Apparel Industry
Project Overview
Located in Hangzhou, this project serves a prominent brand within the apparel sector. The client had previously constructed a shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) (Phase I) with another supplier. However, lacking a WMS management system, the client expressed dissatisfaction with overall warehouse efficiency. Consequently, they sought a new supplier for system retrofitting and continued implementation of Phase II. After clarifying the client's requirements, CNANC Intelligent conducted on-site investigations. Addressing the pain points of inadequate intelligent scheduling and management capabilities,CNANC Intelligent leveraged the client's existing infrastructure to customize a WMS warehouse management system and WCS warehouse control system. The plan also involved constructing a stacker crane high-bay warehouse system (Phase II), enabling seamless integration between Phase I and Phase II storage areas. This resolved the issue of unusable warehouse space, significantly enhancing overall storage space utilization and inbound/outbound efficiency.
Highlights Showcase
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Post-retrofitting, the shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system achieved an integrated inbound/outbound efficiency of 17 racks per hour.
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The composite cycle efficiency of the stacker crane high-bay warehouse reached 84 racks per hour.
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Flexible phased strategy: Staged implementation addresses evolving requirements, progressively elevating storage efficiency while reducing upfront investment costs.
Challenges
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Shuttle Warehouse RefurbishmentExisting shuttle systems are non-operational, requiring equipment retrofitting and a new WMS warehouse management system.
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Complex apparel industry warehousing managementInvolves multiple inventory management, picking, and dispatch processes across flat storage, vertical storage, and ground-level inventory. Requires execution of inbound/outbound procedures for multiple warehouse attributes (pre-received goods, advance goods awaiting dispatch, special inventory), placing high demands on the WMS system. Must also enable data interaction with the client's SCM, WCS, and other systems.
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Establish a comprehensive information systemThe new Phase II stacker crane automated storage area project will establish a comprehensive information system, enabling integrated software strategy control across both phases.
Solutions
Given the client's prior investment in shuttle car vertical warehouse construction, Zhongjian Intelligence prioritized repurposing existing facilities to minimize costs and maximize project returns. The project was implemented in three phases: Phase 1 repurposed existing shelving and shuttle cars while customizing the warehouse management system; Phase 2 added two shuttle cars to enhance efficiency; Phase 3 introduced an automated stacker crane system with integrated WMS scheduling and hardware/software connectivity between storage areas. Post-implementation, the project significantly improved material storage density, inbound/outbound efficiency, and picking accuracy, while automation upgrades substantially reduced safety risks and operational errors associated with manual processes.