Leading Automated Storage and Retrieval System Manufacturers

What is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System?

An automated storage and retrieval system is automated equipment that is made to automatically perform the loading and unloading of items from specified storage spaces. The first automated storage and retrieval system patent was given to a team of innovators back in 1992. Their main objective was to form an effective and efficient mail-arranging system. Nowaday, the application of automated storage and retrieval systems has broadened greatly.

Automated Storage and Retrieval System Design and Customization

The manufacturers of automated storage and retrieval systems can customize them in different ways. These variations include height capabilities, load capacity, speed, width, and control systems. These manufacturers can design retrieval systems that adapt to new or pre-existing systems like pallet flow racking systems, automated order picking, conveyor systems, and even parking systems.

Types of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

In simple terms, automated storage retrieval systems refer to procedures or methods that are automatically controlled for retrieving and depositing different kinds of loads from, and to, their defined locations.

Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)

Vertical lift modules are made up of trays in a column in the back and front of the module that has an automated extractor or inserter in the center for retrieving and storing the required trays.

Cube-Based Storage Systems

Cube-based storage systems are high-density, goods-to-person systems. They make use of robots to retrieve and store inventory bins from a cube-like grid.

Unit Load Stackers

Unit load stackers are machines that help store huge amounts of loads. Usually, the load is stored on racks by forklifts, or other similar equipment, until needed or easily shipped. This equipment can accommodate a storage rack structure that can reach a height of a hundred feet or even more.

Mini-Load ASRS

They operate and function the same as that of a regular unit load retrieval system. However, they handle lighter loads; in most cases, these loads are less than a thousand pounds.

Shuttles

The use of shuttles is mainly for the automatic handling of cartons, totes, trays, or all of these items in one system. They are typically used for either manufacturing plants or warehousing.

Horizontal Carousels

Horizontal carousels are mostly used for the storage of very small parts and pieces. They are made up of a series of bins that go around a track following a horizontal motion.

Vertical Carousels

Vertical carousels rotate vertically like a Ferris wheel. They consist of a series of carriers or shelves to provide high-density storage.

Applications of Automated Storage Retrieval Systems

Automated storage and retrieval systems have a wide variety of uses and their numerous applications have been of great advantage in the past few years. They are used in most industries such as automotive, electronics, medical, beverage, paper, jewelry, e-commerce, pharmaceutical, and life sciences. Some of the sectors where their use is seen today are:

• Warehousing
• Book retrievals in large libraries
• Tire stacking
• Buffer storage
• Parts handling
• Pallet loading
• Bike retrieval
• Distilleries
• Commercial food and beverage
• Manufacturing

Benefits of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

Automated storage and retrieval systems provide a lot of benefits. They maximize and increase the accuracy level. Ergonomics is greatly increased by the delivery of items to the person operating at a good height, thereby reducing the time lost due to bending, searching, walking, lifting, and other twisting activities that may consume time. Another benefit of automated storage and retrieval systems is that they help provide the highest possible storage density possible. They also save a great deal of floor space. These systems also provide enhanced product security and the ability to achieve real-time inventory control.

How Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are Used

Assembly – This is characterized by the storage of workpiece components for later use or later production.

Order Picking - This is the picking and retrieving of inventory that is required by the designated pickers.

Storage – ASRS systems help provide long-term storage systems for large or small items.

Kitting - Their ability to help store and identify bundles of various components make them invaluable for kitting projects.

Production – They easily store and retrieve the parts needed to complete your manufacturing process and, again, help store your finished products efficiently or assist you in quickly shipping them out.

Retail – By helping to organize items, ASRS systems help keep retail workers in front of customers instead of forcing them to perform routine trips to back rooms searching for products.

Choosing the Proper Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Supplier

To make sure you have the most positive outcome when purchasing Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems from an Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Supplier, it is important to compare at least 5 or 6 Companies using our Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems directory. Each Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Supplier has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems business website using our patented website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems businesses with the same message.