The Allfasteners warehouse is always a hive of activity. From sunrise to sunset, our team is on a mission to deliver orders on time and in full. And now, we've taken things to the next level by introducing two massive Vertical Lift Modules (VLM) that tower above the warehouse floor.

Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are advanced material handling solutions that have transformed modern warehouses' operations. These machines are designed to maximize storage capacity and improve order fulfilment efficiency by utilizing advanced software technology and intelligent storage solutions. VLMs are essentially giant, vertical shelving units that use an automated lift mechanism to retrieve products stored within the unit.

The VLMs can store up to 45 tonnes of products, utilising the space more efficiently than traditional pallets and shelving. Intelligent inventory systems equip VLMs. These systems enable warehouse teams to locate items in one spot. 

This reduces the need for walking or forklift driving to retrieve products. Instead, with a few clicks of a computer, the VLM brings the desired tray right to the team member's hands.

Now empowered with data-driven insights, we have taken things a step further. The system collects data with every product movement in and out of the VLMs. This data can be analysed to optimise our warehouse operations. This data can help identify trends, eliminate waste, and streamline product storage and fulfilment.

The warehouse operations team now has more time to dedicate to tasks that require their expertise. This allows us to provide faster order fulfilment and fewer mistakes for our customers. But the benefits extend further - to our customers.

Delivering Efficiency and Improved Customer Experience

The VLMs are located near dispatch, allowing our team to increase productivity, reduce handling times, and improve overall efficiency. With the VLMs in place, we can now provide faster and more accurate order fulfilment, reducing lead times and improving customer satisfaction.

Workplace safety has improved in the warehouse. This reduces the need for staff to use heavy machinery or climb ladders to get items stored high up. This has not only helped to reduce workplace accidents but has also improved staff morale and job satisfaction.

At Allfasteners, we continue to lead the way in revolutionising warehouse operations and delivering efficiency. With our investment in cutting-edge technology, data insights, and a focus on customer experience, we are setting the bar for businesses across the industry. It's an exciting time to be part of the Allfasteners team! Keep watching - bigger things are yet to come.

Want to learn more about our VLMs at Allfasteners? Read on!

Inventory management has been revolutionized by computerized VLMs. Although they have been around since the 20th century, modern VLMs are more advanced and adaptable. The compact design of VLMs allows warehouses to maximize their available space and store more items.

But there’s more. Allfasteners' VLMs provide real-time data insights, increased safety and faster picking. This means increased productivity, greater accuracy, reduced lead times and improved customer satisfaction - all with the push of a few buttons.

Improved Safety and Efficiency for Warehouse Staff

The installation of VLMs has made the warehouse a safer place for our team members. With the VLMs, our staff no longer need to strain their backs by bending over or reaching for heavy boxes or climbing ladders to access high shelves. As you know, some boxes of fasteners can weigh up to and beyond 20 kilograms!

Aided lifting devices and proper material handling techniques are routinely employed to ensure our team members' safety. But with the modules in place, there is a reduced risk of physical injuries and strains, making the work environment more comfortable and improving staff morale.

In addition to the physical benefits, the VLMs have also improved the efficiency of our warehouse operations. With intelligent inventory systems, our staff can retrieve products from a single location, eliminating the need to walk or drive forklifts around the warehouse to find products.

This has not only reduced physical strain but also increased the speed of product retrieval, making our warehouse operations more efficient than ever before.

Advanced Picking Processes

How many product variants do you think Allfasteners stocks? For example, for the humble Metric HSS Jobber Drill Bit, there are 25 different line items, and there are 3-4 more product lines with roughly the same in each. As you can imagine, the number of variants across all product lines is massive when you start accounting for screws, bolts, and anchors!

But VLMs have changed that by making it easy for our staff to find the right product, even with our large inventory of small parts. The barcode scanning feature of the VLMs means that our staff can quickly locate the exact product they need by simply scanning the barcode. And, with the laser-guided picking feature, the VLMs illuminate exactly where the product is located, making it easy for staff to pick the right item.

The VLMs have truly revolutionized our picking processes, making it faster and easier than ever before to locate and retrieve products. With the advanced features of the VLMs, our staff can quickly find and pick the right product, no matter how many variants we have in stock.

Speed and Efficiency

Each tray can store up to 500kg of product, which can add up quickly with heavy fasteners. The system carefully balances out the trays when products are being filled through the goods-in process. Now you might think the trays move slowly due to their weight. But that's not the case.

The motors and lift systems within the modules can actually move the trays up and down at a rate of 1-3 metres per second, which is faster than walking speed! This means we can quickly fill and empty the trays, reducing handling time and making life easier for our hardworking warehouse team.

What's Next?

Allfasteners VLMs were installed over the Christmas 2022 break. We're still in the midst of optimizing the system and analysing the data to identify where further improvements can be made as we continue shipping orders. But rest assured, the VLMs have already made a big difference to our warehouse operations and improved safety and efficiency for our team.