La Capital Cuts Picking Time by 75% and Optimizes Space with Modula VLMs
Case Study Summary
Founded more than 21 years ago in Mexico, La Capital specializes in the marketing and production of seals and gaskets, serving a wide range of industries across the country. With nine branches located in key industrial regions, the company provides components for hydraulics, pneumatics, and various fluid systems.
As operations expanded, La Capital sought to optimize warehouse space and improve efficiency while maintaining its reputation for fast, reliable service. To achieve this, the company implemented Modula Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) to automate storage and retrieval processes. The result was a significant reduction in picking times, increased productivity, and a safer, more organized working environment that supports continued growth.
The Challenge
As La Capital expanded its operations across Mexico, the company began to feel growing pressure on warehouse space and overall logistics efficiency. The existing manual system required employees to walk long distances through the warehouse to locate and retrieve parts, often taking 20 to 40 minutes to complete a single order.
This slow and repetitive process not only limited productivity but also created physical strain for staff, especially in hot and humid working conditions. The combination of limited space, increasing demand, and labor-intensive workflows made it difficult to maintain the company’s high standards for speed and service.
To continue meeting customer expectations and support future growth, La Capital needed a more efficient, technology-driven solution that would streamline operations and reduce manual handling.
The Solution
In 2023, La Capital installed its first Modula Vertical Lift Module (VLM) to modernize its warehouse operations and improve efficiency. The team began by storing high-turnover products in the automated system and quickly saw measurable improvements in both speed and accuracy. Order fulfillment times dropped from up to 40 minutes to just 5 to 10 minutes per order.
Each Modula unit is equipped with an internal single delivery bay that brings trays directly to the operator at an ergonomic height, reducing walking, lifting, and strain. A laser-guided LED pointer highlights the exact part location on the tray, ensuring fast and accurate picking while minimizing human error.
The system also integrates seamlessly with La Capital’s Enterprise Planning System (EPS) through Modula’s built-in Warehouse Management System (WMS). This direct connection allows for real-time inventory updates and automatic order uploads. Operators use a barcode scanner and sliding console for quick item verification and a smoother workflow.
“This is something we really appreciate,” said Deputy General Manager Muhammad Ali. “It has given us a lot of value. The ease of communication and direct order uploading have simplified our workflow tremendously.”
Following the success of the first unit, La Capital expanded its investment in 2024, adding two more Modula VLMs for a total of three. Together, the units now store more than 5,000 fast-moving part numbers, providing the flexibility and efficiency needed to support the company’s continued growth.
Key Benefits Highlighted in the La Capital Case Study
- Improved Efficiency: Reduced picking time from 40 minutes to as little as 5–10 minutes per order, significantly increasing daily throughput.
- Space Optimization: Three Modula VLMs now handle more than 5,000 fast-moving SKUs, freeing up valuable warehouse floor space.
- Employee Well-Being: Automated retrieval minimizes walking and physical strain, improving working conditions for staff.
- Seamless System Integration: Modula’s WMS connects directly to La Capital’s EPS for real-time tracking, barcode scanning, and automated order uploads.
- Scalable Growth: Plans to add four additional Modula units, including one for the customized production area, support long-term operational expansion.
