An automated storage and retrieval system can be a great help for warehouses that have a lot of items to store but not enough space. Most of these systems are fully automated and will retrieve the desired items by using sensors. The main benefits of an automated storage and retrieval system are that it can store more items in less space, it is easier to use than traditional shelving, and it has a high level of accuracy. In this article, we’re going to talk about some AS/RS warehouse systems and their benefits.
What are AS/RS warehouse systems?
An AS/RS warehouse system is an umbrella term for all types of inventory management systems that aims to reduce the amount of space needed for storage, transit times, and other key metrics. The AS/RS stands for “automated storage and retrieval,” which means that the system is automated with no need for human intervention.
This type of inventory management system reduces the time it takes to find an item because it doesn’t require employees to walk through a warehouse looking for items on shelves or racks. It also reduces labor costs because there are fewer people needed to manage the warehouse.
Types of AS/RS warehouse systems
These types of systems are designed to provide the most efficient and cost-effective way of storing and retrieving items from a warehouse. The AS/RS systems are based on the location’s layout, which is determined by the type of storage it can access, pallet or item size, and what it sells. For example, a warehouse might use an AS/RS system with just one aisle if it sells only one type of product, or it may have many aisles for each type of product it sells.
It’s also important to take into account logistics issues, and product composition — fresh, toxic, hazardous, etc.
Let’s look at some of today’s AS/RS Warehouse tech:
- Vertical Carousels warehouse systems are designed to store merchandise in a space-efficient way — it is a type of conveyor system used for storing and retrieving items. It consists of a rotating carousel on which shelves are mounted. Items are stored on the shelves and retrieved by an operator who moves along the carousel from shelf to shelf, pulling items from their storage location and sending them down the carousel where they can be picked up by another operator at the bottom.
- Horizontal Carousels are the most popular warehouse systems in use today. They are used for picking, sorting, and storage. Horizontal carousels have a variety of features that make them a good choice for warehouse systems. The first is the capacity to store more inventory than other systems such as vertical carousels and stacker cranes. This is because they can be configured with different heights and widths to suit the needs of any business. Another advantage of horizontal carousels is that they can be installed in an aisle or aisle-less configuration which allows them to be adapted to any business’ needs.
- VLM: Vertical lift module warehouse systems are a type of automated storage and retrieval system. They can be used to store anything from packaged goods to heavy industrial items. The vertical lift module warehouse system is an automated storage and retrieval system that is typically used in distribution centers or warehouses to store goods. These systems are controlled by computers and have the ability to move materials on a conveyor belt or other form of automation. The most common types of materials that these systems are used for are packaged goods, heavy industrial items, and raw materials.
- Crane-based mini-load AS/RS: this is a type of automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) which is designed to be installed in a warehouse to move goods around, and not for palletizing or de-palletizing. The crane-based system operates by moving the goods from one location to another. This type of AS/RS has many advantages over traditional conveyor systems. Crane-based AS/RS systems can be used in areas where there isn’t enough space for conveyor systems, they are much faster than conveyors, they are more flexible, and they can be installed in any orientation.
These are just some of the many AS/RS warehouse systems available right now.
Benefits of automated storage and retrieval system
Businesses that need to manage their inventory and distribute goods across the world can benefit from AS/AR warehouse systems. It helps them keep track of the inventory, and scheduled deliveries, and find ways to reduce costs. This includes production lines, distribution centers, and contract warehouses. All industries can take advantage of AS/AR storage systems including eCommerce, pharmacological, food, etc.
Some of those benefits per industry are:
Automotive/Transportation Equipment
By implementing AS/AR systems, the automotive industry can move large and small packages with incredible ease. Distributing parts across the board and their supply chain in a matter of days.
Chemicals
By automating most systems, companies can not only move products faster and more efficiently but with a higher level of care and worker safety — transporting hazardous materials without risking their employees’ health.
E-Commerce/Retail/Wholesale
Using drones, AI software, and other tools, along with AS/AR warehouse systems, companies can mitigate risks and errors – such as wrong orders or product damage – when it comes to fulfilling e-commerce orders.
Food and Beverage Companies
The industry has rapidly employed AS/AR storage systems to better their product shelf-life and get them from point A to point B without sacrificing protocols and fresh food standards.
Electronics
Implementing drones and other AS/AR devices means that most of your expensive goods are treated with more care.
Pharmaceuticals
Big Pharma is leveraging AS/AR warehouse systems solutions since it grants them the ability to safeguard their supply chain — and easily audit, and verify, the providence and usage of certain pharmaceuticals. This makes it incredibly easy to maintain Federal and industry-wide standards.
AS/RS Advantages
AS/RS warehouse systems have been around for many years. The first ASRS system was invented by a company called, oddly enough, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, Inc., or ASRS. This innovative tool was designed to store and retrieve parts from a warehouse. The system used shelves that were stacked on top of each other, with each level containing one row of shelves. These rows were connected to a roller conveyor belt at the top and bottom to move the products up and down the rows — it was a game-changer.
Talk to SRSI to implement your warehouses’ next AS/RS system: 833.228.6902
