Fertec Boosts Inventory Efficiency and Customer Experience with Modula VLMS

Case Study Summary

Founded in 1997 as a small local hardware store, Fertec has evolved into a prominent business serving both individual and corporate clients, with approximately ninety percent of its turnover coming from corporate clients. To optimize space and streamline inventory management, Fertec implemented two Modula Lift units, allowing them to efficiently store small and large products, improve accessibility, and significantly enhance customer service. Both units are installed in an insulated structure outside their main facility, maximizing available space.

The Challenge

With a growing product range and increasing demand, Fertec needed a solution to efficiently manage inventory and provide easy access to products. Previously, the company faced challenges in storing small items in an organized manner, which required a great deal of time and space. The conventional storage approach also made it difficult to easily access and track products, often resulting in inefficiencies and delays. As Fertec expanded, it became evident that they needed a solution to enhance both space utilization and customer service.

The Solution

In 2021, Fertec invested in its first unit, a Modula Lift MC50, which is 16′ feet high and equipped with 35 trays. This vertical lift module allowed Fertec to store small-sized products, ensuring easy access and organized storage.

Due to the success of the first unit, Fertec expanded its storage capabilities further by installing a second unit in 2022, a Modula Lift MX50D, which is 32.5 feet high and has 46 trays. This second Lift was designed to handle larger products, enhancing Fertec’s ability to store bulkier items

Both units were installed in an insulated structure outside their main facility. This allowed them to take advantage of vertical space that their existing building could not accommodate. The insulated enclosure protects the stored products from temperature variations, and it is also fully anti-seismic to ensure maximum safety.

The Modula Lift units are equipped with an alphanumeric LED bar to guide operators to the correct items. The led bar indicates the location and quantity needed. This system minimizes picking errors and accelerates the entire picking process, enhancing both accuracy and efficiency. Operators can easily access products directly from trays presented at ergonomic heights, ensuring a safer and more streamlined workflow.

The Modula units have provided substantial benefits, including better space utilization and improved customer interactions. With products centrally stored, the operators can easily assist customers by retrieving trays with multiple options, making it convenient for customers to choose what they need. The investment has ultimately enhanced efficiency, optimized storage, and positioned Fertec for continued growth.

Fertec Case Study – Key benefits:

• Space Optimization: By implementing the Modula Lift units, Fertec reclaimed significant floor space. The dynamic height management system reallocates trays to utilize all available vertical space efficiently.
• Improved Accessibility and Ergonomics: The Modula system allows operators to access items quickly without excessive walking or lifting. Products can be retrieved directly from trays, which are presented at an ergonomic height. This ensures a safer and more efficient process. The alphanumeric LED bar guides operators to the correct item and indicates the quantity needed, minimizing picking errors.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: The Modula units provide substantial benefits to Fertec’s customer interactions. Customers often come in without knowing the exact type of product they need, such as a milling cutter for a specific material. With Modula, the operator can call up a tray containing all milling cutters. This allows customers to see all available options and choose what best suits their needs. This not only improves service but also allows the staff to easily track inventory and restock items as needed.