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Solution> Material Handling Automation Systems

Kiva automated material handling systems consist of several components. The material handling equipment, storage shelves and software are unique to Kiva Systems. The complete material handling system includes work stations customized to fit customer requirements, a wireless network and a server-based back end system. All of these are deployed within a distribution center and the final pieces are the human operators who pick orders using the automated system. The components are combined and configured to support critical distribution center operations. From replenishment to picking, QC auditing, order sortation and shipping preparation, Kiva’s approach to material handling automation is truly innovative.

The Four Walls Solution
- One automated material handling system for the entire DC

Automated Material Handling System for Distribution Centers
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Split-Case Picking
The Kiva ItemFetch™ material handling system enables operators to pick items from cases into totes or cartons. Mobile robotic drive units bring inventory pods to workers who use a simple pick-to-light/put-to-light interface to fill each order — the operator completes the entire order without moving. In addition, you control the sequence in which items are retrieved, allowing heavy-to-light box loading or pick-to-plan-o-gram for store restocking.

Shipping Sortation
The Kiva OrderFetch™ material handling system allows completed split-case orders to move directly to the shipping area at the right time, in the right sequence. Split-case orders are picked into cartons or totes on shipping pods. When the orders are complete, the pod is either temporarily stored or travels directly to the dock door, where it is combined with other split-case and full-case orders to fill a particular truck.

Case Picking
The Kiva CaseFetch™ material handling system gives operators random access to any pallet in the DC, allowing them to pick full cases as well as individual items. When a pallet enters the building, it is placed onto a pod base that is moved to storage by a mobile robotic drive unit. This system also allows for dock-to-stock of mixed-pallet receipts, where cases are stored in smaller case-reserve locations.

Split-Case Replenishment
The Kiva CaseFetch™ material handling system automatically delivers cases to stockers for replenishment of the forward picking area. This real-time replenishment process dramatically reduces forward stockouts, while improving storage efficiency.
Kiva ItemFetch™
Kiva OrderFetch™
Kiva CaseFetch™