Sustainability Meets Efficiency: Transforming Textile Warehousing With Craftsman Automation

The increasing need for sustainable and efficient operations has become a top priority for organisations. Adopting sustainable practices—such as implementing circular economy principles, reducing waste, and minimising environmental impact—is not only an ethical responsibility but also a strategic necessity. Many green practices also increase efficiency and hence reduce overall costs. For e.g. by prioritising sustainability in inventory management, companies can lower supply chain expenses, attract eco-conscious consumers, and enhance their reputation.

Maximising Space in Textile Warehousing
Manufacturing Space is one of the most valuable resources, particularly in textile production and warehousing. Craftsman Storage Systems are engineered to make optimal use of available space, providing end-to-end storage solutions that boost storage density, speed up material handling, and enhance operational flow.

Challenges with Traditional Inventory Management
Traditional inventory management methods often leads to significant operational challenges, including inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to manual processes. Reliance on paper records or basic spreadsheets can lead to errors in stock counts, item misplacement, and difficulties in tracking inventory in real-time. These issues can result in stockouts, overstocking, and increased operational costs. Furthermore, manual systems are time-consuming and labor-intensive, slowing down inventory processes and impeding a company’s ability to respond quickly to market demands. The lack of real-time data and automation also limits a business’s ability to forecast accurately and manage supply chain disruptions effectively.

Craftsman Advanced Textile Storage Systems
Craftsman Storage Systems, a division of Craftsman Automation Ltd, provides cutting-edge, customised storage solutions for various industries, including textiles. Established in 1986, the company has grown exponentially to cross ₹4000 crore in turnover, employing more than 3200 people across 8 manufacturing facilities. It specialises in bespoke storage solutions through a comprehensive range of product types. Their textile storage solutions are specifically designed to minimize floor space while ensuring cost-effectiveness, efficiency, speed, and ergonomic benefits that meet the automatic material storage and retrieval needs of their clients.

As a leader in the storage systems industry, Craftsman offers tailor-made solutions for the textile sector. With a focus on maximising resource utilisation and streamlining material flow, our advanced storage systems provide flexibility and reliability, crucial in the fast-paced textile industry.

Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
Craftsman’s AS/RS solutions are designed to handle both palletized and roll storage for textile manufacturers. Featuring single or double mast stacker cranes with telescopic or direct roll forks, these systems enable smooth and safe retrieval with high throughputs for a large range of textile goods, with 100% automated storage operations.

Single deep/double-deep/multi-deep storage: Capable of storing loads up to 3000 kg, with running speeds of 2.5 m/s and lifting speeds of 1 m/s, and heights up to 40 meters to maximise warehouse capacity.

Roll Storage Solutions for Textile Manufacturers
Craftsman Storage Systems offers innovative solutions for managing large volumes of fabric rolls. This system results in a remarkable 65% increase in floor area utilisation, making it an ideal choice for warehouses aiming to make the most of their available space.

Direct Roll Storage: Ideal for a variety of fabric rolls, this system eliminates the need for pallets, offering highly efficient space utilization storage. Key features include single/multiple roll picking, FIFO control, ERP synchronisation, and customisable heights for maximum vertical.

Palletized Roll Storage: Our ASRS systems use telescopic forks for high throughput and efficient palletized roll handling. These systems feature high-efficiency drives and are equipped for 24/7 operation, with customisation options for warehouse height.

High-Density Solutions for Textile Warehouses
Multi-Deep Shuttle ASRS: It is an automated pallet storage system which integrates various equipment types that operate collaboratively, including an ultra-capacitor-powered pallet shuttle, a shuttle carrier, a pallet lifter, and buffer conveyors.

Pallet Transportation Systems: Warehouse operations require a steady flow of materials for production, storage, and dispatch purposes. Craftsman design flexible and cost-effective pallet conveyor systems suitable for assembly lines or storage facilities, using automatic or manually controlled workstations thereby increasing productivity and reducing costs. This system allows pallets, both big and small, to be moved from one location to another, while it carefully controls the speed at which pallets are moved and automatically loaded and unloaded.

Automated Bin Storage for Trim and Accessories
The mini load shuttle ASRS is designed for managing smaller items such as trims, spares, and packing materials, with the ability to handle totes up to 50 kg. Its modular design allows for easy scalability, making it perfect for fast-moving inventory in textile supply chains.

Advantages of ASRS

• Increase the storage density of the warehouse system by optimised space utilisation
• Cost savings in labor and space
• Optimum sequencing of material
• Single, double, and multi-deep for optimum pallet selectivity
• Optimum solutions for all unit loads owing to Craftsman’s load handling attachments
• Guaranteed pallet throughput
• Simple machine control with plug & play solutions for faster commissioning
• Low maintenance and noise operation

Conclusion
Effective inventory management with a focus on sustainability has become essential. By reducing waste, optimising stock levels, and adopting environmentally responsible practices, businesses can simultaneously lessen their ecological footprint, increase profitability, and improve their brand image.

Craftsman and A.T.E. can help you transform your inventory management.