Global Logistics Leader Doubles Productivity with Lifts
The success of the global logistics industry lies heavily on the efficiency and reliability of their operations. So when a major player in the market was investigating options for a new distribution center, they sought the expertise of PFlow Industries, a leading manufacturer of vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs). With over 15,500 applications worldwide, PFlow custom engineered 20 Series F, 4-post lifts to optimize workflow and precisely meet the customer's needs.
After carefully analyzing the material movement process in distribution centers abroad, the decision was made to explore new options for the transportation of air cargo crates within the enhanced facility.
In other locations, containers of mixed product are placed on a floor conveyor where they are accessed by workers via a walkway. In order to reach the upper portion of the crates, workers needed to use stools and, in some cases, resorted to climbing over packages. With an expanded distribution center and hundreds of crates delivered daily, this archaic method was no longer acceptable. The company was looking for a safer, more ergonomic means to haul product crates up to a mezzanine for unloading while maintaining the efficiency that is crucial to the logistics industry.
With new, state-of-the-art sorting capabilities designed to accommodate larger shipments, the company chose to implement multiple high-capacity VRCs that could deliver reliability and maximize handler productivity.
The PFlow Solution
Operating one of the most comprehensive express networks in the world, the logistics company chose to partner with PFlow based on their reputation of delivering material lifting solutions. PFlow's tailored approach to solving the company's material lifting challenge has revamped operations while proving to be safer and more efficient.
Together, they determined that 20 similar Series F, 4-post VRCs seamlessly integrated into the package handling process would create the optimal workflow. Once the cargo containers are unloaded from arriving aircraft, they are placed on a conveyor that carries them to one of the 15,000 lb capacity lifts. The lifts also feature an alternate loading option at the lower level giving them the flexibility to load crates via lift trucks opposite the conveyor side. Within 45 seconds, the container is elevated to the upper-level platform area for unpacking. From that point, the user-controlled interface allows the handler to manually adjust the lift height so crates can be accessed and unloaded ergonomically. Once emptied, the crate is lowered and discharged - ready for another cycle.
This innovative method, new to both the company and express industry, has substantially increased efficiency - leading to doubled productivity.
"PFlow worked closely with their project management team to develop a material lifting solution that was able to cut the unloading time in half," said Chuck Cobb, national sales manager for PFlow. "We are proud to have provided a system component that has significantly impacted their operations and, more importantly, their bottom line."
