual control of inbound, outbound, and inventory records frequently caused discrepancies between recorded and actual stock, creating management and cost issues.
03
Uncontrolled Material Retrieval Time
The time required for personnel to locate materials could not be accurately controlled, resulting in accumulated hidden operating costs.
04
Limited Heavy-Material Storage
Heavy parts could only be placed on the lowest rack levels, reducing storage flexibility and limiting efficient material allocation.
4. Solution: Extra-Large 6 m, 1,000 kg Vertical Lift Module
Based on the manufacturer’s available 6 m site height and heavy-material management requirements, Apex planned an extra-large 6 m vertical lift module with a 1,000 kg load capacity. Automatic height measurement and dynamic storage allocation adjust tray spacing according to material height, reducing unused vertical gaps and increasing storage density. The standard WMS manages inbound, outbound, and inventory records, allowing operators to issue a retrieval command and receive the required material directly at the access point.
Automatic Height Measurement
Determines suitable storage conditions based on material height, ensuring tray spacing matches actual item dimensions and minimizing wasted space.
Dynamic Storage Allocation
Allocates storage positions according to material height and management requirements, increasing storage density and total capacity.
WMS Inventory Management
The standard WMS manages inbound, outbound, and inventory data, helping the client maintain accurate stock records.
1,000 kg Heavy-Duty Tray Capacity
The high-capacity trays and automated material transport allow heavy items to be stored throughout the system rather than only at lower levels.
5. Improvements Achieved After Implementation
Maximized Space Utilization
Automatic height measurement and dynamic storage allocation adjust tray spacing to material height, reducing unused vertical gaps and increasing storage capacity.
Full Use of Vertical Space
The 6 m extra-large vertical lift module makes full use of the available 6 m site height.
Accurate Parts Management
The WMS manages inbound, outbound, and inventory records, giving the client accurate visibility of material quantities and locations.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Operators only need to issue a simple retrieval command through the WMS, and the required items are delivered accurately to the access point.
Goods-to-Person Operation
Materials are automatically delivered to the access opening, reducing search time and manual handling effort.
Enhanced Storage Flexibility
With sufficient tray capacity and automated transport, heavy materials can be stored at suitable positions throughout the system instead of being restricted to lower levels.
6. Why the Client Chose Apex
After market research and on-site evaluation, the client selected Apex as its automated storage partner. The key reasons were Apex’s Taiwan-based manufacturing capability, direct communication as the original manufacturer, flexible delivery scheduling, and the ability to customize both software and hardware. For a machinery manufacturer requiring heavy-duty capacity, tailored engineering, and long-term maintenance support, these capabilities increased implementation confidence and operational stability.
01
Taiwan-Based Manufacturing
Apex manufactures locally in Taiwan and can provide solutions tailored to the client’s site requirements and equipment conditions.
02
Direct OEM Communication and Flexible Delivery
As the original equipment manufacturer, Apex can discuss requirements directly with the client and provide more flexible delivery arrangements.
03
Software and Hardware Customization
Apex can adapt software and hardware configurations to the client’s material characteristics, load requirements, and site conditions.
HEAVY-DUTY SMART STORAGE VALUE
7. Upgrading Heavy-Material Storage from Conventional Racks to High-Capacity Smart Management
For machinery and equipment manufacturers, heavy-material management requires more than storage space. It also requires sufficient load capacity, safe access, and accurate inventory control. Conventional racks often restrict heavy items to lower levels and depend on manual handling, limiting both space utilization and operational flexibility. With the extra-large 6 m, 1,000 kg vertical lift module, materials are transported and retrieved automatically while the WMS controls inventory records. Heavy parts can therefore be stored more effectively throughout the vertical system, improving both storage flexibility and management efficiency.
1,000 kg Heavy-Duty Capacity
Supports centralized storage and automated access for heavy materials.
Vertical Storage
Makes full use of the available 6 m site height and reduces floor-space pressure.
WMS Management
Systemizes inbound and outbound records to reduce inventory discrepancies and material-search costs.
BENEFITS
Implementation Benefits
Higher Space Utilization
The extra-large 6 m vertical lift module uses vertical space efficiently and reduces the wasted capacity associated with conventional fixed racks.
Improved Inventory Accuracy
The WMS manages inbound and outbound data, improving inventory accuracy and reducing discrepancies caused by manual records.
Reduced Material Search Time
Goods-to-person operation delivers the required materials accurately, reducing hidden costs caused by manual searching.
Greater Heavy-Material Flexibility
The 1,000 kg tray capacity and automated transport system eliminate the need to restrict heavy materials to lower rack levels.
Suitable Industries and Applications
Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing Heavy-Material Management Extra-Large 6 m Vertical Lift Module 1,000 kg Heavy-Duty Parts Storage Automatic Height Measurement Dynamic Storage Allocation WMS Inventory Management Goods-to-Person Operation
APEX SMART STORAGE SOLUTION
Need to Improve Heavy-Material Storage Space and Inventory Control?
Apex provides integrated extra-large automated storage, smart warehousing, and heavy-material management solutions based on material weight, item dimensions, site height, load requirements, WMS integration, and retrieval workflows.
Contact Apex Equipment | www.jyste.tw
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