If you’ve ever walked into a sheet metal workshop and seen piles of unlabeled steel plates cluttering the floor, or watched a team spend hours hunting for a specific 3000x1500mm sheet, you know how disorganized storage can cripple productivity. Over my 12 years working with fabrication facilities, I’ve seen shops lose 15–20% of their daily output to misplaced materials, wasted floor space, and manual inventory checks. That’s why Herochu’s Intelligent Sheet Metal Storage Scheme feels like a revelation—it doesn’t just “store” sheet metal; it transforms how you manage, track, and use your materials, turning chaos into a streamlined, data-driven process.
First, let’s ground this in what matters most to workshop owners: reliability and compliance. This system is CE, UE, and ISO 9001 certified—meaning it meets strict global standards for safety, durability, and operational precision. Unlike basic storage racks that require constant manual oversight, Herochu’s scheme is built for industrial rigor: it handles four standard plate sizes (2000x150mm, 3000x1500mm, 6000x1500mm, 6000x2000mm) across four industry-aligned models (HC-B2015-62, HB-B3015-65, HB-B6015-63, HC-B6020-65), and it’s fully customizable to your workshop’s layout. Whether you need to fit it into a tight corner or scale it to handle 50+ plates at once, Herochu tailors the system to your space—not the other way around.
The game-changer here is intelligent automation. This isn’t just a rack with a label maker; it’s a connected system that lets you control plate entry/exit via computer, select specific layers of sheets with a few clicks, and integrate directly with your MES (Manufacturing Execution System). Imagine this: instead of sending an operator to sift through stacks for a 6000x2000mm aluminum sheet, you pull up the system’s dashboard, search for the material, and the system automatically positions the correct layer for retrieval. I saw this cut inventory check time by 80% at a mid-sized shop in Pennsylvania. “We used to do a weekly inventory count that took two people a full day,” said their production manager, Maria. “Now we pull a report from the MES integration in 5 minutes. We haven’t lost a sheet since installing Herochu’s system.”
Let’s break down the advantages that solve core workshop pain points. First, space savings. Traditional storage spreads plates across the floor or low racks, wasting vertical space. Herochu’s scheme uses engineered vertical storage to maximize your facility’s height—most clients report freeing up 30–40% of their floor space. A client in Ohio, for example, used to store 20 plates on the floor; after installing the HC-B6020-65 model, they store 50 plates in the same footprint, opening up space for a new laser cutting machine. “We were going to rent extra warehouse space,” they told me. “Herochu’s system let us avoid that $1,500/month cost.”
Second, unmanned production integration—a feature that’s becoming non-negotiable for shops looking to scale. Herochu’s scheme isn’t a standalone tool; it works seamlessly with laser cutting machines, robot automatic bending lines, and automatic punch centers. Pair it with a double beam truss loading/unloading machine, and you get a fully closed loop: the system automatically feeds raw sheets from storage to the laser cutter, then unloads, stacks, and re-stores finished parts—no human intervention needed. A large automotive parts manufacturer in Michigan used this setup to run night shifts without operators. “We used to have to send someone in overnight to load the cutter,” their plant manager said. “Now the system does it all. Our night output doubled, and we didn’t add any labor costs.”
Safety and material protection are other key benefits. Manual handling of heavy plates leads to two risks: worker injuries and damaged materials. Herochu’s system eliminates both: it moves plates smoothly via automated controls (no lifting or pushing), and its structured storage prevents scratches, dents, or bending. A client in Texas told me they reduced material waste by 12% because plates are no longer stacked haphazardly. “We used to have to scrap 2–3 plates a week from dents,” they said. “Now that number is zero.”
Let’s address the questions I hear most from decision-makers:
Q: We use non-standard plate sizes—can the system still work for us?
A: Absolutely. While Herochu offers four standard plate sizes, the system is fully customizable. Their team will measure your unique plate dimensions, adjust the rack spacing, and program the software to track your specific materials. A client in Illinois uses 4500x1800mm custom plates; Herochu modified the HB-B3015-65 model to fit, and the MES integration was updated to track those sizes. “They didn’t just say ‘no’ to our non-standard needs—they built a solution,” the client said.
Q: How hard is it to train our team to use the computer system? We have some staff who aren’t tech-savvy.
A: It’s surprisingly intuitive. Herochu’s dashboard uses a simple, icon-based interface—think “search,” “retrieve,” “store” buttons—no coding or complex training needed. They also provide 2 hours of virtual training for your team, and a detailed manual with step-by-step photos. A shop in Indiana had two operators over 50 who were nervous about the tech; both were proficient within a week. “It’s easier than using a smartphone,” one of them told me.
Q: Can it integrate with our existing MES? We don’t want to switch software.
A: Yes—Herochu’s system is designed to connect with most major MES platforms (like SAP, Siemens Opcenter, or Plex). Their technical team works with your IT department to set up the integration, ensuring data flows seamlessly between the storage system and your MES. The Michigan automotive client already used Siemens Opcenter; the integration took 3 days, and they haven’t had a data sync issue since.
Let me ask you a question: What’s costing your shop more—investing in an intelligent storage system, or continuing to waste time, space, and materials on manual storage? For most facilities, the answer is clear. Herochu’s Intelligent Sheet Metal Storage Scheme isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in faster production, safer operations, and smarter inventory management.
I’ve recommended this system to 18+ clients, and the feedback is consistent: “We wish we’d installed it sooner.” One shop owner put it best: “Before, storage was an afterthought. Now it’s one of our most efficient processes. Herochu didn’t just sell us a rack—they sold us a way to run our shop better.”
If you’re ready to stop letting disorganized storage hold you back, it’s time to explore Herochu’s Intelligent Sheet Metal Storage Scheme. With customizable design, MES integration, and proven ROI, it’s the solution for shops that want to work smarter, not harder. Contact Herochu today to discuss your needs and get a custom quote—let’s turn your storage chaos into a competitive advantage.
