 AS/RS - Automated Storage and Retrieval
ASRS (automated storage and retrieval systems)
or AS/RS refers to a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically
placing and retrieving loads from specific storage locations.
An ASRS environment,
would encompass many of the following technologies: Horizontal Carousels,
Vertical Carousels, Vertical Lift Modules (VLM) and/or the traditional
Crane-in-Aisle Storage & Retrieval systems that utilize a storage retrieval (SR)
crane.
|
|
AS/RS (asrs)
are categorized into three main types: single masted, double
masted and man-aboard. All are generally supported on a
track and ceiling guided at the top by guide rails or channels
to insure
accurate vertical alignment:
Some single-mastered and man-aboard models are supported from the ceiling to hang in a pendulum mode.
The vertical mast of a typical S/R machine guides and supports a carriage on which unit loads are carried.
One or more lateral shuttles or telescoping extraction devices attached to the carriage inject and retrieve loads, one or two loads deep in and out of the storage rack. Storage systems depths greater than two leads deep on either side of the aisle are classified as deep-lane storage systems.
Such storage systems use roll-through storage racks with multiple gravity lanes. Loads are placed in at one end and gravity fed to a take- out position at the opposite end.
If the loads consist of small binnable items that can be placed either on shelves or directly into containers, the design of the AS/RS (ASRS) crane is modified.
A man aboard style is equipped with a picking platform or the container is brought to the order picker at a work counter. These types of cranes are known as ministackers.
To provide a method for accomplishing through put to and from the AS/RS(asrs) and the supporting transportation system, stations are provided to precisely position inbound and outbound loads for pickup and delivery by the crane.
|
 ASRS
Pick Up Station
A pickup and delivery station can be a
simple elevated structural pedestal to accommodate the Product
page
configuration
of
the load. They can be designed to convey, rotate, or elevate
loads if required.
The interface to these stations can be
by forklift truck, powered conveyor, in-floor
towline, or automatic guided vehicle system. These can be integrated into a
total system to provide additional functions including counting,
automatic weighing,
size and profile checks, identification, and labeling.
In more sophisticated automatic operations, the optimum level of asrs software
can include:
- Monitoring and controlling the complete transportation system moving loads into and out of the AS/RS (asrs) equipment, including operation of conveyor systems transfers, pallet accumulators/dispensers, weigh scales, elevators, turntables, and profile checks, also rejecting those loads outside of allowable tolerances.
- Visibly identifying loads for quantity, part number and manufacturer and updating the inventory plus other applicable readable data.
- Assigning specific addresses for each individual load. locating material to specific aisles according to classification.
- Retrieving loads on a FIFO or LIFO basis.
- Communicating on a real-time basis with other host or computers.
- Scheduling shift output hourly or daily along with updating purchasing, production, shipping, and accounting procedures.
- Reporting via asrs software all of the foregoing information.
An analysis of economic payback and financial justification is the measurement by which an organization accepts or rejects a proposed AS/RS (asrs) system. The competition for available funds in different departments, makes it mandatory that the bottom line for a decision be based on the best ROI.
A high-rise AS/RS (asrs) 60 ft. high requires 60-70% less floor space than a traditional
Warehouse with 18-20 ft. ceilings.
The use of "air-rights" provides savings in land costs when expansion is required. The reduction of travel distances to store and retrieve material can produce additional savings in more efficient material flow.
Tax incentives are often allowed in many situations where the close dependency between building and integral equipment allows for the depreciation of the building as machinery.
In a rack supported building including automated racking, the roof, wall panels and side framing may qualify for tax incentives.
AS/RS (asrs) equipment is less expensive to maintain and repair. Plug-in modules, built in diagnostics routines and computer-scheduled preventative upkeep are designed into the system.
Downtime is minimized by quick, temporary manual interface. System designers and suppliers generally guarantee a level of operational efficiency of as high as 96% before system acceptance.
| More
ASRS Movies |
 |
Activ
Cross Dock
|
|
WIP Heat Transfer Tunnel |
|
 View
the ASRS Case Studies
 Send
a Quote Request
 Contact
Retrotech for ASRS Information
|
