Case Study: MSC
About MSC
MSC is one of the nation's largest distributor specializing in supplies, tools, and equipment for small and medium-size customers in the manufacturing and metalworking industries. With Distribution centers in four states, MSC has experienced tremendous growth due to acquisition of new companies. They also guarantee same day shipping to their customers.
The Goal
- With over 500,000 SKU’s and next day shipment on orders, an efficient “pack out” process is vital to business operations
- Need to add 20% more pack station capacity
- Expand existing system’s throughput by 20%
- Phased implementation to meet existing daily orders
- Simultaneous upgrades both in Elkhart, IN and Atlanta, GA
Key Technologies
- 300 ft. long TGW-Ermanco Narrow Belt Sorter traveling at 230 ft./minute and sorting 90 cartons/minute
- Zero Pressure “Gravity” Accumulation Conveyor
- Blue Arc Engineering Vertical Tote Lifts that handles 4 totes/minute
- ASAP Exacta Warehouse Control System (WCS) using a remote AS 400 on DB2
The Results
- 30% increase in throughput for the pack stations
- 45% more pack stations without having to expand the existing pack mezzanine
- 95% increase in tote accumulation for the pack lanes
- Based on the successful implementation the MSC facilities in Harrisburg, PA and Reno, NV will undergo similar upgrades
