How automated storage retrieval system works?

Commonly referred to as ASRS, automated storage retrieval system is commonly used in facilities like distribution and manufacturing. To save floor space, improve safety and increase productivity these are typically used to replace the large areas of shelving. It can be a bit overwhelming researching ASRS for the first time with its varying technologies and applications.

The smartest and most sophisticated material handling system available, the automated storage and retrieval system companies have been developing since the early 1960s and strategically loads are delivered by automation upon demand with zero use of manual labor. Labor reduction, increased accuracy and green impact on the environment are a few benefits of ASRS. The systems are computer-controlled which stores and retrieves products in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities and also warehouses.

TYPES OF ASRS

Systems that efficiently and securely store items in a compact footprint are the automated storage and retrieval systems. Through this one can easily and rapidly retrieve items when required. Automated storage and retrieval system manufacturers to accommodate varying throughput demands, have latest technologies that handle volumes, types, and velocities of non-palletized inventory at variable speeds. Three categories are;

1. SHELF-BASED PICK

The whole shelf or tray of the product is sent to the operator

2. BIN-BASED PICK

A tote or a single bin is sent to the operator

3. ROBOTIC PICK

Within some type of enclosed shelving system to deliver the goods to an operator, delivery robots are operating.

WHEN IS THE TIME FOR ASRS

1. REPLENISHING

If one’s employees are spending the same amount of time for replenishing as well as picking, then one must consider ASRS.

2. EXCESS OF TIME TRAVEL

If employees are traveling several miles during a shift to access inventory, then they are wasting time

3. SEARCH TIME

If workers spend time visually searching for the correct item and match up part numbers at a picking destination upon arrival, then automation should be considered.

4. ERRORS IN PICKING

One is wasting money and risking their company’s reputation if the picking errors are on a rise. Consider ASRS.

5. THROUGHPUT STRUGGLE

Consider automation if one is struggling to hire seasonal workers to keep up with demand or to keep up with order cut-off time.

6. ITEMS DAMAGED

One can consider automation if the found inventory is damaged and unusable.

7. INVENTORY MISPLACED

Consider ASRS if inventory is frequently misplaced or lost temporarily.

8. PRODUCT PILFERATION

One should consider ASRS if the inventory is often unexplainably missing.

9. MAX CAPACITY OF THE FACILITY

Go for ASRS if one’s building is bursting at the seams and there is no room for further growth.

10. OPERATOR INJURY

Go for automation if one’s workers are at risk of injury.

ASRS APPLICATIONS

Found within the manufacturing and distribution facilities the automated storage systems are used to manage small parts inventories, sub-assembly, work-in-process, maintenance and repair parts and large tools and dies in a variety of applications. Some of the commonly used applications include;

1. STORAGE

Used in a manufacturing process, these provide high-density storage parts and components.

2. PICK ORDER

Supported by the software integration, offer compact, fast and reliable access to items needed for distribution, bringing stored items to the operator for fast order fulfilment.

3. KITTING

Receives inventory and managing the group component parts for storing and assembling the kits.

4. CONSOLIDATION OF ORDER

To temporarily hold incomplete orders awaiting additional items before shipment it provides a compact solution.

5. BUFFER

For inventory or process buffering offers a highly dense storage solution.

6. ASSEMBLY

For later use storing work-in-progress or sub-assemblies.

7. MOLDS, DIES, AND TOOLS

Required in an automated production process is the ergonomic and secure handling of heavy and often expensive tooling.

8. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

To reduce downtime, it provides compact storage of maintenance parts.

9. ITEMS OF HIGH VALUE

A secure, safe and enclosed storage solution is offered by them.

10. SERVICE AND RETAIL

For a variety of items behind a customer service desk for quick access and increased customer face-time, it provides proper storage.

11. ENVIRONMENTS

A controlled environment is provided like cold, clean and dry management of storage.

FEW BENEFITS

1. SPACE

One can save up to 85% of floor space when compared to traditional shelving systems.

2. PRODUCTIVITY

Automated storage can increase worker productivity by 66% and speed throughput by delivering stored items directly to the operator.

3. ACCURACY

Reducing picking errors and increasing pick accuracy to 99.9%, ASRS integrates with a pick to light technologies to direct the worker to the exact location of the item.

4. ERGONOMICS

Drastically reducing the risk of injury for workers, ASRS technologies deliver stored items to an ergonomic access point, eliminating lifting, bending, stooping and also reaching.

Automated storage and retrieval system companies use sophisticated systems designed to load a pallet of over 1000 lbs or even more. Generally, most warehouses use one ASRS machine per aisle, but the better ones which have sophisticated systems may have more than one per aisle. Looking at all the benefits it has on the overall process one mustn’t fear and go for the automation system as it is good for the employees as well as for the surrounding environment. Get in touch for further assistance on the automated storage system.

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