Large new warehouse in Illinois

Overview

Logistics leader in Illinois chooses ASG Services for a full warehouse identification and wayfinding solution.

A leading logistics firm has launched a new distribution center in Edwardsville, Illinois. It covers 1.1 million square feet. It needs a full warehouse ID and wayfinding system. This will help ensure smooth operations from the start.

The facility supports one of the largest food and candy makers in the U.S. It needed a solution for managing a high volume of inventory. The goal was easy navigation and accuracy in operations across the site.

The customer chose ASG Services to design, make, and install a complete solution.

The Challenge

The scale of the new facility presents significant challenges. The site has thousands of storage spots, many dock doors, and large trailer parking areas. It also has complex warehouse traffic. This needs identification of products that are clear, tough, and highly visible.

The warehouse project was big, and it had many contractors and suppliers working at the same time. The team needs to finish and test the critical infrastructure by the facility’s go-live date.

This includes:

  • Pallet racking
  • Pick modules
  • Conveyor systems
  • RF network installations
  • Material handling equipment (MHE)

The customer needed a partner who could provide a full solution. This partner should also coordinate with all other trades on site to ensure smooth collaboration.

The Solution

ASG Services offered a complete solution. This covered the specs, design, production, and setup of all signs and wayfinding parts in the warehouse.

They offered:

They also handled installation services.

Barcode sign installation in new warehouse

Barcode Sign Location Management

Supporting the facility’s warehouse management system (WMS), ASG Services installed:

  • 774 long-range barcode location signs for bulk storage locations
  • 44 long-range barcode location signs for staging storage locations

Each sign measured 9″ x 16″. Designers made it easy for material-handling equipment to scan efficiently around the facility.

The team creates a suspended rail system and attaches the signs. ASG prefers this because it allows for more configurations and keeps positioning steady. Airflow also has far less effect.

In the event of impact damage, it is confined with ASG’s method, which requires only sectional repair. Tensioned cable, by comparison, fails completely and can be a huge risk to pedestrians, and the cable quickly whips back.

Rack Identification

To ensure accurate inventory management and location tracking, ASG Services produced and installed:

  • 5,198 rack beam labels measuring 3″ x 8″
  • Manufactured from durable polyester
  • Permanent adhesive backing
  • Black-on-white print for greatest contrast visuals

Certified access equipment operators apply ground-level location labels. Then, they use scissor lifts to reach the level F beams at 40 feet. This allows them to place the high-beam rack location labels.

  • 1,329 rack frame upright labels measuring 10.5″ x 2.75″
  • Produced from a multi-layer plastic composite material
  • Permanent adhesive backing
  • Full-color print for level identification

Frame labels make it easy for pedestrians and forklift drivers to read and scan location references. These manufacturers make labels from thick materials. This helps prevent both accidental and intentional damage.

Empty warehouse racks labelled

Aisle Identification

We achieved clear aisle navigation by installing:

  • 30 double-sided aisle marker signs measuring 12″ x 16″ with two-character references
  • 30 double-sided aisle marker signs measuring 14″ x 16″ with three-character references

Manufacturers make warehouse aisle signs from affordable rigid plastic. They have high-contrast black-on-white graphics for great visibility. ASG’s team usually places them 8 to 12 feet above the floor. This way, nearby people can read them, and those farther away can see them over obstacles.

Column Numbering

To enhance navigation in the warehouse, we added 90 large column numbers. These durable 8-inch vinyl graphics were applied to painted building columns.

The operator uses these for facility management zoning references instead of storage references.

White dock door numbered

Loading Dock Identification

To streamline inbound and outbound logistics operations, ASG Services supplied and installed:

  • We applied 6-inch-high vinyl numbering directly to 38 dock doors to ensure the visibility of the numbers when the doors are open
  • 38 internal dock-door signs measuring 12″ x 12″ mounted above the closed doors
  • 38 external dock-door signs, 16″ x 24″, made from aluminum composite and mount above the exterior dock canopies

Safety and Housekeeping Solutions

ASG Services supplied and installed 12 shadow board cleaning stations. These stations are fully assembled and placed at key intervals by the racking aisle ends. Each station includes:

  • Dust Mop
  • Push Broom
  • Angled Broom
  • Stand-Up Dustpan
  • Hand Brush
  • Hand Dustpan

Also, 32-inch dome safety mirrors enhance visibility at aisle intersections. This helps create a safer traffic flow in the warehouse.

Trailer Parking Identification

We installed 44 aluminum composite signs on the perimeter fencing. This helps improve yard management and trailer location accuracy. These signs offer clear two-character location references.

Installation and Project Management

Due to the project’s fast pace, ASG Services used a multi-phase installation strategy. The installation teams worked with the customer, suppliers, and contractors to stick to the tight schedule. Using their own teams allows ASG to quickly allocate resources. This way, they keep control and ensure high-quality performance.

ASG Services carefully planned activities around construction and commissioning work. This way, they installed identification and wayfinding systems without disrupting key project milestones.

This collaborative approach allowed other suppliers enough time to complete essential work, including:

  • Pallet racking installation
  • Pick module construction
  • Conveyor System Installation
  • RF network deployment and testing
  • Material handling equipment delivery
  • Equipment testing and operator training

Results

The finished project provided a complete warehouse identification and wayfinding system. This allowed the distribution center to start operations on time.

The solution offered easy navigation and accurate inventory tracking. It also boosted safety and made operations more efficient across the facility.

ASG Services played a key role in launching a major logistics facility. We planned, manufactured, and installed carefully. This made the customer’s launch seamless. This also set up a strong foundation for long-term success.

When planning your next project, big or small, the ASG team is ready to help. We can be your sounding board, custom product supplier, installation expert, or full project partner. Feel free to contact them at 877-447-9798 or by email at info@asgservices.com.