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Engineering the Perfect Fit
Technology Category
- Automation & Control - Automation & Process Control Systems
- Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Applicable Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Retail
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Inventory Management
- Warehouse Automation
Services
- Hardware Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
Needing to maximize productivity in order to move the millions of athletic shoes sold annually, New Balance faced the challenge of selecting the right equipment for its various warehouse applications. The company required lift trucks that could handle the extensive traffic and narrow aisles in its warehouses, particularly in the Lawrence facility. Additionally, the Ontario facility had concerns with its extensive traffic and aisles that are open at both ends, necessitating a solution to aid operators in stopping or slowing prior to exiting the aisle. Another challenge was to reduce truck downtime for battery changes to maintain high productivity levels.
About The Customer
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., based in Boston, MA, is a renowned company that designs and develops innovative, highly functional, and reliable shoes for both weekend warriors and serious athletes. The company operates three North American warehouses located in Ontario, CA; Compton, CA; and Lawrence, MA, which collectively process 26 million pairs of shoes per year. New Balance's commitment to quality and performance extends to its warehouse operations, where it seeks to maximize productivity and efficiency. The company values ergonomic design, comfort, and operator productivity, which aligns with its philosophy of creating footwear that fits a wide range of activities and sizes.
The Solution
To address its challenges, New Balance partnered with Abel Integrated Handling Systems, the Raymond Dealership in Lawrence, and its Director of Sales, Mike Petinge. Together, they selected eight counterbalanced trucks for receiving, six wire-guided Swing-Reach® trucks, and 11 pallet trucks for pick and put away in narrow aisles. Additionally, 26 wire-guided orderpickers were chosen for case picking. To further enhance efficiency, Petinge recommended Raymond’s exclusive intelliguide™ wire guidance system, which frees operators from steering responsibilities in very narrow aisles. This system quickly and reliably engages guide signals, providing excellent tracking and stability, which was particularly beneficial for the Lawrence warehouse. For the Ontario facility, Petinge addressed the issue of extensive traffic and open-ended aisles by equipping the trucks with magnets for end-of-aisle slowdown, aiding operators in stopping or slowing prior to exiting the aisle. This comprehensive approach ensured that New Balance's warehouses were equipped with the right tools to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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