Mobile Work Cells Drive Automobile Supply Chain Lean Manufacturing

As the automotive manufacturing sector continues to come back from damage sustained from the COVID-19 pandemic, managers are placing a higher-than-ever premium on both safety and efficiency in their production facilities. Mobile carton flow work cells (also known as mobile carton flow rack) check these boxes while providing a variety of other benefits to automotive manufacturers. Mobile carton flow work cells let you move components, parts and inventory around your facility to quickly respond to worker safety restrictions, demand changes, line side production operations, and more.  

Benefits of Mobile Carton Flow Work Cells

• Enhanced Productivity –  ergonomically-designed for easy reach and quick SKU identification.
• Greater Flexibility – respond quickly to production & assembly line changes
• LEAN Manufacturing – keep inventory organized & support accurate parts tracking line side 
• Maximize Space – move by hand or pull with forklift & put into use as needed or store out of the way when not in use
• Remote Loading – rack can be loaded in fulfillment and delivered to the production line

Production & Assembly

• Support LEAN Manufacturing Goals – Mobile carton flow racks are an ideal resource for the automotive manufacturing environment, where multiple teams work on one component at a time. They can be used to safely and efficiently move parts needed only for the specific project being handled, consolidating everything needed in a mobile, ergonomically designed delivery system.
• Organize Parts on Carts to Save Time and Labor Cost– One of the primary impediments to efficiency in any manufacturing operation is fast access to accurate parts selection. Prevent unnecessary delays in production, assembly and fulfillment with highly-organized mobile carton flow racks. The mobile carts can be equipped with totes or rails to segment SKUs for quick picking and put away. parts can be stocked to facilitate an efficient work day or streamline shift work. Minimize worker travel and support social distancing requirements with everything your team needs all in one mobile system.

Order Fulfillment

In addition to manufacturing and production of automotive component parts, mobile carton flow racks can also be a vital asset in order fulfillment within the sector. Mobile carton flow racks save critical travel time and expense by letting your employees stay put with easy access to the right parts and tools for order picking. Shelves are also quickly adjustable to accommodate frequent SKU changes. Add totes or dividers for faster, more accurate stocking and selection. 

Warehouse Reconfiguration

Mobile carton flow carts pay dividends in the future when warehouse layouts change which is often in most manufacturing/warehouse environments. Mobile work cells and racks do not require costly disassembly and reassembly every time layouts and requirements change. Labor cost to relocate flow racking can be reduced by 75% in most cases. Light-work crews can easily roll assembled racks into place forming a new layout. Racks up to 10’ deep x 10’ wide can be mobilized with caster additions for easy relocation.

Adding new carts to expand pick and/or assembly areas is faster than designing and installing permanent rack structures. The mobile carts are easy to order and quick to ship. 

Pipe-Style Mobile Racks

Pipe-style mobile racking is popular at many manufacturing plants in the production and warehousing areas. Plastic-coated metal pipe racks are easily custom made to exact size requirements. Integrate wheel or roller conveyor into the pipe-style system with simple hanging brackets. Pipe racks can also be mounted on wheels for easy relocation when layouts in manufacturing or warehouses change. Racks can be pre-assembled and delivered ready to be set in place and put into service quickly.

WOI Will Integrate Mobile Carton Flow Work Cells into Your Operation

The Southeastern United States, including Tennessee, is quickly becoming a hub of American automotive production and order fulfillment. Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) is uniquely positioned to help this sector leverage mobile carton flow work cells to their advantage. With our 5 Step Total Satisfaction Experience™ you are guaranteed that 1. we will listen to your needs, 2. execute your project with special attention to your unique application, 3. adhere to project timelines, 4. ensure safety, and 5. deliver a visually pleasing finished product. The WOI team will walk you through each stage of the process and provide expert customer service to deliver great results and peace of mind. Contact a member of our team today and let’s chat or Zoom. Call (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers in Tennessee, Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.