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The sound of two fifteen year old Diamond Phoenix horizontal carousels revolving to deliver parts at Solid State Logic’s (SSL) Oxford site is music to the ears of Alan Clark, the company’s Facilities and Administration Manager. The carousels were installed when SSL relocated to its new Headquarters and production facility in Oxford in 1988. They are located in an area, which stores parts for the production area and house some 15000 items used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.

“We can’t afford to be without the carousels.” Alan Clark explains. “Our products wouldn’t work without the parts stored in them. This is the reason why SSL has recently had the equipment upgraded. “Over the years, the Diamond Phoenix installation has been extremely reliable. This was a major factor in our decision to modernise, rather than replace, the system.” He continues. “Production depends upon the carousels to deliver kits of parts as they are needed. To ensure the reliability of the installation is not compromised in the future, we have replaced all the original controls and devices which, due to advancements in technology had become outdated and difficult to support.”

Founded in 1969, SSL is, today, the world leader in the design and manufacture of audio mixing consoles and digital post production systems for the music, video, film and broadcast industries. Some 3000 of its systems are in use around the world. In the UK alone, the company includes leading names, such as Abbey Road Studios, Pinewood Studios and the BBC, among its customers.

Back in 1988, the Diamond Phoenix solution was chosen to provide an efficient and secure storage system. “At the time we believed that carousels were the most effective way of operating in a small parts picking operation. 01C; Says Alan Clark. “In spite of numerous technical advances and the introduction of new technology, with our experience over the years, I have no doubt that this is still the case. They bring the parts to the operator in the optimum sequence and take up far less space than comparable shelving or storage racks.”

At SSL, the carousels perform a production kitting function. As required, kitting information is input into the company’s MRP system. The carousels’ control software decides upon the optimum delivery sequence to bring all of the items on the picking list to the operator in the shortest possible time. The operator simply has to make sure that the correct quantity is picked from the location as it is presented to him.

Basically, for some time, the carousels had been running on out dated devices, such as DC motors and fifteen year old carousel control modules. As part of the refit, these elements were replaced with modern systems, which are fully supportable, should the need arise. Additionally automated safety doors, that close whilst the carousels are in motion, have been fitted to ensure that the installation meets the latest requirements for CE compliance. As a consequence of fitting the new technology, the carousels’ running speed has increased by ten per cent further improving operational efficiency.

“Diamond Phoenix is an extremely good company to work with. Not only is their kit extremely reliable but they deliver on their promises and commitments. I will have no hesitation in considering Diamond Phoenix for any future materials handling requirements SSL may have.” Alan Clark concludes.