Draper Tools Semi-Automated Warehouse Solution | SSI SCHAEFER

A Bespoke Solution with a New Level of Efficiency

This new solution for Draper Tools includes a flow rack with pick-by-light, long-span shelving, modular shelving systems, and container conveyor technology. This efficient solution is based on the goods-to-person principle, which saves storage space and optimises shipping times.

Large Range - Even Greater Challenges

From jacks to spanners: Draper Tools offers a comprehensive range of hand and power tools and equipment for every need. Founded in 1919 by Bert Draper, the company sells over 11,000 products to DIY enthusiasts and trade customers from the construction, automotive, mechanical engineering and agricultural sectors via a global dealer network. John, Tom and Joe Draper are at the at the helm of the British family-owned business and continue to expand it with great commitment. But as the company grows, so do the challenges: In order to successfully manage the extensive product range, high-performance and future-oriented logistics are now more important than ever.

Strong Partners for Top Logistics Performance

In 2019, Draper Tools turned to intralogistics expert SSI SCHAEFER to relocate picking and storage to its new site in North Baddesley, Hampshire. The aim was to make optimum use of the existing warehouse space, improve processes and reduce shipping times. A challenging task that could only be mastered through particularly close cooperation:

"Throughout the project, the support from SSI SCHAEFER was exceptional. We had the feeling that we had a partner who not only worked with us, but also for us. They took the time to understand our complex business processes and helped us refine them."

Matt Boschi

Operations Director at Draper Tools

Matt Boschi

Operations Director at Draper Tools

Comprehensive Solution for Maximum Productivity

Even managing large SKUs is no problem with the new semi-automatic solution from SSI SCHAEFER. This is ensured by shelving, which can be flexibly adapted to a wide variety of items and individually extended in height, depth and field width, and wide-span shelving for bulky and heavy stored goods.

The goods are picked into the containers and transported to the second floor, where the entire process is repeated. A goods lift is included for those items which are too large for a tote. Seamless material flow is guaranteed: conveyor technology connects all levels and workstations right through to packing and goods issue on the first floor. The ingenious yet simple layout also saves valuable space and offers Draper Tools every opportunity for adaptation and future growth.

Handling 11,000 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs)

From an initial automation idea, SSI SCHAEFER and Draper Tools jointly developed a solution that is perfectly tailored to the warehouse layout, operation and the wide range of SKUs of the tool wholesaler: 21 picking stations with pick-by-light flow racks for fast movers, as well as shelving racks for slow-moving items, connected by bin conveyor technology over three levels. The semi-automated system with 420 bins and the ability to hold 8,000 different SKU’s is designed according to the goods-to-person principle and enables efficient picking of up to 25,000 units per day.

Smart Picking Thanks to Economical Shelving System

As soon as an order is received, orders are allocated to totes which are automatically launched from the tote destacker. Bins are transported via the conveyor system to the flow rack system (KDR) on the second floor, where they are loaded using pick-by-light. The KDR is ideal for small parts and, thanks to its robust roller rails, enables containers to flow smoothly from the loading to the picking side. This significantly reduces the walking distances for employees, reduces replenishment effort and speeds up order picking. Thanks to the dense storage in the KDR, the available space is also optimally utilised. In addition to the storage capacity, Draper Tools can also significantly increase the quality of its processes: the pick-by-light system virtually eliminates picking errors and increases speed of pick.

Logistyka od SSI SCHAEFER: Klucz do sukcesu

Większa pojemność magazynowa, lepsza wydajność, wyższa satysfakcja klientów – przejście na automatyzację już przyniosło firmie Draper Tools wymierne korzyści. W ciągu zaledwie sześciu miesięcy od uruchomienia nowego rozwiązania magazynowego osiągnięto najważniejsze cele: „Odnotowaliśmy znaczny wzrost szybkości kompletacji i pakowania, co pozwala nam jeszcze szybciej obsługiwać naszych klientów. Dzięki optymalnej skalowalności systemu firma Draper Tools jest idealnie przygotowana na pomyślną przyszłość i będzie ją nadal kształtować wraz z SSI SCHAEFER jako niezawodnym partnerem”.

Draper Tools Maximises Efficiency with Semi-Automated Warehouse Solution