Kardex Holding AG this week debuted its latest tool, the StoreX Calculator, at the National Retail Federation show in New York. The technology provides an analysis of the potential capacity of AutoStore systems empowered by Kardex.
“The StoreX Calculator addresses the needs of business decision-makers when they are making the case for automation,” said Mitch Hayes, president of Kardex Solutions AutoStore. “There is a vast array of benefits that AutoStore provides to organizations of all kinds and our new tool now provides a comprehensive, accurate, and tailored means of demonstrating its potential before businesses commit to a project.”
“The StoreX Calculator provides clarity and evidence through easy-to-understand, actionable, data-backed insights,” he added. “We believe more businesses will reap the benefits of AutoStore technology in the future as a result.”
Kardex offers automated products, standardized systems, and lifecycle services with high availability and low total cost of ownership. The Zurich, Switzerland-based company said it provides intelligent automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), integrated material handling systems, small parts storage systems, and automated high-bay warehouses.
It also acts as a global AutoStore partner, offering flexible and modular storage and order-fulfillment systems.
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StoreX Calculator assists businesses with data-driven decisions
Kardex said it designed the tool to enable supply chain directors, IT directors, automation managers, and other industry professionals to more effectively evaluate ASRS tailored to their operations. StoreX provides a customized, data-rich analysis of how AutoStore and Kardex technologies can optimize operations, it said.
The tool generates a performance report for an AutoStore system in the user’s facility. It is aggregated from user input of key warehouse metrics, such as order volume, storage capacity needs, and labor requirements, explained Kardex.
Each report the StoreX Calculator produces provides critical data, said the company. This data includes system cost, the return on investment (ROI) period, and the number of robots required. StoreX also specifies operator requirements, full-time equivalent (FTE) reduction, and footprint of the storage system.
Other factors include SKU storage capacity, throughput metrics, and annual cost savings from comparing manual operations versus automated ones.
Using data acquisition and analysis technology, the StoreX Calculator can simulate different scenarios. It also evaluates how AutoStore can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and optimize space utilization in a specific warehouse environment, said Kardex.
The tool gives decision-makers a comprehensive analysis of short- and long-term benefits, which is critical for strategic planning and informed investment choices, the company asserted.
Kardex said StoreX’s intuitive design aligns with its mission to deliver intelligent, scalable solutions that optimize intralogistics processes and bring greater transparency to the industry. Its stated goal is to enable customers to make confident, well-informed decisions.
AutoStore said its its modular cube storage design maximizes storage density. The StoreX Calculator allows users to visualize how their warehouse can achieve up to 75% more storage capacity in the same space while significantly improving throughput, it said.
Kardex highlights new tool’s features
Kardex said some key benefits of the StoreX Calculator include:
- Tailored reports: Users receive customized reports that outline key operational metrics, ensuring that each AutoStore system is optimized for their unique business needs.
- Fast ROI estimates: The tool can calculate the payback period, helping businesses justify their automation investments.
- Flexibility: The StoreX Calculator allows users to simulate various setups, such as adding more SKUs or adjusting the average orders per day, making it easier to forecast performance during growth periods and peak seasons.
- Cost savings: The tool highlights potential savings by comparing manual and automated processes, focusing on operational costs and improved labor efficiency.
- Implementation timeline: By providing an estimate of project implementation times, the StoreX Calculator allows businesses to plan and forecast accordingly.
- Footprint optimization: The tool shows the exact footprint required for the AutoStore system, assisting businesses with space usage and facility design.
