Determined to modernise its supply chain, MEQUISA will install two solutions from Mecalux at its logistics centre in Metz, France: pallet racks with a capacity of 6,432 pallets and an automated warehouse for boxes. Up to now, the company has stored all its SKUs on racks with raised walkways. With this project, nevertheless, it set out to facilitate storage of its small components and, at the same time, speed up picking.
The automated installation for boxes will be formed by a single 45-metre-long aisle with double-deep racking on both sides. In just 200 m² of surface area, MEQUISA will accommodate multiple SKUs and up to 7,412 boxes measuring 400 x 600 mm, with a height of 170 or 320 mm and a maximum unit weight of 50 kg.
The company will streamline and optimise goods receipt and order prep, thanks to the features of the automated warehouse and the conveyors. A miniload stacker crane capable of handling up to four boxes simultaneously will deposit and remove the boxes in and from their slots. Meanwhile, the conveyors will connect the installation with the pick stations, following the product-to-person principle.
The automated warehouse has been designed to allow for another storage aisle to be set up when required and without halting operations in the installation. The solution will be completed with picking shelves fitted with put-to-light devices, where up to 30 orders can be prepared simultaneously. This system significantly boosts operator throughput, maintaining ergonomics, accuracy and reliability during picking. The entire automated warehouse will be managed by Mecalux’s Easy WMS software, which communicates directly and continuously with MEQUISA’s AS400 ERP system.
Lastly, the adaptability and versatility of the pallet racks will enable the storage of 6,432 pallets containing bulky goods. This storage system will also provide direct access to each SKU with only the help of a forklift.
José Esteves - Director of MEQUISA
“With the commissioning of the automated warehouse for boxes, we’ll cut order prep times considerably; operators will no longer have to move between our centre’s various floors, which currently accounts for over 40% of their working hours. This time saved will be put towards improving quality control in the goods receipt and dispatch processes. In addition, the automation of the warehouse and deployment of the put-to-light devices — supervised at all times by Easy WMS — will improve quality in order prep, reducing errors stemming from manual management. There’s no doubt: investing in a miniload warehouse is a sure thing when it comes to improving and optimising customer service”.
About MEQUISA
Founded in 1934, MEQUISA is a wholesaler specialising in four areas: bathrooms, flooring, air conditioning and electricity. At its 11 points of sale located throughout France and at its 9 AUBADE showrooms in the department of Moselle, the company markets a wide variety of SKUs covering a multitude of needs: lamps, water taps, showers, baths, radiators, boilers, bulbs, tools, and so on.