The operating principle

Porsche-Zentrum Nuremberg-Fürth-Erlangen, Germany

Efficient spare parts storage in the service department at the Porsche Center Nuremberg-Fürth-Erlangen.

The situation

Direct reception of cars, computer diagnostics and automation have increased the productivity of automotive service centers over the years. However, keeping an ample supply of spare parts on hand still requires considerable space.

Optimized use of space

The Hänel Lean-Lift® neatly stores large numbers of parts within a small footprint thanks to its vertical design concept.

Valuable time is saved
When a vehicle is scheduled for service, the shop manager can check the inventory to see if all the items required for service or repairs are in stock. These items can be picked and sorted in advance to save time otherwise spent waiting for parts delivery.
Even large components like engine blocks, transmissions or catalytic converters can be stored in the Lean-Lift®. There is no need to transport such components from so-called ‘external warehouses’ that are not nearby. This consider-ably increases the throughput of vehicles serviced each day.
This is where Hänel systems offer decisive advantages!

Wensink Mercedes-Benz in Apeldorn, NL

Parts are delivered quickly and ergonomically to the customer  service counter at the dealership – with little or no waiting.

Workplace quality

Employees do not have to bend over or climb ladders when using Hänel storage systems. The items are delivered to the retrieval area at the correct ergonomic height. Lighter, easier and effective retrieval increases the efficiency of your spare parts storage department.

Efficient and precise inventory control

Continuous inventory controlmeans that shortages in the supply of parts and materials can be avoided.
The modern Hänel microprocessor controllers can communicate with the dealer’s own IT systems or be used as stand-alone storage management systems. Hänel storage systems support constant inventory monitoring and precise control of stock on hand.

Cochran Automotive

Cochran Automotive was founded in 1965 with one dealership and has since become one of the leading automobile retailers in Western Pennsylvania.

Cochran Automotive is among the foremost dealerships in the United States and maintains three branch locations, 10 showrooms and 13 franchises.

Integrated spare parts storage
In order to expand the service area without having to construct an additional building, this Buick/GMC dealership in Monroeville installed a Hänel Lean-Lift® and a Hänel Rotomat® centrally in the repair shop area. These storage systems protect all parts from dust, dirt and unauthorized access.

Maximum storage volume  within a small footprint
Thanks to the enormous amount of space saved, all of the parts formerly kept in a large shelf depot are now stored in just two Hänel systems. Everything is available from a central retrieval area in the vehicle service area.

Easy integration in the existing IT system
Both lift systems were connected with the dealer‘s existing data management system. This ensures constant inventory monitoring and control while also increasing overall productivity.

In 2011 and 2012, Cochran completely renovated its Buick/GMC dealership in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania.

The goal was to improve efficiency and the appearance of the dealership to make the customer experience more appealing.
The new showroom created more space for the parts department and additional repair shop bays so that the range of services could be expanded.

For better utilization of space in the building, Cochran decided to install a Hänel Lean-Lift®. The Lean-Lift® was integrated in the existing structure so that no building modifications were necessary.

The result speaks for itself!

The parts and service area is now a bright, neat and convenient workplace. Customers are served quickly and efficiently at separate sales counters. Another counter provides the parts needed in the service center.

Most of the parts in stock are available at the push of a button. Climbing steps and lengthy searches to retrieve parts are things of the past.

More and more car dealerships in the United States are profiting from Hänel solutions!

Tool storage in the Lean-Lift®

Expert service and fast throughput times for repairs and vehicle maintenance are factors that distinguish successful car dealerships and service centers.

For better efficiency and costeffectiveness, Auto Jung in Sinsheim stores all of its standard and special tools in a Hänel Lean-Lift®.

Central tool depot

In the past tools and repair kits were kept on shelves and in drawer modules. These units were located at various points throughout the repair shop. Now all tools are stored in a centrally located Hänel Lean-Lift®. There is no need to search for specific tools in different places. And that saves time for service personnel. Up to 1,400 different tools are neatly stored in one system with a minimum footprint. Compared to the previous situation, the Hänel solution saves a considerable amount of space at the dealership.

Management according to the BER list

By coupling the Hänel system controller with the tool management software SEPP24, special tools can be managed quite easily in accordance with BER (Block Exemption Regulation) list.

Based on standardized maintenance and repair procedures, the list specifies the tools to be used for each procedure. Once the tool number is entered on the Hänel control panel, the storage system automatically retrieves the tool for the car mechanic. The tool management software also indicates whether a particular tool is being used by another service colleague. A complete tool inventory is available at any time.

The Hänel Lean-Lift® is the perfect solution for organized storage of vehicle components and tools, not to mention professional process optimization in dealerships and service centers!

Hänel sets the standard for control systems

Object-related, practice-oriented microprocessor control units can offer you a complete storage management system. The modern design and intuitive handling are exemplary. A complete range of storage management features is already integrated in the controllers.

Efficient and transparent storage is possible without an additional PC. And of course the Hänel storage units can be integrated into the customer’s IT system.

Connection to enterprise resource planning systems is no problem. Hänel also offers software solutions for individual requirements.

You can find detailed information about Hänel microprocessor control systems in our brochure ‘The Intelligent Hänel Control and Software Technology’.

Hänel software systems rationalize storage operations and provide optimal transparency in the storeroom!

Hänel’s inventory management programs are intelligent software systems for computerized handling of warehouse processes on Hänel storage systems. These programs manage storage locations, articles, tools, inventory stock, orders, plus pick and put jobs.

Talk to our specialists – we would be happy to advise you!

For every application there are powerful software packages that can be tailored to each customer’s needs thanks to useful configur - ation options and a range of standard modules:

Storage management Control software for Hänel storage systems networked with HOST-supported ERP systems.

Tool management Storage management with Hänel storage systems – from incoming goods to dispatch.