Kardex is a global leader in intralogistics, providing, in the brand’s own words, “an intelligent entry into automation with its dynamic storage and retrieval systems.” A representative of Kardex came to Playwell Bricks to commission a custom set of their Kardex Shuttle. This Shuttle is one of Kardex’s flagship products that, in simplified layman’s terms, acts as an automated retrieval system for a warehouse’s inventory.

The client came to their discovery call with a remarkably clear vision of what they wanted. They explained that they’d come across a Playwell Bricks set in the wild and wanted to have one for their company.

In addition to trade shows, the client also wanted to use the custom-designed sets of their product as a lead magnet for the sales teams. The units themselves, being, in some cases, the size of buildings, didn’t make them easily shared with clients, but a custom set that demonstrates how they work, that was something that could be.

They shared schematics and the showcase pages of the Kardex website to give a visual of the Kardex Shuttle, taking the time to go over what the most important elements were so they would be represented in the miniature. Functionality would be ideal if that was at all possible.

Playwell Bricks team member Petrus Gartler is happy to discuss his experience designing the set. “This set is a ‘wolf in a sheep's fur’ as we say in German. It doesn't look like a lot of work from the outside, but the functionality took quite a bit of brainpower to make it work. It's a nice mix of System and Technic parts, and the development of the build sequence was another nice challenge.”

Petrus used this mix to allow the builder to turn a dial on the side of the Kardex Shuttle which activates gear that “slide the front door open to the top AND moved a platform to the front,” similar to the function of the real thing. “I really enjoyed developing this little mechanism!” says Petrus.

With the addition of Kardex’s logo to this concept, the client approved the final design, and the production team took over. Because of the multiple countries to which Kardex planned to send this set, the build instructions and packaging were produced in English, German, Italian, and French, giving the team a chance to flex their international muscles.

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