Totes & Containers

Consumer electronics spare parts distribution

Reusable containers that streamline handling and an efficient layout factor heavily in the success of this busy 3PL

Rapid handling is the name of the game for this busy 3PL spare parts distribution center, which handles a variety of full and broken case items. A high percentage of the items travel to and from the facility in large, collapsible reusable containers. Incoming containers, with a standard 40 by 48 footprint, are staged on the floor for picking. Incoming pallet loads of inventory are housed on pallet racks adjacent to the container picking area. Lift truck operators travel the aisles picking full cartons directly into empty containers. Items that ship in less than fullcase quantity are staged and picked in a broken case pick-to-belt module. Picked items travel through a sortation conveyor, where they are diverted to the appropriate ship lane and consolidated into a container with the picked full case items. Completed orders are staged at the dock prior to shipping.

• Combining flow rack and shelving in the broken case pick module provides flexibility and achieves an appropriate tradeoff in cost, storage space requirements, and picking efficiency

• Locating fastest-moving items in most accessible areas of pick zones further improves picking efficiency

• Overhead sortation conveyor reduces handling steps and frees up floor space below

• The fact that the number of suppliers and customers of this 3PL is relatively small, and they are located relatively close by, facilitates the use of reusable containers

• Use of containers helps to maintain a neat and sanitary operation, which is critical when handling delicate electronic components

• The fact that the containers are collapsible allow them to be staged in a foldedflat condition when empty, adjacent to the receiving dock

• Full containers are staged in a bulk stacking area located next to the shipping dock for quick delivery of orders

• Containers can be stacked six high, helping to reduce floor space requirements

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