Efficiency at its peak thanks to automated warehouse

If you want to be sure that all the required components are actually present in sufficient quantities for each project, proper stock management is indispensable. Bjorn and his wife Anneleen of Clement Poorten in Aalter therefore invested in an automated warehouse type Hänel Lean-Lift®, for the efficient storage of parts for their gates and fences. For the engineering, assembly, commissioning and aftercare of this installation, they called on the specialists at DDD Technics.

"When we moved into this shed, we had nicely placed all the components for our gates and fencing in separate racks. In fact, we have our own way of working. At the beginning of every project, all the necessary components are immediately laid out: handles, sliding gate motors, automation, videophone equipment.... Time and again, however, we found that components were in short supply and that we had to drive around to replenish our stock," says Anneleen Maes, who together with her husband Bjorn Clement is the driving force behind Clement Poorten in Aalter. 

"We were therefore looking for a solution to store our stock in a more organized and compact way and to manage it more efficiently. Originally we thought of a paternoster system, but when we learned about Hänel's platform lift system at DDD Technics, we were convinced. We bought a Hänel Lean-Lift® with a width of 2060 mm and a depth of 825 mm, which was perfectly matched to the height of our workshop. This 'cabinet' was recently installed and now we are busy logically arranging the forty shelves, each with a load capacity of up to 250 kg, and integrating the parts and components. Soon everything will be stored in a limited space in the automated warehouse tower and we will always have all the components for our projects available without error."

Customized gates and fences

Clement Gates specializes in gates and fences in metal, aluminum, metal-wood and solid wood, as well as gate automation for residential and industrial customers. 

"I first started this company as a secondary occupation, but from 2015 it became my main occupation. In the early years, we produced steel windows, balustrades, fencing and gates, but over time we decided to focus on custom-made gates and fences," says business manager Bjorn Clement.    

"We take care of our customers from A to Z: surveying, quotation, technical drawing, production, installation, maintenance and after-sales service. For an installation, we first carry out the earthworks; then we assemble the gate and connect additional elements: automation, videophone, home automation, lighting and access control. Finally, we finish the driveway again. With us, customers have a single point of contact for their entire project. Our team now consists of eight people, partly permanent employees and partly skilled independent freelancers."

Detailed management of inventory

The managers of Clement Poorten chose a Hänel Lean-Lift® from stock because they wanted their warehouse tower as quickly as possible. Assembly went smoothly, originally scheduled over two days, but completed by DDD Technics' technician in one day. "The platforms are moved to the work opening within seconds via a control with intuitive touch screen. The stock is now closely monitored and as soon as it drops below the set minimum for a particular item, Anneleen is automatically notified by e-mail and can reorder in time," says Chris Cherretté, technical sales representative at DDD Technics.

"What is new is that suppliers are also linked to the elevator. If orders need to be placed on a regular basis, or a representative of a brand comes by, one can see in the computer what needs to be replenished. The access code system ensures that one knows perfectly who has taken what and when from the warehouse. Moreover, one can block shelves for certain employees. Since the people from the workshop do not need the components for automation, they should not have access to the shelves either. Efficiency at its finest."

Satisfied customer

"We are very satisfied with our investment. We save a lot of warehouse space because everything is stacked in this compact tower. Moreover, we can quickly and efficiently retrieve all components, which saves us a lot of time," Bjorn and Anneleen conclude. "The cooperation with DDD Technics is also running smoothly. For the programming, IT specialist Wannes Oste assisted us and with all other questions we can always contact them and are immediately helped remotely or on site."    

DDD TECHNICS - Booth number 147