Current press releases issued by Wanzl are available here:
| The space-saving solution from Wanzl [more] |
Goods have to get from A to B quickly and safely these days.
With their sophisticated technology, good driving qualities and generous capacity, Wanzl container solutions are geared towards a variety of product ranges and requirements. Mobile containers from the RC/N series can be folded together and nested to save valuable space in storage and transport. Alongside mobile containers for transporting boxes conforming to European standards, the product range also includes variants that are optimised for shipping to make the most of available loading areas. With the large product range and an extensive selection of accessories such as intermediate grates, clothes rails, tension belts, writing boards and many more, the construction of the mobile containers can be individually designed according to the intended application. In addition, the mobile containers can also be secured against theft with padlocks using the bolting mechanism that is standard for some of the series.
The "Logistics+Industry" business division is an independent business division within the Wanzl Group. Products are developed and produced here for applications in the area of logistics and industrial production logistics. In addition to the extensive range of standard products, Wanzl develops customised solutions to order; perfectly geared to individual objectives. The array of services ranges from product design based on virtual models through to prototype production and subsequent manufacture. The Wanzl Group’s many years of experience, state-of-the-art manufacturing and commitment to quality ensure products that are tailored to applications and are long-lasting.
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| Innovative picking – multiple benefits [more] |
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Innovative picking – multiple benefits:
KT3 "drive" – patented reliability
With its logistics and industry division, Wanzl offers a broad range of order picking trolleys. The latest innovation is the further development of the KT3 "drive" order picking trolley. This has a fifth wheel – attached under the centre of the trolley – in the hub of which a durable no-maintenance electrical motor is integrated for transporting heavy loads. The fifth wheel guarantees outstanding manoeuvrability, even with a heavy load of up to 300 kg. It even allows the order picking trolley to be turned 360° on the spot. |
The electric motor is operated easily via a rocker switch ergonomically integrated into the handle, which controls forwards and backwards movement. Depending on the requirements and application, five different speeds can be set. The battery required to drive the trolley can be easily replaced using a coupling mechanism to guarantee that the KT3 "drive" is ready for operation around the clock. For the first time a lithium polymer battery is used, which is reflected in a significant reduction in weight and smaller dimensions – this is a distinct advantage of the battery change principle. The new technology results in a significantly longer service life and, at the same time, constantly high performance. If the battery needs recharging, this can be carried out simply and safely thanks to the fast loading capacity.
Extremely stable and durable, the KT3 "drive" is available in various sizes, heights and equipment variants. With the new technology, the KT3 "drive" can be used in a broader temperature range. The basic model can be variably equipped with additional shelves. The trolley can therefore be adapted to suit individuals and incorporates their preferences and not vice versa. The battery-powered automatic driving operation, which carries even the heaviest loads without the need for physical strength is a great benefit. The aim here is to lighten the load for people as much as possible when they are working. According to the German Federal Statistics Office, spinal disc injuries are the second leading cause of work-related illness in Germany at over 27 percent. The resulting economic compensation amounts to over €10 billion annually – not including the cost of non-productive time, reduced service and related disorders. The burden on the environment is also reduced since the KT3 "drive" can be recycled in an environmentally friendly way at the end of its product life cycle. Even the battery can be reintroduced into natural circulation.
The optional fold-out ladder is fitted with a safety switch that prevents the order picking trolley from being driven unintentionally. In addition to the KT3 "drive" innovation, Wanzl offers a wide range of order picking trolleys. The trolley variants developed in system construction can be flexibly equipped and converted. Complemented by the wide range of accessories, Wanzl order picking trolleys can be individually equipped for any requirement and for any product group.
Smooth running of transport, picking and warehousing are decisive factors in the efficiency and success of a company. The list of reference customers, for example TV shopping stations, internationally operating logistics companies and well-known industrial companies, is the best feedback for the high quality of Wanzl's logistics programme.
The German Cardiac Centre in Munich uses the KT3 "drive" picking trolley to transport boxes of medication with a total weight of up to 300kg per trolley from the central distribution point directly to patients.
The Japanese automotive manufacturer Suzuki for instance has incorporated a special custom-designed version of the KT3 in their British headquarters in Milton Keynes for group transport of small parts.
Würth Modyf, a subsidiary company of the Würth Group has a mobile storage concept that provides great efficiency and flexibility. This is ensured by over 700 mobile containers that are adapted to the customer’s needs. Wanzl is the partner for consultations in the area of wire expertise. Over 60 years of experience in the market and the substantial capacity of the market leaders in equipping trade and logistics companies often lead to unique solutions worldwide. Along with the new battery technology and electric drive in the trolley, emerging technologies are also employed for easy handling of heavy loads. For example, Wanzl is equipped with totally new solution approaches in the area of RFID.
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| Effortless manual order picking [more] |
Wanzl is rounding off its order picking trolley range to the top with a new model: KT4 was especially designed for transporting heavy goods with a loading capacity of up to 600 kilogrammes. The proven, modular design, combined with different sizes, heights and equipment guarantees high variability and ensures the flexible, manual order picking processes in logistics and industrial companies. Simultaneously, dimensions are coordinated with the Euro norm box, to use the provided space optimally for loading. Wanzl offers an extensive range of extra equipment for KT4, for example a foldable ladder, a writing board, pushing handles, wire trays and forklift loops. This equipment, in combination with the modular design, enables the KT4 to be optimally equipped for any upcoming order picking task. Additionally to KT4, Wanzl's order picking trolley programme includes, amongst others, a space-saving variant that can be pushed together and versions with the fifth castor, placed underneath the centre of the trolley for easy steering, pushing and manoeuvering. The KT product line also includes the electrically powered KT3 >drive< and the KT3 >Power Supply<. The latter integrates various logistics processes as a mobile control unit: this enables the order picking process to be connected to the IT-controlled warehouse, the feedback to the warehouse system and the printing of delivery labels. The KT3 >Pick by light< supports staff during errorless order picking and it prevents time-consuming reinspection and additional costs due to incorrect delivery. All KT models were developed with system design and can therefore be flexibly equipped and converted.
Wanzl ensures the longevity of its products by using high-quality materials and exact manufacturing processes with a high degree of automation. Large batches and the development and manufacturing of customised models, coordinated closely with customers for individual situations in transport and application, can also be produced in due time. Qualified specialists, the latest 3D CAD systems, a precisely defined quality process compliant with DIN EN ISO 2000-2004 and in-house test laboratories guarantee a functioning process cycle from situation analysis to delivery of the product. In addition to the KT product family for efficient order-picking, Wanzl offers an extensive programme for transport and storage as well as for internal and external logistics processes. Wanzl products contribute to a reduction of error rates and throughput times. The result is economically optimised, time- and cost-saving logistics processes from order acceptance to product supply and therefore improved competitiveness. The list of reference customers, for example TV shopping stations, internationally operating logistics companies and well-known industrial companies, is the best feedback for the high quality of Wanzl's logistics programme. | |
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| KT3 >>Pick by light<< and the space-saving KT-N [more] |
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KT3 >>Pick by light<< and the space-saving KT-N
Wanzl has extended its order picking trolley program by two innovations:
the KT3 model >> Pick by light<< and the KT-N variant that can be pushed together. The new >>Pick by light<< variant of the successful order picking trolley KT3 supports staff during errorless order picking and prevents time-consuming reinspection and additional costs due to incorrect delivery. For this purpose Wanzl has equipped the new trolley with a mobile power supply, powered by peripheral rechargeable power batteries. |
Every order picking spot on the trolley is equipped with a >>Pick by light<< system, which is connected to the store administration system using WLAN. The zone controller of the >>Pick by light<< system informsstaff with an electronic display and an easily visible light signal about the respective source compartment, the product to be picked and the required quantity. Due to its systematic design, the KT3 model >>Pick by light<< is extremely flexible and ideally designed for varied product ranges and sectors. During the entire order picking process, the wire mesh offers an unobstructed view of the compartments to make sure products are not left behind in the trolley before shipping. Wanzl offers optional peripherals, such as printers, scanners and monitors as additional equipment for the KT3 >>Pick by light<<. Recently, Wanzl's KT3 model range was extended by the KT3-L, in an extremely light version.
Wanzl's second, new model, the space-saving order picking trolley KT-N, convinces with its small dimensions: the trolley that can be pushed together requires a minimum of valuable storage space for supply. Ten trolleys require only five metres of space. The agile model, equipped with three wooden shelves, has been optimally coordinated for the dimensions of Euro norm plastic boxes. Additionally, the metal desktop permits ergonomic and effective work during order picking. Wanzl has equipped the KT3 >>Pick by light<< and the KT-N with the additional 5th castor underneath the centre of the trolley to enable easy steering. Both order picking trolleys support internal and external logistics processes and contribute to reduced throughput times, just like the entire logistics programme by Wanzl. Deadline pressure at distribution level requires equipment that is easy to handle and highly reliable.
With ergonomical design, carefully selected materials and the latest computer-controlled production processes Wanzl guarantees optimum workmanship and reliable operation. Sophisticated solutions for storage, order picking and transport are available for any application purpose, optionally, of course, also custom-made.
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| Functionality counts [more] |
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Logistics solutions in use Wanzl picking and transport trolleys are
available for any application – manufactured specifically for our customers on request. Ergonomical design, carefully selected materials and the latest, computer-controlled production processes guarantee optimum workmanship and reliable operation. Two practical examples of logistics solutions developed by Wanzl are the current deliveries to the Duttenhofer Group and to the “Dritte-Welt-Shop” dispatch centre.
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In recent years, Wanzl has delivered 290 KT3 picking trolleys to the Duttenhofer Group. The trolleys, equipped with four shelves, are used for incoming and outgoing goods as well as for picking and return deliveries. Due to their numerous applications, the picking trolleys feature extremely variable fittings and set ups: Two of the four shelves can be unhooked, three shelves are made of perforated sheet metal for safe picking and transporting small electronic components. This functionality associated with everyday use of Wanzl trolleys is a considerable factor for the Duttenhofer Group, who are one of the leading European distributors of digital imaging and consumer electronics products. With over 30,000 items, the company offers its customers a product range that is unique in its scope. All Wanzl trolleys are also fitted with a hinged ladder, which is of particular benefit during manual picking and saves time reaching high level stores. Dietmar Östreicher, head of the Duttenhofer Group logistics centre, is more than satisfied with the Wanzl trolleys: "They are perfect for our processes". The compact dimensions, mobility and easy handling are convincing arguments for the user every day. The Duttenhofer Group are extremely positive regarding the durability and the long-lasting flawless service life of the Wanzl KT3 picking trolley. The German dispatch centre for Dritte-Welt-Shops (DW Shops) has also been using Wanzl picking trolleys for two years: 50 KT3 models, fitted with the centrally mounted fifth wheel for easy manoeuvring, are in use in the DW dispatch centre in Königswinter near Bonn. Here, 5,000 packages containing equitably priced, hand-made products and food products from the Third World are dispatched by DHL every day. Up to 400,000 packages with a total of 1.2 million dispatched articles pass through here every year. Picking is done manually, a Wanzl trolley carrying a maximum of up to 16 boxes. Depending on height, each box has its own space on the trolley. “Route-optimised picking, associated with this defined space assignment on the shelves has made a huge impact on picking efficiency”, says the head of DW dispatching, Willi Arnold. The trolley's four shelves can be accessed from both sides. In addition, depending on the goods to be picked, three of the four intermediate levels can be set up at different heights. A hinged ladder and sliding handle facilitate the picking process, along with a writing board, with space for the order lists. |
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| A strong member in the logistics chain [more] |
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Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH is the largest manufacturer of shopping trolleys in the world. However, the family company from Southern Germany also provides smart solutions for order-picking, storage and transport.
The best example is the KT3 order-picking trolley, which is used in extremely diverse industries because of its modular system construction.
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Seamless processes in transport, order-picking and storage play a crucial role in the efficiency and success of a company. The rapid and secure supply of goods has a positive effect on customer satisfaction. This applies to production logistics as well as the distribution of merchandise. If a part is always available at the right time and in the correct integration order at the assembly site, costly production interruptions can be avoided and production processes further improved.
Wherever goods or parts are picked manually or merchandise or assembly components have to be moved or made available, the functional and cost-saving equipment from Wanzl Logistics + Industry can help. This new division, created in 2002, focuses on system solutions for distribution and production logistics. The division produces an extensive range of warehouse and transport devices with functions developed specifically for the required use. The palette carts, wheeled drawer units, transport trolleys and picking trolleys supplied according to the logistics concept and specific requirement ensure the reliable and careful transport of goods or assembly components. Thanks to their ease of use and ergonomic design, they can also be rapidly loaded and unloaded – an advantage that pays off in every case as it can reduce lead times and minimise "mis-picks" which can occur during manual picking. "We have an extensive range which is unique in this width and depth," says Wolfgang Kaup, head of the Logistics + Industry division based in Kirchheim/ Swabia (Unterallgäu region). He considers the individual special solutions that the company implements at the special request of customers, in addition to the various versions of standard devices always on offer, to be a special strength of Wanzl. This is simplified by the fully modular construction of the products developed and manufactured in Kirchheim. The best examples of this are the KT3 picking trolleys, which Wanzl will also be exhibiting at LogIntern
2007 in Nuremberg. The KT3 is the middle series in the large and varied Wanzl picking trolley family, flanked by the compact and light KT 2, and the KT 4 designed specifically for heavier loads.
The basic version of the KT3 designed for a weight-bearing capacity of 200 kg has a maximum height of 180 cm and a width of 90 cm. It consists of an underframe available with or without a bottom tray, and side panels made of a square tubing frame with wire grating. Wanzl integrates four of its own swivel castors as standard. The optional centrally mounted fifth castor permits especially easy manoeuvring. It even allows the picking trolley to be turned on the spot. Other additional fittings include wire platters attached to the side panels for small parts, and affixable clothes rails,
as well as a note holder, writing board, antistatic strap and stowable ladder. Each customer can also choose from different variable-height
wire grating and wood shelves according to their specific requirements. "Considering these possible variations, the KT3 is suitable both for the transport of clothing,
smaller assembly elements or electronic components and for picking stamps, consumer electronics, paperback books or other mail-order items"
explains the head of Logistics + Industry. Kaup identifies further potential primarily in industrial manufacturing, e.g. in automobile production and the
aerospace industry: "The KT3 can be used there as a flexible Kanban trolley in order processing."For example, the Japanese automobile manufacturer Suzuki uses a special custom-configured version of the KT3 for
batch-transporting small parts in its British head office in Milton Keynes (north-west of London).
The two leading models of the Wanzl picking trolley are the KT3 Power Supply and KT3 Drive. As the name suggests, the KT3 Power Supply has a mobile power source from which on-board peripheral devices such as a touch-screen, radio scanner or printer are powered. Each "simple" KT3 can be upgraded to a KT3 Power Supply later on.
The KT3 Drive is another high-tech variant, rounding off the KT3 family. Here again, the name says it all: this model is distinguished by a fifth wheel with an integrated electric motor at the centre of the trolley. The motor can be easily controlled using a rocker switch incorporated into the handle, which switches e.g. between forward and backward movement. Depending on the purpose of use, the trolley operator can choose between three different speeds.
The durable low-maintenance wheel hub motor of the KT3 Drive permits simple handling by warehouse staff that is easy on the intervertebral discs and spine, even when transporting loads in excess of 200 kg. This is why e.g. the German Cardiac Centre in Munich uses KT3 Drive picking trolleys to distribute medication. The boxes transported, including contents, come to a total weight of just under 300 kg. Other customers from the field of hospital logistics opt for a combination of KT3 Drive and KT3 Power Supply, which can also be supplied. According to Kaup, there is also brisk demand from the textiles industry for the KT3 Drive models equipped with an additional battery pack for computer peripherals.
In fact, the engineering hidden away in the KT3 Drive also impressed the judges of the first Innovation Competition held by the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 2005: the first prize went unchallenged to Wanzl Logistics + Industry.
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| Individual solutions for logistics [more] |
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Wanzl offers a broad range of products for the Logistics + Industry sector. Specific solutions are designed and manufactured to suit individual usage and transport situations and tailored to the products to be supplied – always in close cooperation with the customer. Qualified specialists, the latest 3D CAD systems, a precisely defined quality process compliant with DIN EN ISO 2000-2004 and in-house test laboratories guarantee a functioning process cycle from situation analysis to delivery of the product.
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Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik offers a broad range of products for the Logistics + Industry sector. The products for picking and transport support in-house and external logistics processes and contribute to the reduction of error rates and lead times. The result is economically optimised, time- and cost-saving logistics processes from order acceptance to product supply and therefore improved competitiveness.
Wanzl focuses on the development of special solutions: specific solutions are designed and manufactured to suit individual usage and transport situations and tailored to the products to be supplied – always in close cooperation with the customer. Qualified specialists, the latest 3D CAD systems, a precisely defined quality process compliant with DIN EN ISO 2000-2004 and in-house test laboratories guarantee a functioning process cycle from situation analysis to delivery of the product. The longevity of Wanzl products is ensured by the use of high-quality materials and exact manufacturing, together with a high level of automation.
The full product portfolio of Wanzl is extremely versatile and is based on the specific transport requirements, spatial considerations and required functions. One focal point is the large selection of electrically or manually operated picking trolleys, including space-saving nestable versions. Picking and sales containers, palette rollers, palette add-ons and containers, and individual transport trolleys complete the range.
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| KT3 Drive in the Cardiac Centre [more] |
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The German Cardiac Centre in Munich uses the KT3 Drive picking trolley to transport boxes of medication with a total weight of up to 300 kgs per trolley from the central distribution point directly to patients. The KT3 Drive is easy to steer as it comes equipped with a fifth wheel attached under the centre of the trolley. The hub of the wheel integrates a durable no-maintenance electrical motor to aid in transporting heavy loads. The fifth wheel, a patented Wanzl development, guarantees outstanding manoeuvrability, even with a fully-loaded trolley.
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The electric motor is operated easily via a rocker switch integrated ergonomically into the handle. Control of forwards or backwards movement is achieved at the simple push of a button. Depending on the requirements and purpose of use, three different speeds can be programmed. The battery required for operation can be easily replaced using a plug mechanism and guarantees operational readiness of the KT3 Drive at all times.
The easy transport of medications with the KT3 Drive model in the German Cardiac Centre spares the health of the employees and therefore the financial budget of the clinic, because many illness-related absences were recorded in the past due to spinal disc problems. According to the German Federal Statistics Office, spinal disc injuries are the second leading cause of work-related illness in Germany at over 27 percent. The resulting economic compensation amounts to over €10 billion annually – not including the cost of non-productive time, reduced service and related disorders.
Wanzl supplies the KT3 Drive in different sizes, heights and configurations. The variable base type can also be equipped with additional shelves. A comprehensive range of picking trolleys, including a space-saving nestable version, completes the KT3 Drive series. The trolley variants developed in system construction can be flexibly equipped and converted; Wanzl also offers a varied range of accessories for every need and product group.
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| Picking books with the KT3 [more] |
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Nördlinger Verlagsauslieferung, which belongs to longstanding publisher C.H. Beck based in Munich and Frankfurt, distributes millions of books to booksellers and authorities in German-speaking countries every year. The company has recently began using 13 individually developed picking trolleys from Wanzl to pick orders received by 5am two hours later as batch orders and dispatch them to the addressees the same day. |
In up to 150 replenishment movements per day from the high-bay warehouse containing 11,000 palette positions, the picking warehouse is stocked with the products to be dispatched. The subsequent picking of over 7,000 deliverable works, including numerous electronic publications, around 50 specialist magazines, over 1,000 new publications per year and updated reissues involves time-consuming manual labour.
Previously, Nördlinger Verlagsauslieferung bundled four orders into one picking order. To reduce the time and transport requirement in the 2,400 square metre warehouse, the mail order firm worked with the logistics specialists at Wanzl to developed an innovative order-picking concept with new picking trolleys: orders with similar order titles are bundled using EDP into either packs of 8 for large orders or packs of 24 for small orders. To this end, 13 Wanzl KT3 picking trolleys have been produced in two individual versions: one equipped with eight compartments for large orders and the other with 24 compartments for small orders. The wire dividers are attached with a new, flexible-use attachment system. These dividers also allow a clear view of the compartments so that no books are left in the trolley. All KT3 picking trolleys are equipped with a fifth roller mounted under the centre of the trolley for easy steerability and good manoeuvrability.
The trolleys also include a basket for documents or drinks and a practical note holder for the picking documents. The integration of illuminated displays per compartment is also planned to provide staff with a clear visual indicator to ensure complete picking of batch orders. After a rigorous period of adjustment, Nördlinger Verlagsauslieferung is now experiencing a reduction in book-picking time of 40 percent compared with the previous procedure. And the delivery distances previously caused by two-thirds of the logistics workload have been significantly reduced.
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Any questions?
Don't hesitate and get in touch with us.
Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
Wolfgang Kaup
Hasberger Straße 13
87757 Kirchheim
Phone +49(0)8266/299-7282
Fax +49(0)8266/299-7285
wolfgang.kaup@wanzl.de
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