Savoye launches PTS at IMHX

Logistics software and warehouse equipment solution provider, Savoye, has selected IMHX in November 2010 for the UK launch of its new Picking Tray System (PTS). The innovative goods-to-man warehouse solution consists of several autonomous powered shuttles that use capacitors instead of the usual banks of batteries or cables, in order to increase flexibility and facilitate easier maintenance. The PTS, which typically operates three vehicles via a single elevator, can be used to provide order picking systems or sub-systems, shipping buffers for orders as well as storage for returned products.

Already adopted by Shimano, world leading manufacturer of cycling and fishing equipment, the PTS offers the ultimate solution in terms of warehouse flexibility and efficiency. Successfully commissioned at Shimano's European distribution centre in the Netherlands last year, the system is on track to achieve return on investment within three years.
 
The PTS provides an intelligent and flexible goods-to-man solution, linking with the warehouse management control (WMC) system to eliminate warehouse inefficiencies and improve delivery turnaround times.  The PTS also supports companies' energy efficiency and environmental agendas. Each PTS shuttle is charged every time a live charging point is passed, but also uses substantially less energy than battery powered systems. Also, there are no environmentally hazardous batteries to discard at the end of their lifecycle.
 
The PTS demonstration will form the centerpiece of the Savoye stand at IMHX. UK sales director Martin Elliott said: "It's great for us to be bringing a genuine innovation to the IMHX show this year, providing visitors with a glimpse into the future of automation. Companies with a need to handle large volumes of different products and parts are always looking to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Our PTS does just that and I believe there is a significant market for this solution in the UK as consumer confidence begins to grow and demand for products increase."
 
The PTS is able to transport most sizes of tote and has been proven to facilitate a productivity level of between 500 and 1,000 lines per man-hour. Based on one elevator operating three vehicles, the PTS has a capacity of 200 combined cycles per hour. Savoye is on stand J85 in Hall 19 at the IMHX Exhibition (NEC, Birmingham, 16-19 November 2010).