Throughout the Midwest, warehouse space is fetching an all-time premium. Digital e-com operations have put tremendous pressure on real estate availability and as a result, leasing costs in many areas have risen by double digits in recent years.

As storage costs accelerate, it’s vital to make sure that you’re using your facility space as efficiently as possible. For smart warehouse operations, that means maximizing density and automating everything that can be mechanized.

Fortunately, high performance material handling technology has advanced quickly in the last few years, giving you the tools you need to increase your density and efficiency at unprecedented levels. Technological advancement is swiftly changing the elemental concepts of warehouse storage solutions.

Warehouse Automation

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are a game changer in the warehouse. Some of the primary reasons for investing in AS/RS systems:

1. Huge efficiency increases. AS/RS systems reduce labor costs, save floor space, diminish unintended inventory breakage, and increase throughput.
2. Increased Capacity. Efficiency gains mean that enterprises have the ability to increase the number of stock items and increase the volume of existing operations for even greater profitability.
3. Lift truck savings. An automated warehouse system cuts lift truck hours and distance traveled.
4. Enhanced facilitation. Automated solutions provide multiplex sequencing and buffering alternatives that can be synchronized with freight times and lane options.
5. Quality oversight. AS/RS systems are extremely reliable and are better at handling complicated duties than human resources.
6. Increased safety. Reduced reliance on humans makes for fewer accidents.
7. Flexibility. When it comes to order aggregation, value adds, storage, put-away and replenishment, AS/RS solutions are becoming increasingly versatile tools.

Automated Storage and Retrieval System

So what exactly is AS/RS? There are various technologies that are considered to be AS/RS systems, including the following:

• Vertical lift modules
• Horizontal carousels
• Vertical carousels
• Fixed aisle systems

Vertical Lift Modules

Akin to a vertical carousel, VLMs are vertically oriented systems that hold trays in a tall metal casing. In contrast to a carousel, a VLM has a retriever system that advances up and down within the column, retrieves specific bins and delivers them to the operator.

Horizontal Carousels

Horizontal carousels are kind of like that automatic rack your dry cleaner uses to locate and access your clothes. They’re ordinarily employed for less bulky products and they are a series of bins attached to a raised rail. They are frequently coupled with voice picking systems or pick-to-light systems.

Vertical Carousels

As the name suggests, vertical carousels are vertically aligned, and are conceptually similar to a Ferris wheel with storage platforms mounted to a circular drive system that goes from top to bottom. Vertical carousels are typically concealed in an upright metal casing.

Fixed Aisle AS/RS

Fixed aisle systems are generally configured as two columns of racking with a narrow lane separating the two. The center of the aisle has an elevated metal rail with an upright mast that maneuvers its length. Fastened to the upright is a vertically moving carriage fitted with a load handling mechanism.

This upright and carrier device is known as as the crane or SRM. Almost all systems use a single crane per corridor, but more specialized systems may have several.

Generally speaking, there are a couple of classifications of fixed aisle systems. Unit-load systems are designed to manage bigger loads on pallets. Mini-load systems (often referred to as a case-handling machine or tote stacker) are lightweight implementations that can deal with cartons and smaller goods.

Warehouse Automation Systems Near Me

Talk to an expert! If you’d like assistance in evaluating warehouse automation options for your material handling facility, get in touch with a specialist at Associated.

Our design group will work with you to review on-site equipment configuration for your warehouse or distribution center. We can help you develop a Return On Investment model including process, conditions, training, future needs, and overall cost.

Associated provides service and support from our facilities throughout five Midwestern states. Whether you need new or used warehouse equipment, maintenance, parts, training or service, we offer a full range of material handling products and services.

The Associated Fort Wayne service area includes Fort Wayne, Gary, South Bend, Hammond, Elkart, Shipshewana, Angola, Auburn, Merriville, Valparaiso, Plymouth, Warsaw, Columbia City, New Haven, Huntington, Wabash, Marion and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Fort Wayne Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4310 Illinois Rd Unit 1517
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 482-9556