Case Study: B&H Photo
About B&H Photo
B&H Photo is a leading provider of new and used imaging products including cameras, video equipment, computers and more. More than 170,000 items are available for shipment every day from B&H Photo’s Manhattan facility.
Business Challenges for B&H Photo
- B&H wanted to expand and update their current system of conveyors and vertical lifts to service both the 1st and 2nd floors and handle increased sales volume.
- Retail space in New York City is very expensive so minimizing the equipment footprint was critical.
- Aesthetics was very important as the system is visible to store customers.
- B&H is located in the heart of Manhattan, so travel and lodging was expensive for the project team.
- Installation had to be done overnight so as not to interfere with store operations.
Key Technologies of B&H Photo
- Intelligent Packaging Systems conveyor with Itoh Denki powered rollers
- United Sortation Solutions Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs)
- NERAK Systems Continuous Vertical Conveyor (CVC)
- Accu-sort Scanners Model 20 II
- BMH Controls Warehouse Control System
B&H Photo Results
- BMH’s efforts exceeded B&H Photo’s expectations.
- The Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors maximized floor space and were aesthetically pleasing for the customer.
- Phased cutovers from the old to new system were very successful and allowed the new system to get up and running without losing any days of sales.
- The throughput requirement was met – over 6000 totes per day are processed on the weekends.
