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Military unit

National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology

Machining Tool Management
Features
Custom extra-large 5-meter automated storage system to meet large tool management requirements
Ultra-wide tray design to support high-load storage
Full use of the 5-meter height to improve space utilization efficiency
Enclosed storage design to strengthen tool protection and on-site 6S management
Infrared indicator lights and LED display to improve picking accuracy
Connection with the institute’s internal tool management system to enhance information integration
Access control settings to strengthen operator management
Digitalized material information to improve statistics, inventory records, and management efficiency
Non-mainland China source requirement to meet project procurement conditions

Description

This project features the implementation of a custom extra-large vertical automated storage system for the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). The system is 5 meters high with a single-load capacity of 1,000 kg, and is mainly used for the centralized storage, inbound/outbound management, and systematic tracking of machining tools.

Before the upgrade, the customer stored tools on conventional racks and cabinets. This often resulted in excessive floor space usage, a cluttered working environment, time-consuming material searches, difficulty in controlling access under an open-storage setup, and a cumbersome workflow that required manual registration at the rack followed by separate inventory data entry.

Based on the site’s width, height, and high-load requirements, JY STE Technology introduced a custom extra-large vertical automated storage system. The solution was equipped with ultra-wide trays, infrared indicator lights, an LED display, access control, and system integration with the customer’s upper-level tool management system, helping improve overall tool management efficiency.

After implementation, tools can be centrally stored in an enclosed automated storage system and managed through digitalized storage, retrieval, tracking, and information updates. This not only improves space utilization, picking accuracy, and inventory management efficiency, but also creates a safer, more precise, and more advanced tool storage environment that meets the customer’s high-standard on-site management requirements.
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CUSTOM TOOL STORAGE CASE STUDY

NCSIST | Cutting Tool Storage
Custom-Built, Extra-Large 5 m Automated Storage System

This project involved a custom automated cutting tool storage system for the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). To support expanding defense research, testing, and production activities, the facility required a more efficient way to store and manage cutting tools used on machining equipment. Apex Equipment designed a custom-built, extra-large 5 m vertical lift module with an overall width of approximately 3.5 m, maximizing the available height up to the ceiling. The system also features extra-wide trays, infrared position indicators, an LED display, integration with the existing cutting tool management system, and user access controls to improve storage, retrieval, inventory tracking, and picking accuracy.

CUSTOM
Extra-Large VLM
5 m
System Height
3.5 m
Overall Width
TOOL SYSTEM
System Integration
PROJECT OVERVIEW

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project was designed to store and manage cutting tools used on machining equipment through a vertical automated storage system. The installation area allowed an equipment width of approximately 3.5 m, so the solution was engineered vertically to reach more than 5 m and make full use of the available height and width. Because each tray is more than 3 m wide, the customer required a tray load capacity of 950 kg. Infrared position indicators and an LED display help operators identify the correct tool quickly and accurately. The system is also connected to the facility's existing cutting tool management system, with different access levels assigned to different users for faster, more controlled operations.

CLIENT
National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
APPLICATION
Cutting Tool Storage
SYSTEM SPECIFICATION
Custom Extra-Large 5 m
SYSTEM FUNCTION
Tool System Integration

1. Project Background: Cutting Tool Storage for Defense Research and Production

Amid growing military pressure and gray-zone activity from the People's Republic of China, Taiwan has accelerated the testing and production of various missile systems. This increased operational demand created a need for more efficient storage and management of machining tools. Traditional racks and cabinets provided basic storage, but they could no longer support accurate retrieval, efficient use of limited floor space, or systematic inventory control as the number of tools increased.

Apex Equipment designed a custom-built, extra-large 5 m vertical lift module based on the available width, ceiling height, and cutting tool management requirements. With an overall installation width of approximately 3.5 m, the system expands vertically to near-ceiling height, allowing the facility to maximize storage capacity within a limited footprint.

The installation was Apex Equipment's second project at NCSIST. For this application, the system was customized with trays over 3 m wide and a specified tray load capacity of 950 kg to accommodate the customer's large-format cutting tool storage requirements.

2. Client Requirements and Installation Conditions

01

Cutting Tool Management

 

Centralize cutting tools used by machining equipment in a vertical automated storage system to improve receiving, retrieval, classification, and inventory control.

02

Custom Extra-Large 5 m System

Install one custom-built, extra-large 5 m vertical lift module based on the available ceiling height and installation width.

03

Custom Extra-Wide Trays

 

Provide trays more than 3 m wide within an approximately 3.5 m-wide system to support large-format cutting tool storage.

04

950 kg Tray Load Capacity

Engineer the extra-wide trays to support a specified load capacity of up to 950 kg per tray.

3. System Functions: Integration, Access Control, and Precise Picking Guidance

The vertical lift module serves as both a secure cutting tool storage unit and an integrated inventory management platform. It connects with the facility's existing cutting tool system so that item data can be updated in real time. Different access permissions can be assigned to individual operators, improving control over tool retrieval, inventory records, and operating accountability. Infrared position indicators and an LED display guide users to the correct location, reducing search time and picking errors.

Existing Tool System Integration

The vertical lift module connects with the existing cutting tool system, enabling synchronized updates and centralized tool information management.

User Access Control
 

Different access levels can be assigned to operators, strengthening retrieval control and accountability for inventory transactions.

Infrared Position Indicator

The indicator identifies the correct retrieval position, helping operators locate the required tool faster and reducing picking errors.

LED Display
 

Displayed item information helps operators confirm the required tool, improving retrieval speed and accuracy.

BEFORE / AFTER

Key Differences Before and After Implementation

The facility transitioned from conventional racks, cabinets, and manual records to enclosed automated storage with tool system integration, access control, and position guidance.

Before | Conventional Rack and Cabinet Storage

Before implementation, cutting tools were stored on conventional racks and in shelves and cabinets of various sizes. These storage methods occupied substantial floor space, created a cluttered work area, and made it difficult to locate the correct tool. Receiving, retrieval, and material preparation therefore required more time.

  • Cutting tools were stored on conventional racks and in shelves and cabinets of various sizes.
  • Traditional steel racks required a large amount of floor space for storage and access.
  • The storage area was cluttered and difficult to standardize.
  • Locating the correct tool was difficult, increasing receiving, retrieval, and preparation time.
  • Open storage made cutting tool control and protection difficult.
  • Available ceiling height was not effectively utilized.
  • Transactions were first recorded at the rack and then manually entered into a computer, creating duplicate work.

After | Custom Extra-Large Smart Tool Storage

After implementation, cutting tools are stored in an enclosed, custom-built 5 m vertical lift module and managed through integration with the existing cutting tool system. Infrared position indicators, an LED display, and user access controls allow operators to retrieve and return tools faster and more accurately.

  • Cutting tools are stored in an enclosed automated system for easier management and improved protection.
  • The organized storage environment supports factory 6S and improves workplace appearance.
  • Automated delivery removes manual reach-height limitations and allows the system to extend near the ceiling.
  • The available height and width are fully utilized to maximize space efficiency.
  • Position guidance, infrared indicators, and the LED display improve picking accuracy.
  • Tools are managed through the automated storage system and synchronized with the existing cutting tool platform.
  • Tool and inventory information can be updated in real time for improved record visibility.
  • User-specific access permissions strengthen control over stored tools.
  • Storage information is digitized for easier reporting, analysis, and management.

4. Cutting Tool Management Challenges Before Automation

01

Conventional Racks Occupied Floor Space

Traditional steel racks and cabinets required substantial floor space and contributed to a cluttered storage area.

02

Time-Consuming Tool Search and Preparation

Tools distributed across multiple racks and cabinets increased the time required for receiving, retrieval, and preparation.

03

Difficult Open-Storage Control

Open storage made tool protection, access control, and inventory tracking difficult to enforce.

04

Duplicated Manual Data Entry

Transactions had to be recorded at the rack and then entered again on a computer, delaying data updates and increasing administrative work.

5. Solution: Custom-Built Extra-Large 5 m Vertical Lift Module

Apex Equipment installed one custom-built, extra-large 5 m vertical lift module based on NCSIST's cutting tool management requirements. The system was engineered around the available width and ceiling height to maximize both vertical and horizontal space. Cutting tools are now stored in an enclosed automated unit equipped with infrared position indicators, an LED display, location guidance, integration with the existing cutting tool system, and operator access controls. This configuration improves retrieval speed, picking accuracy, inventory visibility, and statistical management.

Custom Extra-Wide Design

The approximately 3.5 m-wide system was custom-engineered with extra-wide trays to support large-format cutting tool storage.

Enclosed Cutting Tool Storage

Cutting tools are centrally stored in an enclosed automated system, improving protection, workplace organization, and management efficiency.

System Integration

Integration with the existing cutting tool system enables real-time information updates and systematic inventory management.

Position Guidance and Access Control

Infrared position indicators, an LED display, and access controls improve retrieval accuracy and inventory governance.

6. Improvements After Automated Storage Implementation

Higher Space Utilization

The custom 5 m system utilizes near-ceiling height and an extra-wide configuration to improve cutting tool storage density.

Faster and More Accurate Retrieval

Infrared position indicators and the LED display help users confirm the correct tool quickly and reduce search time.

Stronger Inventory and Access Control

User-specific permissions and system integration provide clearer control over access and inventory information.

Improved Tool Protection and Factory 6S

Enclosed automated storage improves tool protection, simplifies management, and creates a cleaner, more organized workplace.

Digitized Storage Information

Tool and inventory information is digitized for easier reporting, searching, and management.

Reduced Manual Data Entry

System integration and real-time updates reduce the need to record transactions at the rack and re-enter them on a computer.

 
CUSTOM TOOL STORAGE VALUE

7. From Conventional Racks to Custom Smart Tool Storage

This project was not limited to installing a standalone storage machine. The solution was customized around NCSIST's site conditions and cutting tool management requirements. Extra-wide trays, near-ceiling vertical storage, infrared position indicators, an LED display, integration with the existing cutting tool system, and user access controls transformed tools previously dispersed across racks and cabinets into a smart storage environment with precise guidance, real-time updates, controlled access, and digital reporting.

Custom Extra-Wide Configuration

The system is approximately 3.5 m wide and uses trays more than 3 m wide.

System Integration

Connection to the existing cutting tool system enables real-time information updates.

Precise Picking Guidance

Infrared position indicators and the LED display improve retrieval accuracy.

BENEFITS

Implementation Benefits

Improved Cutting Tool Management

Centralized, enclosed automated storage improves receiving, retrieval, and preparation efficiency.

Maximum Space Utilization

The system extends near the ceiling and uses extra-wide trays to maximize storage capacity.

Greater Inventory Visibility

Tool system integration and access controls make inventory information more current and traceable.

Improved Retrieval Accuracy

Infrared indicators, the LED display, and position guidance help operators retrieve the correct tool quickly.

Suitable Industries and Applications

Defense Research and Manufacturing Cutting Tool Storage Custom Extra-Large 5 m Automated Storage Extra-Wide Trays Infrared Position Indicator LED Display Cutting Tool System Integration Access Control
JY STE SMART STORAGE SOLUTION

Need to Improve Cutting Tool Management, Inventory Tracking, or Space Utilization?

Apex Equipment provides vertical lift modules, smart storage systems, and custom cutting tool management solutions based on tool dimensions, load requirements, ceiling height, equipment width, host-system integration, access control, and position guidance requirements.

Contact Apex Equipment | +886-4-2384-5678

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