HiMAX a disruptive influence on intralogistics planning

Developed for use in high bay warehouses where fast throughput capability and narrow aisle storage density are required, the HiMAX allows pallet loads to be stacked between 12 and 15 metres high without the need for aisle-guidance systems or ‘super flat’ floors.

Over the last 12 months the volume of HiMAX installations have doubled in the UK and grown even more significantly across a number of key international markets.

“The HiMAX is now seen as an ideal alternative to traditional man-up VNA trucks and rail guided crane systems, especially in the third party and fulfillment logistic sector.” says John Maguire, commercial director of Narrow Aisle.

“The man-up VNA truck has been a feature of warehouse operations for nearly four decades but, it is increasingly recognized that it is not cost effective to elevate the warehouse worker to the goods for applications where full pallet loads are being picked,” he continues.

The HiMAX system is quick and cost effective to install and throughput speeds are equivalent or superior to comparable VNA technology, while operators find the HiMAX safe and straightforward to work with, especially now many complementary so called ‘cobotic’ systems are available to aid the operator such as laser height selectors, CCTV systems and aisle sensing systems.

John Maguire adds: “Warehouse operators are increasingly looking for handling solutions for their high bay stores that are faster to plan and implement in existing high bay buildings than traditional man-up VNA or expensive crane technology and the HiMAX ticks all their boxes.

He continues: “’Disruptive technology’ is a phrase that gets banded around a lot in the Tech sector these days. But true disruption is difficult to define. For me, disruption in a business sense means you have set an agenda that other people have to follow.

“There is no doubt that the HiMAX range of articulated lift truck solutions is having a ‘disruptive’ effect on the way today’s intralogistics processes are planned and its popularity is certainly disrupting the stacker crane and man-up VNA industry at this moment.”

Narrow Aisle is exhibiting at LogiMAT from 13-15 March – Hall 10, Stand A22