The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) is at the forefront of innovation in the UK’s battery sector, pioneering advancements in battery technology and production. A highly secure, government-backed facility, UKBIC plays a pivotal role in advancing battery production technology, working with manufacturers across the UK and increasingly, the globe, to refine processes and scale for industrial applications. To maintain its position as a world-class facility, UKBIC needed an equally advanced approach to highly secure automated storage and retrieval.
With a diverse range of highly specialised components, UKBIC required a highly efficient, intelligent storage solution that could provide secure, controlled access while maximising floor space, ensuring there was always room for the main business to thrive and expand. Traditional racking and shelving were proving inefficient. It was difficult to maintain order and secure sensitive spare parts and materials, and as the facility grew, and more companies were onboarded, storage areas became increasingly constrained.
Highly secure automated storage with WMS integration
Robust, secure automated storage:
Given the cutting-edge, confidential nature of their work – as well as their and client base, UKBIC needed a highly secure automated storage solution that ensured seamless operations, eliminated security risks, and maintained absolute reliability. The solution had to be best in class, and in the unlikely event of a breakdown, could still provide uninterrupted access to inventory – something only Industore could provide.
Richard Hudson, Controls Engineer at UKBIC, explains:
“We conducted a rigorous tender process, comparing multiple AS/RS options [automated storage and retrieval systems] and other types of solutions. Industore and the Lean-Lifts [vertical lift modules] stood out at every stage. Industore’s presentations were detailed and compelling, and their reference sites showcased proven results in real-world applications. Seeing the lifts configured exactly as we needed in their demo centre in Cardiff proved that Industore really ‘got it.’
The four-chain system, seamless WMS integration, security, storage density, and guaranteed access, even in case of failure, made Industore’s offer unmatchable. Their extensive UK engineering presence was a bonus too – knowing that if a major issue arose, Industore would be able to respond swiftly and comprehensively. It was really the case that Industore were always ahead, and the others had to catch up – and they never did.”
Unlike some competitors using belt-driven mechanisms, Hänel Lean-Lifts feature robust, four-chain systems, ensuring durability, reliability, and a lower cost of ownership.
Industore’s Lean-Lifts operate without the need for a separate PC, providing a streamlined and intuitive user experience, and boosting security with highly secure automated storage.
With a substantial team of engineers strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland, and head offices in Cardiff and Dublin, Industore offers unmatched serviceability and better response times.
Lean-Lift’s configurations are adaptable, allowing UKBIC to add and remove shelves quickly without requiring additional Industore resource. UKBIC will also be able to add additional lifts as needs evolve without incurring extra charges to the software licence or existing systems.
With real-time inventory synchronisation, multi-device operability, and direct ERP/WMS integration, HänelSoft eliminates intermediary hardware, providing a highly secure automated storage experience, that truly drives efficiency, and data integrity across all processes.
From the initial consultation to installation, Industore provided UKBIC with a comprehensive, hands-on experience. The UKBIC team visited Industore’s Demo Centre in Cardiff, offering a first-hand look at the secure automated storage technology and proposed setup, before finalising the specification.
Richard Hudson again:
“The tendering process saw Industore quickly rise to the top of the pack – they just seemed to understand our requirements and were able to tailor their service, offering to accommodate our needs, rather than selling us an ‘off-the-shelf’ option, which their competitors couldn’t get away from.
We were allocated a project manager who provided clear communication and hands-on support throughout the project, ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated implementation. Once they were named as our preferred supplier, Steve [Anderson-Tyso] really followed that up with the best possible service. The lifts were installed ahead of schedule and with no business disruption.
Industore’s on-boarding teams have arranged new training as new staff are brought on, either in-person or via their online training repository, and the Industore marketing team branded the lifts for us, which has really made quite a splash. There was nothing Industore wouldn’t do for us. It’s been the best possible experience!”
Highly secure automated storage, with maximum efficiency:
Access is securely controlled, with permissions assigned by department or even individual, ensuring only authorised personnel can retrieve specific parts – an essential feature in such a high-security facility. The audit tools on the Lean-Lifts ensure there is always a comprehensive record of who took what, when, and from where – offering true, secure automated storage. If a user does not have the correct permissions, they simply cannot access the lift. This has given UKBIC’s clients significant reassurance over things like their intellectual property (IP).
Security was such a key concern that UKBIC’s team actively tested multiple storage solutions, attempting to bypass access protocols. The Lean-Lifts, and more specifically, HänelSoft, were the only system they could not breach, further reinforcing the decision to go with Industore – who simply offered the best solution and support, with particular emphasis on secure automated storage.
The Lean-Lifts have transformed UK BIC’s operational efficiency, replacing disorganised 600mm boxes containing mismatched items with an advanced, high-precision system. The Lean-Lift’s Pick-to-Light feature now directs operators quickly and accurately to the correct part every time, significantly improving speed and accuracy. Previously, items stored in unmanaged, difficult-to-navigate storage were prone to losses, damage, and inefficiencies. Now, they are systematically organised, offering the most secure automated storage possible, minimising the risk of pilferage, breakages, and inventory discrepancies.
Industore’s commitment extends beyond installation, providing continuous support and proactive servicing to maintain optimal system performance and longevity. UK BIC remains fully compliant with EN 15095, the European safety standard for storage carousels, lifts, and mobile shelving – giving them complete peace of mind. With a nationwide network of strategically positioned engineers and a structured maintenance plan, UK BIC benefits from maximum uptime and rapid response times, reinforcing Industore’s reputation for reliability and ensuring seamless operations.
Experience the Industore Advantage
For businesses looking to optimise their warehouse storage with AS/RS vertical lift modules, Industore offers bespoke solutions, unparalleled service, and cutting-edge technology. To see the Lean-Lift in action, book a visit to our Demo Centre or arrange a tour of an existing installation near you.
Interested in learning more about secure automated storage? Get in touch.
