Murata Machinery Pairs ASRS Strategy and Controls for Max Efficiency at KTH

When KTH Industries Inc. decided to expand their St. Paris, Ohio facility, they sought out more than just a solutions supplier, they needed a total implementation expert. That search brought them to Murata Machinery USA, Inc.

As a global leader in material handling solutions, Murata Machinery USA, Inc. has developed and deployed over 11,000 Muratec systems worldwide, and immediately began working with the KTH team to develop a full circle solution for their expansion.

To address their requirements of total storage capacity, system throughput, and available expansion real estate, Murata provided a turnkey ASRS system supported by a proprietary WMS, the X500 software, that took KTH to a whole new level of operational efficiency.

“Working with Murata to design the system, they helped us all the way through it from the location of it, how we setup the system for the inbound, the outbound, the conveyors in, the conveyors out” explained Dave Hart, Assistant Manager of Production Support at KTH.

The six-aisle, high rise ASRS solution was designed to transport and store large and small bins carrying automotive parts, while maximizing floor space and providing high density storage options. The RTN-X rail-guided cart system was designed for the large bins, while T-cars were selected for the small bins, allowing for efficient transport to multiple areas around the facility.

As reliability is synonymous with the Muratec brand, the ASRS systems boasts a 99% uptime, largely attributed to the ability to perform routine maintenance without stopping the system.

Another key component to KTH’s success was the integration of the X500 WMS software, which allows the organization to seamlessly track inventory, and provide immediate reporting for items stored, and in transit. The ability for KTH to have more control over their inventory, benefited their overall supply chain management and ensured greater order accuracy.

“The X500 software was very easy to learn” added Hart.

With total order control, visibility and traceability, the X500 software enabled KTH to reap the true benefits of their system by nearly eliminating inventory damage and shrinkage. Additionally, with real-time order data displayed on screens placed above the outbound conveyors, fork-truck operators were able to quickly and easily find the parts they needed.

Prior to engaging with Murata Machinery, KTH was managing dispersed inventory throughout several off-site locations. By consolidating their inventory into a centralized, fully integrated ASRS system, KTH has reported a reduction in operating costs, and increases in both efficiency and inventory accuracy.

To learn more about Murata Machinery USA’s automated storage and retrieval systems, contact them today at 844.508.1440, or visit them online at muratec-usa.com.