To remain competitive in the world market, 3Com installed a highly efficient manufacturing and distribution system to offset the country’s highest labor and real estate overhead at their Santa Clara CA facility. PC and cable modems are manufactured to a schedule that closely matches incoming orders. These modems are manufactured in batch and are essentially identical. Efficiencies are achieved by postponing the custom configuration of each product until the order is placed.

The system designed by FloStor directs product to a pallet rack storage unit. The modems are then removed from storage as directed by incoming orders and delivered to the configuration area. Configuration primarily consists of labeling, document insertion, and customer-specific packaging at 45 units per minute.

Product is then conveyed to automated shrink wrap, sortation, and stacking for master boxes. Following pack and palletize, the finished goods will be delivered to the Quick Ship Distribution Center.

According to Shireen Zekanoski, 3Com Manufacturing Engineer, the company will achieve important benefits when the old large Distribution Center is made available for better uses.

For additional information, contact:
Chuck Ireland
Vice President, System Sales
(510) 265-6700