Business need
Rtech operates as a bicycle store that sells and services a variety of bikes suited for all ages with a specialty in mountain bikes. The company has a high number of cycling enthusiasts and a network of dealers to accommodate for.
Over recent years, sales for bikes, parts and accessories have risen. Rtech required a new storage solution to keep on top of consumer demand. In addition, it had to be easily accessible and offered quick picking accuracy to help with the constant workflow. The chosen solution providers would also have to face the challenge of limited space available.
The solution
Rtech were in contact with our dealer Niparmi, who designed and recommended the Kasten Tornado VLM as an ideal solution for their business needs. As a compact storage machine, the semi-automated system allows for a large storage capacity and fast picking due to the electronic controls without taking up too much space within their building.
Niparmi also advised that including the TCPlus – warehouse management system, a computerised system that manages the reports smoothly and efficiently would be beneficial for the company. As WMS connects to the company's ERP system, cataloguing the reports and information in one easily accessible place.
The result
The Tornado was installed successfully along with the TCPlus – WMS which has greatly improved the business's efficiency. The Tornado has been such a fantastic success that half a year later Rtech required another one to be installed.
The two functioning VLMs are extremely user-friendly and is used by many employees, picking is quick and errors are at a minimum allowing the staff to process more orders in a timely fashion. The Windows-based TCPlus – warehouse management program controls both machines, which allows for a faster inventory process cutting time on what were once manual operations.
The communication and cooperation between Niparmi and Rtech was crucial in implementing the installation within the planned time frame. Rtech were thrilled with the improvements the business had seen, that another machine was ordered to work alongside the current one for continued productivity.
"The end result has been fantastic. By far the biggest benefit and most surprising thing of all has been that the picking errors have been kept at a minimum. This is a great thing especially with the influx of orders we've received in recent times." Says Ville Julin, Warehouse Manager.
About Rtech
Rtech is a full-service bicycle shop, specialising in mountain biking, in Pirkkala. It's a 100% Finnish company that also provides servicing and repairs for avid cycling enthusiasts. They employ 15 permanent staff members and a varying number of seasonal employees to help all year round.
Since 2007, Rtech is the importer of CUBE bicycles for off-road, highway and city use.