Automated storage and retrieval system
[3] AS/RS systems are designed for automated storage and retrieval of parts and items in manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale and institutions.
To store items, the pallet or tray is placed at an input station for the system, the information for inventory is entered into a computer terminal and the AS/RS system moves the load to the storage area, determines a suitable location for the item, and stores the load.
[6] Within the storage, items can be placed on trays or hang from bars, which are attached to chains/drives in order to move up and down.
[5] By using two separate machines for these two axes the shuttle technology is able to provide higher throughput rates than stacker cranes.
These units are usually integrated with various types of pick to light[definition needed] systems and use either a microprocessor controller for basic usage or inventory management software.
An effective automated storage and retrieval system provides several benefits for supply chain management.
Vertical lift modules (VLMs) can be built to a height to match the available overhead space in a facility.
VLM systems are sold in numerous configurations, which could be applied in different industries, logistics, as well as office settings.
With the capability of multiple access openings on different floors, a VLM system is able to provide an innovative storage and retrieval solution.
The rapid movement of the extractor, as well as inventory management software, can dramatically increase the efficiency of the picking process.
VLMs provide floor space savings, increased labor productivity and picking accuracy, improved worker ergonomics, and controlled process.
Most VLMs offer dynamic space storage which measures the tray every time it is returned to the unit to optimize space, safety features and some offer tilt-tray delivery for increased ergonomic accessibility, and laser pointers which indicate the exact item to be picked on each tray.
Every bin has shelves which are adjustable to .75 inches (19 mm) and can be configured for a myriad of standard and special applications.
The operator simply follows the lights and pick round-robin from the carousels and place items in a batch station behind them.
The robotic device is positioned in the front or rear of up to three horizontal carousels tiered high.
These kinds of applications are commonly found in warehousing for finishing goods in a distribution center, rarely in manufacturing.
In high production, work in process is often carried between operations by conveyor system, which this serve both storage and transport functions.
Shelves or storage cabinets can be stacked as high as floor loading, weight capacity, throughput requirements, and/or ceiling heights will permit.
Hence, there must be enough storage density and/or productivity improvement over cart and tote picking to justify the investment.
In the second decade of the 2000s, the first robotic models appeared on the market equipped with upper and lower limbs (rather than a trolley with a mechanical arm), radar/computer vision or sensors, and capable of recognizing the products, carrying out loading and unloading operations from the truck/shelves/forklifts, positioning the load units on the shelves, handling and picking of the order.
