Hanel Vertical Storage helps bus depot improve storage efficiency and warehouse utilisation

We recently facilitated the installation of a Hanel Lean-Lift system for Transport Canberra Bus Services, significantly improving spare parts storage efficiency at the newly redeveloped Woden Bus Depot in Phillip, Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Automated storage systems, such as the Lean-Lift, are crucial for bus depots due to their ability to optimise space, enhance efficiency, and streamline inventory management. By maximising vertical storage, reducing retrieval times, and improving safety and security, automated systems help depots respond more quickly to maintenance needs while minimising downtime. As the ACT bus fleet continues to grow, the integration of automated solutions like the Lean-Lift positions Transport Canberra Bus Services to provide reliable and efficient public transportation to the community. 

About Transport Canberra Bus Services: Transport Canberra and City Services is a diverse directorate delivering essential services Canberrans rely on each day. The directorate’s functions are managed by the City Services division and the Transport Canberra division. City Services delivers a range of services including public libraries, the collection of recycling and waste, graffiti removal, shop and playground upgrades and grass mowing. It is responsible for the management of urban trees, public open spaces and city places including maintenance of shops, domestic animal services, animal welfare and other licensing and compliance services including ranger services and permits for public land use. City Services also manages roads, footpaths, street lights and cycle paths. More about Transport Canberra Bus Services

Challenge 

Transport services in the ACT are managed by the local state government, with buses serving as the primary mode of public transportation in Canberra and its suburbs. The city’s layout comprises a network of town centers radiating from the central Civic area, with four main bus stations: Civic, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, and Woden. The Woden bus depot, which was closed in the mid-1990s due to sufficient capacity at other depots, now requires redevelopment to accommodate the recent growth in the ACT bus fleet. The challenge was to create an efficient facility that allows for reliable and cost-effective bus maintenance and servicing, ensuring minimal downtime while optimising storage for frequently needed spare parts. 

Solution

To address these challenges, a Lean-Lift 3260-825 system was implemented within the new bus depot. This intralogistics solution provides centralised storage for the majority of spare parts required for bus maintenance, significantly reducing the time spent locating and retrieving parts. The Lean-Lift’s design includes a ceiling breakthrough that utilises the depot’s 6.7-meter height, maximising storage capacity without increasing the depot’s footprint. 

The system enhances the efficiency of maintenance operations by ensuring that essential spare parts are easily accessible, which in turn helps reduce vehicle downtimes. By having a dedicated space for spare parts, the depot can achieve faster response times for maintenance needs, improving overall service reliability. 

Additionally, the Lean-Lift is equipped with the Hanel MP 14 N-S TFT controller, which integrates warehouse management functions, including access code management and movement journal modules. This feature meets the depot’s requirements for inventory transparency, security, and access control, all without the need for additional software. 

Implementation

The implementation of the Lean-Lift system at the bus depot is scheduled to coincide with the facility’s operational launch at the end of 2024. The depot will feature 12 service bays, a body shop, as well as tire-changing and cleaning bays, making it a comprehensive maintenance hub for the ACT bus fleet. 

The integration of the Lean-Lift system was designed to complement the existing workflow at the depot, allowing for a seamless transition into the new facility. This strategic installation not only enhances spare parts storage but also optimises the entire maintenance process, fostering a more efficient operation within the depot. 

Conclusion

The introduction of the Lean-Lift at the bus depot exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges posed by an expanding public transport fleet. With improved spare parts management and enhanced maintenance capabilities, Transport Canberra Bus Services is well-positioned to deliver reliable and efficient public transportation services to the ACT community. 

Solution Summary

• Industry: Transportation 
• Country: Australia 
• Storage systems: 1 x Lean-Lift 3260-825 
• Applications: Storage of spare parts
• Investment motives: Improve warehouse utilisation and inventory management

Is your bus depot or transportation facility in need of efficient automated storage solutions? 

If your organisation is facing challenges related to spare parts management and maintenance efficiency, our experts are ready to help facilitate and choose the right solution tailored to your industry needs. Whether you’re in public transport, logistics, or any related field, we have the expertise to optimise your operations and enhance your productivity.