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Within the production engineering and manufacturing environment there are increasingly materials and equipment best kept under lock and key. But, as David Price from System Store Solutions explains, it’s not just the need for higher security, but also for better planned storage that can now be met inexpensively with new technology. |
With escalating costs in cutting tools, measuring instruments and even raw materials, manufacturers need to contain high value equipment and materials in secure storage. Once considered the domain of James Bond type high security scenarios, state of the art technology can now inexpensively be applied to lockable storage of all types – including tool stores ands other lockable cabinets.
The issue is not just about securing valuable materials under lock and key, but rather being able to monitor access to those materials and at the same time avoid the scope for abuse. For example, machinists who work on a piece work basis or on stringent productivity bonuses, there is always the temptation to prematurely replace cutting tips in order to be able to ramp up cutting speeds and increase output. This necessitates the replacement of expensive carbide or diamond cutting tools with replacement tips usually held in secure storage.
The appliance of science
Pre-determined and monitored access can be provided on a unique user-by-user and section-by-section basis within an intelligent storage cabinet. Imagine a complete building security access system, but miniaturised to work in storage media – even as small as a briefcase!
These intelligent systems are used in any secure environment, where valuable items such as industrial tools are stored. Restricted access storage is also applicable to sensitive documents in security conscious areas, for example for technical specifications, drawings or other data.
Recognising this need, a British storage systems company has now come up with a number of low-cost small-scale "intelligent locking" storage systems designed to control access to stored items. The range from System Store Solutions uses ruggedly built (usually steel) storage cabinets, lockers and larger enclosures with sophisticated electronic controls built in to them.
These allow access to be strictly limited to authorised personnel, at certain times, while closely monitoring and possibly recording all access activity. While all tend to use an associated PC or other processor, the precise method of user identification can include touch button, swipe or proximity card activation. The systems even have the potential for retinal-scan and fingerprint recognition where this level of personal identification is appropriate.
Careful planning
When invited to implement a tools storage solution in BMW’s new Hams Hall Plant, System Store Solutions rose to the challenge by providing a storage solution that ensured the smooth and efficient running of the plant.
Three basic functions are performed from the tool management centre; The strip down and wash down of all used tools, a tool stores for the storage and control of all consumables and durables, and a pre-set centre for assembly and setting of all tool types, together with a line transportation area for tool distribution to the line-side storage systems.
The tool store area contains a Kardex automated tool dispensing system. From here individually numbered tools are dispatched to a tool management centre where they are assembled and calibrated prior being transferred to Fami `line-side’ tool storage cabinets.
The beauty of the System Store Solutions Limited system is its simplicity. Tools for a particular operation stored in dedicated tool cribs within the line-side tool stores, which have individual locations for each tool. Every tool crib is numbered, ensuring that the right tool is put in the right location on the shop floor. Accompanying the tools in the line-side cabinets is a complete set of equipment that is needed to perform a tool change, including pre-set torque wrenches along with a drawer for fixture wear parts. The tool cribs enable tool operators to check what tools have been used and they ensure replacements are delivered to the machine before they are required. This process has been simplified by the use of ‘white paint’ in the flute of tools, which disappears when the cutter is in contact with the component.
System Store Solutions, provides a wide range of more traditional industrial storage products, as well as “intelligent” access systems for tool rooms, workshops or stores.
About System Store Solutions: System Store Solutions supplies high quality workshop and industrial storage equipment for the engineering, aerospace, motorsport, museum and warehousing sectors. The company is the exclusive UK distributor of the Fami Industrial storage, workshop and transportation systems product range. Its success is founded on the expertise of its consultants and based on project management, consultation and technical advice.
For
further information contact: David Price,
System Store Solutions Ltd,
Ham Lane, Lenham,
Maidstone, Kent, ME17 2LH
Telephone: 01622
859522
Fax: 01622 858746
e-mail: sales@systemstoresolutions.com