The BTB Europe & Kardex partnership
The power of automation combined with WMS flexibility
BTB Europe and Kardex join forces to offer SMEs an integrated, powerful and accessible logistics solution. In 2021, BTB Europe signed a European Framework Agreement with Kardex Remstar to distribute its Fox4WorkTM solution within Kardex systems — a strategic partnership led by Pim de Vrind (Managing Director Remstar Benelux) and overseen by Alan Gemmell (CCO, Kardex Remstar).
With 20 years of collaboration, both companies combine their expertise to transform your operations.
Fox4WorkTM integrates natively with Kardex automated equipment, combining an intelligent WMS with state-of-the-art vertical storage systems. The result: a Warehouse 4.0 logistics setup where the best of software and automation work together to boost your efficiency.
A complete solution for every need
For every context—SME, multi-warehouse site or just-in-time operation—the Fox4WorkTM & Kardex alliance is deployed as a coherent package: flow audit, software and hardware integration, and change management. You start with a targeted, high-ROI scope and then expand gradually, with no operational disruption. The three sections below summarize this turnkey approach.
Integration with Kardex systems
Take advantage of automated vertical storage management and picking. Fox4WorkTM is fully compatible with Kardex storage shuttles and other AS/RS systems, allowing you to control your automated storage units in real time. Your items are stored in a minimum amount of space and delivered automatically to the operator, with no break in the information chain between the software and the machine.
Tailor-made WMS solutions
Beyond the hardware aspect, BTB Europe adapts Fox4WorkTM to your specific processes. This modular and scalable WMS covers all warehouse operations — from inbound to outbound — including location management, inventory tracking and full traceability.
Each function is activated according to your needs, enabling gradual deployment without disrupting your operations.
Consulting and flow optimization
Our sales and technical teams support you in modernizing your intralogistics. From flow audits to installing Kardex storage systems controlled by Fox4Work™, we provide consulting, training and support.
The goal: optimize your storage and order-picking processes, reduce unnecessary movements and ensure a successful transition to automation.
Key benefits
Why choose the Fox4WorkTM & Kardex integration?
Choosing Fox4WorkTM with Kardex means aligning the physical flow and the information flow within a single system. The vertical lift brings goods to the operator (goods-to-person), while the WMS orchestrates picking sequences, records every movement and automatically triggers replenishments and checks. You eliminate unnecessary travel, reduce picking errors and gain real-time visibility into stock levels, priorities and performance. The result: shorter cycle times, higher throughput and stable service quality — even during peak activity.
Integration is modular and controlled: you start with a high-ROI scope, then extend without operational disruption. No unnecessary complexity: native communication between Fox4WorkTM and Kardex, a clear operator interface, and time-stamped traceability for audits. Ergonomics improve (waist-height workstations, fewer movements), security increases (controlled access, closed environment), and decisions become data-driven. In short, you gain productivity, reliability, and operator comfort at the same time—while smoothly preparing for scale-up.
1
Increased efficiency
Increase productivity by eliminating repetitive manual tasks. Kardex goods-to-person systems bring products to the operator, speeding up order picking while reducing picking errors (accuracy rates can reach 99.9%).
Fox4WorkTM synchronizes these operations in real time, plans picking sequences and minimizes waiting times.
Result: orders processed faster and error-free, with employees refocused on higher value-added tasks.
2
Total visibility & traceability
Maintain full control over your inventory. Fox4WorkTM provides real-time inventory tracking and complete traceability for every goods movement.
When paired with Kardex vertical storage systems, every part in/out movement is immediately recorded in the WMS.
Automatic replenishment thresholds can be configured: as soon as an item falls below the minimum stock level, an alert is generated or a supplier order is automatically triggered. This eliminates stockouts and ensures continuous product availability.
3
Space optimization
Free up valuable floor space in your warehouses. Kardex vertical storage systems use the full available height and provide high-density storage. You can save up to 85% of storage space by leveraging ceiling height.
This compact footprint allows you either to reduce the required warehouse space or to significantly increase storage capacity without expanding the building. Freed-up space can be reassigned to other productive activities.
4
Improved ergonomics and safety
Improve your operators’ working conditions. The Fox4WorkTM & Kardex integration establishes ergonomic workflows — the “goods-to-person” principle means that goods come to the operator. Endless walking and lifting at height are eliminated: operators work at a fixed height in secure picking stations. This reduces fatigue, lowers accident risks and improves picking accuracy.
In addition, Kardex automated storage systems protect your goods (secured access, enclosed environment), adding an extra layer of security against theft or damage.
5
Scalability & flexibility
Scale your setup as your business grows. Our joint solution is modular on both the software and hardware sides. Fox4WorkTM lets you enable new functional modules as needs evolve, and Kardex provides scalable systems (you can add additional storage units or adapt the existing configuration).
This flexibility ensures your investment remains sustainable: your automated warehouse continuously adapts to volumes and flows, without calling the existing setup into question.
6
Ease of implementation
Benefit from automation without technical complexity. Thanks to the native integration between Fox4WorkTM and Kardex systems, no heavy custom development or makeshift interfaces are required: communication between the WMS and the storage system is direct and transparent.
Our teams handle installation and configuration, while Fox4Work™’s intuitive “zero-training” interface ensures rapid user adoption.
You modernize your logistics quickly, without major disruption, with the assurance of joint BTB Europe & Kardex support throughout the project.
Use Cases
Fox4WorkTM x Kardex in action
The Fox4Work™ & Kardex integration applies to many industries and operational scenarios. Here are some typical examples where our solution makes a difference.
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Acceleration of e-commerce order picking
For e-commerce companies managing large catalogs, Kardex vertical lift modules combined with Fox4Work™ enable high-speed customer order processing. High-demand SKUs are stored compactly and presented quickly to the operator, increasing picking throughput.
Fox4WorkTM optimally organizes picking waves, reducing overall travel time.
An e-commerce SME can therefore ship more parcels per day with the same workforce, while eliminating item errors thanks to software control.
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Lean industrial production
In a manufacturing environment, our solution ensures just-in-time supply to production lines. A buffer stock of components is managed in the Kardex, close to the workshop, using minimal floor space.
Fox4WorkTM accurately tracks consumption and triggers automatic replenishment of critical parts as soon as a threshold is reached.
Production operators request parts through the WMS and receive them within seconds at the Kardex station without leaving their work area. This eliminates line stops due to missing parts and streamlines the entire internal logistics chain.
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Optimized spare parts & MRO management
For spare parts, tooling and MRO supplies, the Kardex–Fox4Work alliance brings structure and responsiveness.
For example, in an automotive after-sales department or a maintenance workshop, thousands of small SKUs are stored in a vertical lift module instead of taking up scattered shelving. Inventory is centralized and fully digitized in Fox4Work™, with the exact location of each part.
Full traceability helps analyze part turnover and prevent stockouts through low-stock alerts.
Other use cases include pharmaceutical distribution, hospital logistics, aerospace, and more—anywhere inventory reliability and fast access to items are critical.
Transform your logistics today by leveraging the combination of a powerful WMS and Kardex vertical automation. With BTB Europe and Kardex by your side, you benefit from a turnkey solution to gain space, time and performance while ensuring long-term scalability of your supply chain. Together, let’s give your warehouse a new dimension!
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