Northampton Fulfilment Centre

Preparations.

Following the walk through, where measurements were taken and questions asked, we all sit down to look over drawings.  Product suggestions during the walkthrough are confirmed and set for design.  This gives a grounding for production and installation time needed to complete the work.  We also take the opportunity to mention other areas of consideration which are often overlooked and help save customers more pressure toward the end of their project.

Time for timelines, the moment customer objectives and expectations are set out.  Fortega use the customers critical dates and work back, building resource requirements for their installation teams, and key dates for customer actions, which enable Fortega’s production windows to have product ready.

Back at Fortega’s offices, work starts on the 320,000-location data file.  Breaking this into the VNA and shelving location identifiers.  Further work happens for installation sort, grouping the product sets to improve install workflow.

Rack and Shelf Labels.

Each label is equipped with a QR code, directional arrow, aisle, bay, level and slot identifier.  Based on previous designs, continuity enables the customer to train their workforce at pace, and allows their employees to work across multiple sites, of which they have several in the region.

The rack and shelf labels are made from polyester base materials and printed using high-definition systems to ensure maximum verification performance preventing miss-scans.  A reliable scan first time ensures an efficient operation.

Rack End Aisle Signs.

Aisle marker signs at both ends of the rack aisles display information in a multi-view format.  Standing out from the rack face, the signs are visible while traveling across the ends of aisles, and when driving toward the rack from the loading dock areas. 520 aisle signs across the racking and shelving are equipped with colour coding, directional arrows and bay numbering creating an impressive image.

The aisle signs are made from expanded PVC foam board, a material used throughout the sign industry owing to its durable, stable and cost-effective properties.  Fortega can apply any design to this material.  Here, colour was used to denote ends of aisles, however some customers integrate corporate branding and more to make them work harder.

Performance.

Over one hundred and fifty days of installation is set out, however validation testing is required at day fifty from our projected start date.  Fortunately, Fortega can adapt, to build resource and create schedules of work which outline access requirements that the customer commits to.

The pinch point… the rack is being installed.  Along with the rack goes sprinklers, mesh dividers and the wire guidance teams for the huge VNA trucks.  Fortega’s rapid progress depends on the rack being in place and available.

Fortunately, with many close working relationships in the industry, Fortega’s project team maintained close communications with all concerned, and the day after the rack was complete, the last shelf location label is added, two days later the mesh dividers finish and as validation begins, the wire guidance teams sign off, and the entire installation is a success.

Aftercare.

Three months after completion, we revisit site before the implementation teams move on to their next project.  This gives us an opportunity to check our work, product performance, and importantly, to meet the team who will use the items.  Having these relationships keeps Fortega close and in a support ready position.  Our service and interest do not end with the project.

We are here.

We encourage all those embarking on similar projects to contact us before they feel they should.  We are happy to answer any questions you have, as simple as they may seem, and even if you are not sure you will need our help.  It costs nothing to talk, but a whole lot of money if you get it wrong.

Contact Fortega about your rack label installation, or just the labels if you intend to install them internally.