When time is of the essence...

New materials-handling equipment designed to boost productivity helps warehouse workers move, store, and cross-dock goods quickly

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 6/1/1998

Stanley Storage Systems has released its STAK Systems for the delivery of large, heavy items. Using the built-in captive-mast with forks, a single person can use the STAK System to retrieve heavy items, thus eliminating the need for a forklift truck in the storage area. Shelf capacity is 2,000 pounds for the 2K STAK System and 4,000 pounds for the 4K STAK.

The captive handling and lifting device in the 4K STAK System provides automated motion on all four directional axes. To guide all motions, the control pods come with directional controls oriented to the position of the operator.

Using the STAK System, heavy, bulky items can be retrieved in less than 21/2 minutes. The adjustable pallet locations maximize storage density by minimizing the vertical space requirements for each stored item. With its narrow aisles, the system makes the most of vertical space and typically requires 30 percent less floor space than racks and pallets. A system can be installed in areas as small as 250 square feet.

The STAK System can be arranged with the racking in a straight line or on both sides of a single aisle. Transfer of heavy items can be made directly from the storage pallet to the "point of use."