Throughout the Midwest, warehouse space is fetching a historic premium. Online e-com operations have put tremendous pressure on real estate availability and as a result, rental costs throughout the region have skyrocketed in recent years.

As facility costs climb, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that you’re employing warehouse space in the most efficient manner possible. For savvy warehouse managers, that means maximizing density and automating everything that can be mechanized.

Fortunately, cutting edge material handling technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, allowing you the opportunity to increase your density and efficiency like never before. Automation technology is rapidly altering the fundamental principles of warehouse storage solutions.

Warehouse Automation

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are revolutionizing the warehouse. Here are the top reasons for adding AS/RS systems:

1. Monumental leaps in efficiency. AS/RS systems cut human resource costs, save floor space, reduce inadvertent inventory damage, and increase productivity.
2. Increased Capacity. Efficiency gains mean that organizations can add more SKUs and increase the throughput of their operations for an improved bottom line.
3. Forklift savings. An automated warehouse system slashes forklift travel distance and hours.
4. Enhanced facilitation. Automated solutions enable multiplex sequencing and buffering alternatives that can be integrated with shipping hours and route options.
5. Quality control. AS/RS systems are extremely reliable and are a better choice for handling complex tasks than human resources.
6. Improved safety. Fewer humans equates to fewer safety incidents.
7. Adaptability. When it comes to order aggregation, assembly/enrichment, storage, replenishment and put-away, AS/RS solutions are becoming more and more versatile.

Automated Storage and Retrieval System

What is AS/RS? There are various technologies that are classified as AS/RS systems, including these:

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

Vertical Lift Modules

Akin to a vertical carousel, VLMs are vertically positioned systems that maintain trays in an upright metal casing. However, a VLM has a puller unit that advances up and down inside the column, retrieves individual trays and presents them to the operator.

Horizontal Carousels

Horizontal carousels are kind of like that automatic rack your dry cleaner uses to store and retrieve your garments. These carousels are generally used for less bulky products and they are a group of receptacles mounted on an upper track. They are frequently integrated with pick-to-light systems or voice picking systems.

Vertical Carousels

As the name suggests, vertical carousels are vertically driven, and are somewhat like a Ferris wheel with bins attached to a revolving system that spins on a perpendicular horizontal axis. These carousels are typically housed in a tall metal column.

Fixed Aisle AS/RS

Fixed aisle systems are generally configured as two columns of racking with a narrow aisle separating the two. In the center of the aisle is an elevated metal track with a tall mast that travels along it. Connected to the mast is a vertically maneuvering carrier outfitted with a load handling mechanism.

This mast and carriage is known as as the SRM (storage and retrieval machine) or crane. The majority of systems use one crane per corridor, but more specialized systems may have multiple.

Generally speaking, there are two classifications of fixed aisle systems. Unit-load systems are designed to deal with large loads on pallets. Mini-load systems (sometimes called a case-handling machine or tote stacker) are smaller systems that can manage cartons and smaller products.

Warehouse Automation Systems Near Me

We’re here to help! If you need assistance in assessing warehouse automation choices for your material handling facility, contact a specialist at Associated.

Our engineering team will work with you to review on-site equipment design for your material handling operation. We can help you build a Return On Investment model including process, conditions, training, future needs, and overall cost.

We provide service and support from our locations across the Midwest. Whether you need new or used warehouse equipment, parts, maintenance, training or service, we provide a full selection of material handling services and products.

The Associated Des Moines service area includes Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, Ames, West Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Ankeny, Dubuque, Urbandale, Cedar Falls, Marion, Bettendorf, Mason City and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Des Moines Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4421 NW Urbandale Dr
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 964-0162