Kardex launches PortScale weighing system in New Zealand

Kardex has launched its PortScale precision weighing system for AutoStore in New Zealand and presented it alongside its SmartWorkStation for warehouse operators.

PortScale adds weight-based verification to AutoStore ports to identify picking errors in real time. It is aimed at higher-throughput sites where operators are under pressure to process rising order volumes while managing labour shortages and customer expectations for fulfilment speed and accuracy.

The launch is part of a broader Kardex push around AutoStore-related products in Australia and New Zealand. Central to that effort is the SmartWorkStation, which combines the company's Intuitive Picking Assistant with PortScale in a single workstation setup.

The weighing system is built into the AutoStore port shelf and uses multiple sensors to continuously measure bin weight. It is linked to the company's ScaleManager software for item-count verification.

This setup is designed to reduce reliance on manual checks by confirming whether the weight of items picked from a bin matches the expected order data. It can help operatorsMaintain inventory accuracy, reduce shrinkage, and limit manual counting.

AutoStore focus

Kardex has expanded its AutoStore business over the past five years, completing more than 150 AutoStore deployments globally and growing the operation from one employee in 2021 to 250 employees.

PortScale is its 10th innovation for the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system. Other products in the portfolio include the FulfilX warehouse execution system, automated cleaning tools, BinInductAI, and the Intuitive Picking Assistant.

AutoStore systems are used by warehouses seeking dense storage layouts and automated retrieval of goods. Integrators such as Kardex typically tailor the systems to customer sites and add software, workflows, and peripheral equipment for picking and replenishment.

The New Zealand launch reflects growing attention to warehouse accuracy as distributors and retailers process larger volumes of smaller orders. In response, operators are looking for ways to catch errors earlier in the fulfilment process, before goods leave the warehouse.

Weight-based verification has become one method of addressing that issue because it can check picks without adding a separate manual inspection step. By placing the weighing function directly at the port, Kardex aims to embed that check into routine operator activity.

Regional expansion

Kardex works with customers across a range of industries, combining global AutoStore experience with local engineering and service teams. That local support model is an important factor for warehouse operators in Australia and New Zealand, where service response and system uptime can shape returns on investment in automation projects.

Kardex employs about 2,900 people in more than 30 countries. The group operates across the wider intralogistics market, including automated storage and retrieval products, material handling systems, small parts storage, and high-bay warehouse systems.

Freddy Zhong, Regional Director Business Development AutoStore, Asia Pacific, outlined the company's approach to product development.

"At Kardex, we work closely with AutoStore and our customers to develop solutions to real-world challenges and extend the capabilities of AutoStore. Innovation only matters if it creates measurable value for our customers, which is why every new technology we develop is designed to solve practical operational challenges.

Within five years, we have become both the most innovative and fastest-growing AutoStore integrator, demonstrating the success of our creative, customer-centric approach and proprietary solutions. No two projects are the same, and we work closely with companies across a wide range of industries throughout their AutoStore journey to increase storage density, improve picking productivity and accuracy, and create more resilient fulfilment operations.

"CeMAT Australia gave visitors a great opportunity to experience our AutoStore innovations live and learn how we are pushing the boundaries of what AutoStore can achieve, with PortScale attracting significant interest during the event. We are continuing to innovate and expand our AutoStore services and solutions to deliver even greater value to our customers around the world."