Electrical distributor sets high bar on warehouse automation, urban space efficiency
Global AutoStore partner Kardex provided an automated solution to Codale, a Utah-based operating company of Sonepar, a global B2B electrical distribution company.
The goods-to-person system at Codale’s new central distribution center (CDC) allows Codale to stock a high volume of products in a densely populated area off the Las Vegas strip. Orders are filled rapidly and accurately, thanks to Kardex FulfillX and AutoStore automation.
“We’re able to serve walk-in customers in just minutes,” said Dana Mouritzen, chief operating officer and president, east region, Sonepar USA. “And we have the flexibility to adjust to an influx of orders for a large-scale project with reliable, accurate service. Customers get exactly what they need when they need it; that’s the bottom line.”
The AutoStore system powered by Kardex’s FulfillX warehouse execution software (WES) provides a high-density solution for an urban environment. It compresses nearly 10,000 SKUs into a 5,500-sq-ft footprint, reducing floor space requirements by 80%. Codale’s 160,000-square-foot CDC manages both regional replenishment for their wider branch network and same-day will call orders from elec-trical contractors in Las Vegas.
Kardex FulfillX manages every process, from storage allocation to carton selection, using real-time data to sequence orders and balance workloads automatically, maintaining throughput and order accuracy across multiple workstations even as demand fluctuates. Operators are guided through the picking and packing process by the Kardex IPA interactive interface via 3D visual instructions.
An intelligent cartonization module within FulfillX calculates the most efficient box size and packing layout, resulting in fewer packages per order and more efficient shipping in line with Sonepar’s goals to reduce carbon emissions.
From Day 1, the new system has significantly increased throughput. Standard order processing has risen by +12% and will call order processing by +20%. The system’s modular architecture allows ro-bots and ports to be added in the future, supporting projected growth for the next decade.
Fred Fox, president, Kardex Solutions, said, “Sonepar recognized that future-ready fulfill-ment demands intelligent workflows, real-time orchestration, and a seamless customer experience. Their Las Vegas operation is now one of the most advanced distribution environments in the industry, and we’re honored to help bring that vision to life.”
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Applied Industrial Technologies. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
