|
contents | technologies | |||||||||
| IKEA has installed high-speed turbo roll-up doors of Efaflex  Where utmost importance is attached to safety, specialists have to be called in: since preventing accidents is the top priority in all areas of our industry. Within the scope of a pilot project, IKEA Frankfurt has used the latest material handling technology in store. In order to safeguard this handling materials technology and therefore to protect, especially the youngest customers, IKEA has installed high-speed turbo roll-up doors of Efaflex. "The worst thing which could happen to us would be an accident with a child being involved", says Michael Geiger. As head of the logistics department of IKEA Frankfurt, he is, among others, responsible for the entire logistics and transport within the building.Prior to being able to start with the construction of the store in 2005, IKEA planners and logistics faced a major challenge. Since the plot had a size of 58,000 m², the surface of the new building could only cover a maximum size of 38,000 m². "This is not much for a store with IKEA dimensions", says Geiger. This limited floor space meant that the planners had to build upwards. And this was only possible by equipping the building with a conveying system which transports the products from the receiving area below the building to the sales floors which are located on higher levels – by passing ten receiving points. "Therefore, we have developed a pilot project for IKEA Worldwide which transports the goods as quickly as possible to the receiving points and therefore also to the customer by means of the materials flow system." For protecting and closing the receiving points, the planners have chosen Efaflex doors. "We must close up the conveying system so that customers cannot enter these areas", explains the head of the logistics department. "Therefore, these doors must open and of course close again very quickly. Children are our youngest customers, and it is just normal that they are very curious and agile. Conveyor belts and forklift trucks are exciting and thrilling for them". By installing Efaflex doors, the logistics experts at IKEA did not break new ground. Also other IKEA stores have already installed similar high-speed doors. Bringing all the 9,500 different IKEA products from the receiving area to the customers requires quick and secure transport systems. The pilot project in the IKEA store in Frankfurt-Niedereschbach has been proven after a test run over one year. "Meanwhile, the plan is defined as a standard", says Michael Geiger. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |