Customer Presentation and Needs

Model Racing Car, key player on the high-end scale-model market draws on a network of specialized boutiques which target a demanding clientele comprising enthusiasts and connoisseurs. MRC's success is based on the outstanding quality of its products as well as its services. In 2006, Patrick Rigot decided to invest in an automated storage solution and to interface his stock management with his SAGE commercial management software.

MRC's central warehouse comprises highly-heterogeneous stock: over 100 models of finished products, of every size, and some 11,000 references of spare parts in every price range. The parts contained in the stock are of various volume sizes from a few cm3 to 1 m3. Over 10,000 components and parts which MRC needs to manage for its customers. For both finished products and spare parts, MRC proposes delivery within 24 hours once the order is confirmed. A simple shipping error may quickly lead to significant operating losses.

An optimal storage solution for each product family

To work out the best solution, ELECTROCLASS studied the profile of the product families: volume, quantity, ABC analysis, etc. Spare parts which require various yet fast picking are stored in TITAN carousel storers set up with special containers whilst finished products, which are shifted less, are stored in mini SILO ASRS.

These two machines are replenished with packages receive from suppliers. They play a dual storage role as they are compact and distinguish precisely between products so picking is faster and efficient (pick-to-light is particularly important for small parts). Disparate references are stored in the JUMPER storage tower, which can also store small-parts packages before they are distributed to the TITAN vertical storers.