Boeing's storage reaches new heights
Five automated storage systems for tools maximize Boeing's production space, consolidate cribs, trim retrieval time, and reduce tool usage by 60%.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 7/1/1999
Boeing Rotorcraft Division explored a more effective means of storage and tool dispensing for its 2 million square foot complex in Mesa, Ariz. Until recently, these functions were completely manual.Since the installation of a point-of-use tool system, Boeing has reduced its perishable and durable tool usage per employee by more than 60%. It also allows the company to consolidate 8 tool cribs into 7.
The automation and consolidation has not only made the company's materials and tooling more organized, the point-of-use access provides substantial time savings; accessing materials now involves a short 30-second transaction instead of a five minute walk. And since employees spend more time on assembly, productivity has increased.
"The system has brought a new level of organization, security, and productivity to our operation," says Boeing's Richard Tuzzolino. "The changes have been dramatic."
Boeing now uses four vertical carousel tool storage units and one automated tool dispenser. The carousels provide increased productivity and security, reduced inventory shrinkage, and access accountability, while the automated tool dispenser stores and dispenses Boeing's individual indexable insert tooling and drills, taps, or similar tooling up to 8.5 in. long and 0.625 in. in diameter.
The carousels are used in the manufacturing and assembly area of the company's AH-64D Apache Longbow combat helicopter and in its wireharness facility. Rotating shelves that move up or down deliver tools at an ergonomic level for workers. Six sliding doors, security carriers and dividers, as well as see-through windows allow Boeing operators to preview the product, which helps to reduce picking errors. The carousels also provide return capability for tools that are finished being used or tools that need to be calibrated.
The addition of bar code technology to the units has augmented the company's security. "We've made the carousels bar code compatible so employees have to swipe their badges to gain access," says Tuzzolino. "It helps to keep closer tabs on our extensive parts and tool inventory." Boeing is looking to adopt radio frequency interface technology to increase system portability.
Remstar International
800-639-5805
There are no other articles related to this article.Talkback
Related Content
Related Content
Sponsored Links
View All Blogs
