How it works

Purpose built racking systems designed by Halsteads, incorporate pairs of bins for each component. The front bin is denoted as the "working bin" and the second bin as the "back up bin". Once empty, the working bin is placed on to the bottom shelf indicating the need for collection and replenishment. The back up bin slides forward, to become the new working bin. The cycle is continuous and is entirely
demand driven.

Sophisticated computer software and the use of bar coding facilitates accurate bin replenishment. A major feature is the highly visible batch trace card which illustrates at a glance the previous bin movements. This system, developed by Halsteads and proven since 1988, guarantees continuous stock availability on an enormous range of products, working with minimum stocks conveniently sited at point of use. Each rack unit is mobile and accommodates line feed, block feed or cell feed in any manufacturing, assembly environment. Management review information is provided for each individual station/cell/location.

Great importance is placed on housekeeping of the kanban stations by the Halstead personnel and also their close liaison with the O.E.M.s operatives. In the larger customers this is taken several steps further... Halstead staff are permanently on site. The Halstead "Envoys" ensure a close logistical integration between the high demand user and its' "Best Supplier" on a daily basis.