The update took two years to complete in the 180,000 sq. ft. facility. “We touched every part in the warehouse,” said Jeff Tilden, Vice President of Parts. The warehouse has “moved to a completely digital world.” Tilden goes on to say, “the most important thing we’ve done is a complete changeover of the way we manage and run the parts system.”
The warehouse now has machines, known as Kardex systems, that help store and organize parts. The new systems contain shelving units that extend all the way to the top of the ceiling. Warehouse Technicians will type in a part code and the Kardex will select the shelving unit it is on, retrieve the unit, and bring it down to the technician. They maximize the capacity of the warehouse to its full potential while increasing efficiency throughout the facility.
Warehouse Technician, Raul Jimenez Jr., explained, “The transition from paper to digital orders was a good change.” Raul goes on to talk about how he and other “pickers” have a device they carry on their wrists that shows them the parts order, where the parts are located, and other helpful information. With these devices, there is no longer a worry about losing a parts order paper. CLAAS Parts has made big changes to better serve their employees and consumers.
Tilden summed up the positive effects that this will have on for CLAAS dealers and customers. “From a dealer and customer perspective, the update will provide two distinct advantages over the prior paper system. First, we will be able to process replenishment stock onto our shelves more quickly and make this inventory more immediately available to view and order for our dealer partners. Second, we now have more capability to consolidate different orders placed throughout the day and going to the same ship-to address into a single shipment – saving all parties in the supply chain freight costs.”
Watch Parts Video
