Ningbo Supu Electronic Co., Ltd

Modula warehouse management system for the electronic and software industry

Overview

Founded in 1999, Ningbo SUPU Electronic Co., Ltd. specializes in electrical connectors, offering comprehensive solutions for cabinet and device electrical connections. The company integrates research and development, production, sales, and service, positioning itself as a global leader in the electrical industry.
SUPU’s product portfolio includes rail-mounted terminal blocks, PCB terminal blocks, industrial switches, circular connectors, and terminal block modules. Committed to innovation, SUPU boasts a robust R&D team of nearly 160 professionals, excelling in areas such as new material processing, structural design optimization, mold manufacturing, and automated assembly equipment design.
SUPU’s products and solutions are widely used across industries, including intelligent buildings, industrial automation, traditional and new energy power distribution, and rail transit. Guided by lean manufacturing principles, the company continuously optimizes its factory operations to enhance equipment and personnel efficiency.

The Challenge

As part of its new digital factory initiative, SUPU aimed to establish a fully automated production line. Warehousing was identified as a critical component, and the company needed a solution that could:

  1. Save storage space while integrating an intelligent Warehouse Management System (WMS) with the factory’s existing systems to enable closed-loop management from order receipt to delivery.
  2. Provide a clean and organized storage environment for diverse and precise electronic raw materials, components, and maintenance accessories.
  3. Resolve logistical challenges related to the factory’s layout, where warehouse operations are spread across the first and fourth floors. The company sought to enable picking and replenishment without requiring staff to move between floors, thereby improving efficiency.

The Solution

To address these challenges, Modula proposed the following solutions:

  1. Installation of Two 16.1-Meter Modula Lift Units:
    – Each Modula Lift features dual tray delivery with picking ports located on different floors, effectively functioning as a freight elevator. This configuration allows simultaneous picking and replenishment, boosting operational efficiency by 150%.
    – Despite occupying less than 30 m², the Modula Lifts store 90% of the company’s inventory, including raw materials, electronic components, and maintenance parts.
  2. Labor Optimization:
    – In the original warehouse setup, two employees were required to manage operations. With the new Modula Lift system, a single employee can handle all tasks, significantly reducing labor costs.
  3. Enhanced Picking Speed and Accuracy:
    – Each Modula Lift is equipped with a laser pointer, enabling operators to quickly and accurately locate materials in the trays. This feature not only improves efficiency but also reduces errors during picking.

Results

The implementation of the Modula Lift system yielded transformative results:

  • Space Savings: 90% of inventory is now stored in a compact footprint of less than 30 m².
  • Efficiency Gains: Picking and replenishment operations are 1.5 times faster, thanks to the dual tray delivery system and intelligent picking tools.
  • Labor Cost Reduction: Warehouse operations now require only one employee, halving staffing needs.
  • Operational Integration: Seamless integration with the factory’s WMS ensures smooth and efficient closed-loop management.

Implementation Process

To minimize disruptions, the Modula team completed installation and start-up within a week. The process was carefully coordinated to avoid interruptions to SUPU’s ongoing operations. Continuous technical support was provided to address any challenges in real time, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.

Conclusion

Ningbo SUPU Electronic Co., Ltd. has been highly satisfied with the Modula Lift solution. The adoption of this advanced system has significantly optimized warehouse operations, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. This milestone represents a crucial step in SUPU’s journey toward full automation and digitalization of its production processes, solidifying its position as a leader in the electrical industry.