Warehouse space is scarce throughout the Rocky Mountain West. Online E-commerce operations have put tremendous pressure on available warehouse space, and as a result, rental costs have risen dramatically in recent years throughout the region.
As warehouse costs continue to rise, it’s critical that you make the most of your available space. That means squeezing more products into your existing building footprint and automating as much as possible.
Fortunately, warehouse automation technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, allowing you to achieve unprecedented levels of density and efficiency. The face of warehouse storage solutions is rapidly changing thanks to automation technology.
Automated Warehouse Systems
For most warehouse operators, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) truly are a game changer. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to implement an AS/RS system:
Increased Warehouse Capacity: Warehouse operators can increase the number of stock items and the volume of their operations as a result of massive efficiency gains, resulting in even greater profitability.
Massive Efficiency Gains: AS/RS systems reduce labor costs, free up floor space, reduce inventory damage, and increase overall output.
Advanced Coordination: Automated solutions provide nearly infinite buffering and sequencing options, which can be coordinated with shipping times and route options to save you money.
Forklift Savings: Lift truck quantities, travel distance, and hours can all be reduced significantly with automated warehouse systems.
Quality Assurance: AS/RS systems operate with unwavering precision, making them a better choice for complex tasks than human workers.
Flexibility: AS/RS systems are very flexible solutions that can automate almost any warehouse process when it comes to order aggregation, assembly/enrichment, storage, put-away, and replenishment.
Improved Safety: Machines are far less likely to cause accidents than humans.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
What exactly is AS/RS? AS/RS systems cover a wide range of technologies, including the following:
- Vertical carousels
- Horizontal carousels
- Vertical lift modules
- Fixed aisle systems
Vertical Carousels
Vertical carousels, as the name implies, are vertically driven storage systems. They’re similar to a Ferris wheel in concept, with storage platforms attached to a rotating mechanism that moves up and down. Typically, these carousels are hidden behind an upright metal column.
Horizontal Carousels
Horizontal carousels are similar to the rotating rack used by your dry cleaner to retrieve your clothes. They consist of a series of trays attached to an upper rail and are used for less bulky products. They’re frequently combined with pick-to-light or voice-picking systems.
Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)
Vertical lifts are vertically positioned systems that hold trays in an upright metal column, similar to a vertical carousel. An extractor unit in a VLM, on the other hand, moves up and down inside the module, retrieving specific bins and delivering them to the operator.
Fixed Aisle AS/RS
Fixed aisle systems typically consist of two racking columns separated by a narrow corridor. An elevated steel rail runs down the center of the aisle, with a tall mast that travels along it. A vertically traveling carrier with a load handling device is connected to the upright.
The SRM (storage and retrieval machine) or crane is the name for this upright and carriage. Almost all systems have only one SRM per corridor, but more advanced systems may have several.
Fixed aisle systems can be classified into a few different categories. Larger loads on pallets are handled by unit-load systems. Mini-load systems (also known as a case-handling system or tote stacker) are small, lightweight machines that can handle cartons and other small items.
Warehouse Automation Solutions Near Me
Call an automation expert at Welch Equipment Company if you’d like to talk about warehouse automation options for your New Mexico material handling operation.
Our engineering team will collaborate with you to evaluate your warehouse or distribution center’s on-site equipment design. We can assist you in developing a business case that includes terms, processes, future requirements, training, and overall cost.
Welch Equipment Company
5830 Midway Park Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 822-8043
Serving Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Santa Fe, South Valley and surrounding areas.