Dealerships are always looking for ways to stand out, whether that’s through product offerings, or ways they can optimize their operations. Oftentimes, it’s the unique service experience that sets automotive teams apart and keeps them competitive. Tool storage is one major factor that affects the type of service that dealerships can offer to customers.
Bringing automation into tool storage may often seem like a bigger, stressful step to take for dealerships, but the end results can be truly transformative. The Hanel Lean Lift Vertical Lift Module (VLM) and Rotomat Storage Carousel are innovative tool storage solutions that provide an organized and easy way to access and store tools. The benefits of these automation solutions can revolutionize an automotive workspace.
The Benefits of Using a Hanel Lean Lift or Rotomat in the Automotive Space
Space Savings: First and foremost, these automation solutions are amazing space savers for tool storage. In dealerships, our automotive storage team is always cognizant of how much space our solutions will take up as floor space is limited in most situations. With these material handling solutions, storage floor space can be reduced more than 75%.
Bulk Storage Solution: In addition to these solutions not taking up unnecessary floor space, the Lean Lift and Rotomat will also store an amazing number of tools. In one case study, a single Hanel Lean Lift was used to store 1,400 different tools. Whether it’s large and bulky items, or smaller tools, these automation solutions store can a wide variety of parts thanks to their highly customizable trays. This resolves the issue of needing more space for parts, as they can all be stored in one central space.
Cohesive Dealership: With either the Lean Lift VLM or the Rotomat carousel, all parts can be stored in one central location. This leads to a more efficient and cost-effective workflow as everything is accessed from one spot. Workers are not wasting time searching for tools or parts while walking around the dealership.
These solutions also have the ability to tie all the departments together in the dealership. The parts department, service department, service reception area, and showroom can all use and have easy, badge or keypad-controlled access to these automation solutions for parts storage.
Ergonomics: These vertical lift modules and parts carousels are made for the worker. By providing one central location for parts, this eliminates excessive movement of walking around the dealership and well as strenuous activity from reaching up or down to grab a part. The Hanel Rotomat and Lean Lift provide a safe solution for workers to use.
These solutions are easy for workers to use as well. When an item is needed, a worker has to type in what product they need, a tray will bring the product down to the workers level, and they can safely reach for the product. The height of the tray can be adjusted to the picker’s specifications to ensure a safe setup.
Tool Inventory Management: With all your tools in one central location, all inventoried in the management software, there is accountability and access control for each tray. With the Hanel system controller, there is always an inventory list handy. This ensures that shortages of parts can be avoided more easily. When something is low in stock, it’s simple to see and order more.
Efficient Operations: The way these systems work creates streamlined workflows for picking. Workers will use a barcode scanner to read their pick lists. Then, data will be sent to the Rotomat or Lean Lift, and the automation solution will bring the tray with the requested part to the access point for retrieval. Over time, the VLM software will learn to store more frequently accessed trays closer to the access point to reduce travel and picking time.
Additionally, when a vehicle is scheduled for maintenance, a worker can be proactive and check to see if all items for the repair are in stock, and pick the items to have them ready to use in advance. The LED compartment and sub level indicators will show the location of each item, and the system will confirm once each item is picked on the list.
Safe Tool Storage: Having tools stored in the safety of these storage solutions can offer an extra layer of reassurance for managers. In these storage solutions, parts are kept safe from dust and dirt in their secure location. These parts are also only accessible by authorized personnel.
Specialized Tool Storage: Special tools are easily managed with the Hanel system controller and software. Once each tool number is put into the system, the solution will list which tools need to be used for different procedures. These systems will also make others aware if a tool is currently being used by another team member.
Interested in Learning More About the Hanel Lean Lift and Rotomat?
Having faster throughput times for repairs ensures dealerships stand out amongst competition. Allowing for a more efficient and secure parts management system is essential to keep operations running smoothly. Reach out to our St. Louis material handling team here or give us a call at 833-754-2164 to learn more about these automation solutions for your dealership.
About the Author
John Fontaine
Automation Sales Lead
After a 9 year career as an officer in the US Navy Submarine Force, John developed vital experience in the advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems with business development roles at two major defense contractors. In directing the growth of ISS Material Shelving, a division of Industrial Shelving Systems, John’s mission is clear: to remain thoroughly customer-focused, ensuring that businesses who partner with ISS Material Handling seize the right opportunities for automation adoption, fueling responsible growth amidst challenging economic circumstances. When not in the office, John enjoys all things music, cooking, and fitness.