What is ASRS system?

The ASRS system has been widely used in warehouse management since it was invented. Many industries need automated warehouse systems to better manage and retrieve goods. So what exactly is an Automatic Storage and Retrieval System? What are ASRS’s advantages?

• What is the ASRS system?

• Classification of ASRS systems

• What are the advantages of the ASRS system?

• What shelves do AS / RS systems need?

What is the ASRS system?

AS / RS systems are designed to automatically store and retrieve parts and items in manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale, and institutions. They originated in the 1960s and were initially focused on heavy pallet loads, but with the development of technology, the processing load has become smaller and smaller. Automated storage and retrieval system runs under computer control and maintains a list of stored items. Complete the retrieval of materials by specifying the type and quantity of materials to retrieve. The computer determines where in the storage area the item can be retrieved and schedules the retrieval. It directs the appropriate automatic storage and retrieval machine (SRM) to where the item is stored and instructs the machine to store the item where it is to be picked up. Conveyor and / or automated guided vehicle systems are sometimes part of the Automatic Storage and Retrieval System. These bring goods in and out of storage areas and then move them to production facilities or loading and unloading areas. To store items, place the pallet or tray in the input station of the system, enter the inventory information into the computer terminal, and the AS / RS system moves the load to the storage area, determines the proper location of the material and stores the load. When items are stored in or removed from the shelf, the computer updates their inventory accordingly.

The benefits of the AS / RS system include reducing the labor required to move items in and out of inventory, reducing inventory levels, tracking inventory more accurately, and saving space. Stored items are usually more dense than in systems where items are stored and retrieved manually. In storage, items can be placed on pallets or hung on bars, which are connected to a chain / drive to move up and down. The equipment required for AS / RS includes a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) for fast storage and retrieval of materials. SRM is used to move a load vertically or horizontally, or it can be moved laterally to place objects in the correct storage location. The trend towards just-in-time production often requires sub-pallet-level availability during production, and AS / RS is a faster way to organize the storage of small items next to the production line. The American Material Handling Association (MHIA) is a non-profit trade association of the material handling world. Its members have divided AS / RS into two main parts: a fixed aisle and a carousel / vertical lift module (VLM). Both sets of technologies provide automatic storage and retrieval of parts and items, but use different technologies. Each technology has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Fixed walkway systems are usually larger systems, while carousels and vertical lift modules are used individually or in groups, but are suitable for small to medium-sized applications.

Classification of ASRS systems

The fixed-aisle AS / R machine (stacker) is one of two main designs: single mast or double mast. Most brackets are supported by rails or channels on top-guided tracks and ceilings to ensure accurate vertical alignment, although some are suspended from the ceiling. The "shuttle machines" that make up the system move between fixed storage racks to store or retrieve the required load (ranging from a book in the library system to several tons of cargo pallets in the warehouse system). The entire device moves horizontally in the aisle, while the shuttle can be raised to the necessary height to reach the load, and can be extended and retracted to store or retract the load at several locations deep in the rack. By using only dedicated shuttles in existing rack systems, semi-automated systems can be implemented.

Another AS / RS technology is called shuttle technology. In this technology, horizontal movement is performed by independent shuttles, each of which runs at a height of the rack, and a fixed position elevator in the rack is responsible for vertical movement. [7] By using two separate machines for these two shafts, shuttle technology can provide higher throughput rates than stackers. Storage and retrieval machines upload or drop cargo to the rest of the auxiliary transport system at specific stations where inbound and outbound loads are precisely positioned for proper processing. In addition, there are several types of Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (AS / RS) equipment, called unit load AS / RS, small load AS / RS, medium load AS / RS, [9] vertical lift module (VLM) , Horizontal carousel and vertical carousel. These systems can be used as stand-alone units or in integrated workstations called pods or systems. These units are usually integrated with various types of sensors [define as needed] for the system and use a microprocessor controller either for basic use or inventory management software. These systems are ideally suited to increase space utilization by 90%, increase productivity by 90%, increase accuracy to 99.9% +, and increase throughput to 750 lines per operator or more per hour, depending on the configuration of the system .

What are the advantages of the ASRS system?

1.Efficient Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems can help companies cut expenses by minimizing the number of unnecessary parts and products in storage and improving the organizational structure of warehouse content. With its automated processes, it can also provide more storage space due to high density storage, narrower aisles, etc.

2. Automation reduces labor costs, while reducing labor requirements and increasing safety.

3. Model and manage logical representations of physical storage facilities (for example, racks, etc.). For example, if certain products are often sold together or are more popular than others, these products can be grouped together or placed near the delivery area to speed up the process of picking, packaging, and shipping to customers.

4. Enables seamless links to order processing and logistics management to extract, pack and ship products from the factory.

5. Track product inventory locations, product sources and storage times. By analyzing this type of data, companies can control inventory levels and maximize the use of warehouse space. In addition, the company is prepared for market demand and supply, especially in special circumstances, such as during the peak season of a particular month. With the reports generated by the AS / RS system, the company is also able to collect important data that can be put into the model for analysis.

What shelves do AS / RS systems need?

Beam-type shelves or rack-type shelves are usually used in automated warehouses, usually for the entire assembly structure. A small part is a welded structure, and a small part is a building supported by a rack. Such shelves often use steel pallets and plastic pallets to load goods. The pallet is made of steel or plastic, which has strong bearing capacity and good rigidity. If the pallet is loaded or the distance between the goods is small, or the goods themselves have the strength or stiffness of the goods, the plastic container can be replaced by a beam or placed directly on the support frame. Automated storage and retrieval systems place high demands on manufacturing and installation. The main components of the rack must be manufactured on a high-precision, continuous production line, which requires high manufacturing processes and equipment, so it cannot reach the capacity of a general rack manufacturing plant.

Whether your AS / RS technology makes sense in your operations depends largely on the specifics of your personal business. Your business cycle, operating goals, growth level, and available investment capital will all affect your ability to implement the system. If you need a shelf suitable for the AS / RS system and want it to have high quality and reasonable prices, Jiangsu NOVA Intelligent Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd.  will provide the best products.