TTI, Inc. Europe, Ganghoferstraße 34, 82216 Maisach-Gernlinden, Germany

The Hänel solutions at TTI enable high-performance order picking with flexible management and rapid handling of tens of thousands of different SMD components

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, TTI, Inc. is a world-leading authorized distributor of electronic components. The Maisach-Gernlinden site plays a key role in TTI’s global network. To ensure the best possible storage and logistics processes at its European headquarters, the company has relied on Hänel’s advanced storage solutions for a number of years.  TTI currently has a total of 59 Hänel vertical lifts in its ultra-modern central warehouse, including 35 Hänel Lean-Lifts® and 24 Hänel Multi-Space® 3-axis storage systems. 

Thanks to their high efficiency and an impressive storage capacity of more than 145,000 locations, the automatic Hänel lifts fulfill all key requirements of dynamic logistics processes.

Vertical storage with maximum space utilization 

Hänel vertical lifts can be adapted flexibly to the existing space situation. At TTI, the Hänel Lean-Lifts® extend to heights of more than nine meters, while the Hänel Multi-Space® storage systems even reach up to 15 meters in height. With their some 9,500 containers, the lifts therefore offer an enormous amount of space by leveraging more than 18,000 m² of vertical storage space within a total footprint of just around 800 m². This extremely efficient use of vertical space is a feature of all Hänel storage solutions and offers ideal integration in existing storage concepts.

Sustainability thanks to intelligent energy usage with the Hänel EcoDrive®

All Hänel Multi-Space® storage systems at TTI are equipped with Hänel EcoDrive® technology. The integrated frequency converter transforms the kinetic energy of the descending extractor into electrical energy instead of allowing it to dissipate in the form of heat. The resulting energy that is recovered is fed back into the power grid and can therefore be used elsewhere. Depending on the rate of extractor travel, up to 40% of the energy required for the upward run can be recovered. This leads to considerable savings and therefore a reduction in running costs.

Fast order processing thanks to optimized workflows

The Hänel Multi-Space® allows containers to be delivered quickly from all lift modules due to the simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement of the extractor. The storage volume available centrally at just one issuing point is therefore enormous. The access points on the Multi-Space® 3-axis storage systems at TTI are designed to enable order picking simultaneously at four retrieval points. The stored items from a total of 12 lift modules can be quickly accessed in these four-way lift groups within minimal walking distances. This inherent advantage of the Multi-Space® system enables large-scale order picking with a minimum of staff.

The requested SMD components for picking are then transported via a conveyor belt directly to the shipping department, from where they are dispatched together with other items on the customer order.

Flexible scalability to meet growing requirements

The first four Hänel Lean-Lifts® were installed as far back as 2010. As TTI grew, so too did the need for additional storage capacity, which led to the successive purchase of further Hänel systems over the years. These ongoing investments demonstrate that the Hänel solutions meet TTI’s high expectations in full as regards efficiency and reliability. TTI not only relies on the innovative Multi-Space® storage systems, but also the proven Hänel Lean-Lifts®.

Space-saving and reliable storage of sensitive electronic

These ultra-modern lift systems offer numerous advantages for ensuring reliable management and handling of SMD components. The Hänel Lean-Lifts® are designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing storage space and thus provide maximum storage capacity within a minimum footprint. The enclosed design of the Hänel storage systems also reliably protects sensitive electronic components against dust, dirt, and unauthorized access.

Hänel’s innovative vertical technology minimizes storage and retrieval times, while the flexible height adjustment means that different stored articles can be stowed away in a structured and space-saving manner.

The picking process on the Hänel solutions at TTI is standardized across the lift systems, which means that staff can be deployed at all 59 lifts following a short training period.

Workplace ergonomics as a success factor

TTI is committed to the highest safety and ergonomic standards at the workplace. The ergonomic design of the order picking process is optimized thanks to the use of Hänel vertical lifts. Staff can work efficiently without losing time due to long walking distances or searching for items. This allows for faster processing of orders and significantly boosts productivity. There is also less physical stress and strain on employees thanks to the convenient access heights and intuitive handling of the Hänel lifts. Work safety is improved as a result as well as employee satisfaction.

Maximum storage density

All containers in the Hänel vertical lifts are stored directly on the profiles of the Hänel Profile Wall®. The articles stored in every container that leaves the access point are measured automatically and precisely by the height-measuring light barriers. Containers at TTI are fitted with Hänel’s space-saving pitch technology and can therefore be transported to the profile wall in increments of 37.5 mm with no loss of space. The combination of optimum slot system, precise height measurement, and container slot allocation enables compact storage without any loss of space even when articles are of the most varied heights.

Continuous investment in Hänel systems confirms the high level of customer satisfaction and trust in the quality of Hänel storage solutions. To keep pace with growing requirements, TTI is planning further expansion at the Maisach site and has already ordered ten additional Hänel Multi-Space® storage systems.