Akro-Mils Indicator Small Part Bins

Akro-Mils Indicator small-parts bins have a single-bin kanban signal built directly into each bin. The blue side faces the aisle during normal use to indicate that active inventory is available. When the stock reaches the reorder point, the bin is flipped to reveal the orange side as an immediate, unambiguous visual signal to the replenishment team that the position needs restocking. No second bin, no card, no count required: the bin itself communicates the inventory status.

This eliminates the physical space and management overhead of a traditional two-bin kanban system. One bin per SKU position, not two. The flip signal is faster to act on and easier to see than a paper card or verbal request. Four sizes cover two lengths and two widths, all at 4" high. Both inside and outside dimensions are listed for each model. Prices are per carton.

Models and Specifications:

♦ 36442, 11-5/8" L x 4-1/8" W x 4" H (outside). 9-7/8" L x 2-7/8" W x 3-7/8" H (inside). Blue/orange flip indicator. 24 bins per carton.

♦ 36448, 17-7/8" L x 4-1/8" W x 4" H (outside). 16-1/8" L x 2-3/4" W x 3-7/8" H (inside). Blue/orange flip indicator. 12 bins per carton.

♦ 36462, 11-5/8" L x 6-5/8" W x 4" H (outside). 9-7/8" L x 5-3/8" W x 3-7/8" H (inside). Blue/orange flip indicator. 12 bins per carton.

♦ 36468, 17-7/8" L x 6-5/8" W x 4" H (outside). 16-1/8" L x 5-1/4" W x 3-7/8" H (inside). Blue/orange flip indicator. 12 bins per carton.

Selecting the Right Bin:

♦ Size selection: Use the inside dimensions to confirm the bin accommodates the part. Use the outside dimensions to confirm the bin fits the shelf opening, louvered panel slot, or stacking footprint. The 4-1/8"-wide models are narrower for tighter shelf positions or smaller parts. The 6-5/8"-wide models provide more interior volume per position. The 11-5/8"-long models are more compact front-to-back. The 17-7/8"-long models use more shelf depth.

♦ Single-bin vs. two-bin kanban, a traditional two-bin kanban system uses two bins per SKU: when the first bin empties, it goes to replenishment, and the second bin activates for production. This requires twice the bin count and twice the shelf space per SKU. The Indicator bin uses one bin per position. The flip signal triggers replenishment before the bin empties completely, maintaining continuity without a second bin. Choose the single-bin Indicator system for SKUs where shelf space per position is constrained, or where managing two bins per SKU adds complexity that outweighs the safety stock benefit.

♦ Carton quantities: the 36442 ships 24 bins per carton. The 36448, 36462, and 36468 ship 12 bins per carton. Calculate the total number of bin positions needed across all SKUs being converted to the Indicator system to determine the total carton quantity.

♦ Reorder point discipline, the effectiveness of the single-bin Indicator system depends on the reorder point being set correctly and the flip action being performed consistently when stock reaches that point. If operators miss the flip or set the reorder point too low, the visual signal fails. This system works best in disciplined lean or visual management environments where the replenishment workflow is clearly defined and consistently followed.

Where Commonly Used:

♦ Assembly Line Small-Parts Kanban Stations, production lines that use a high variety of small fasteners, clips, contacts, and components at each assembly position convert each bin position to the single-bin Indicator system to signal replenishment without requiring a two-bin layout that would double the bin count per shelf section.

♦ Maintenance and MRO Visual Replenishment: maintenance stockrooms that want a simple visual signal for consumable replenishment, lubricants, fuses, seals, and fasteners without implementing a formal two-bin system, use the Indicator bin to provide the orange signal when stock is low, triggering a stockroom reorder without manual counting.

♦ Lean and 5S Production Environments, facilities running lean manufacturing programs with visual management standards, use the Indicator bin as a native lean tool. The orange signal is immediately visible during a floor walk, making inventory status part of the standard visual management system without additional signage or card systems.

♦ High-SKU-Count Pick Faces, distribution centers, or stockrooms with very high SKU counts that cannot accommodate two bins per position due to shelf depth or width constraints, use the single-bin Indicator to maintain visual replenishment signaling within one bin's footprint per position.

♦ Fast-Moving Small-Parts Positions, positions with high-velocity part numbers where the two-bin system runs too quickly through the safety stock bin to be practical, the single-bin Indicator allows the reorder point to be tuned to the actual consumption rate, with the flip trigger initiated at the right quantity rather than waiting for the entire first bin to empty.

CustomMHS is an authorized Akro-Mils distributor. All purchases include the manufacturer's factory warranty.