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Overview
Load Sizes - Unit, Mini, Layer, etc.
Satellite® Systems
Components
AS / RS by Storage Density
Managing Risks
Choosing the Correct type
References
Choosing the Correct AS/RS for You
Which one is right for you? Single deep, double deep, or...
Though many companies may argue about the level of importance that should be placed on their distribution centers, one thing is certain, the speed and accuracy of the warehouse should be of the utmost importance for all companies. Because of this, many are looking toward automation as a way to improve accuracy - up to 99.9% - and doubling or tripling throughput rates. But what type of automation is right for you? Westfalia demystifies the process by distinguishing where each technology excels.
The following article shows the impressive financial benefits of High Density storage with Satellite® technology, as well as automated Single Deep storage, with and without Westfalia’s Satellite® technology. Although some of the main factors will be discussed in this article, final recommendations are normally made after a formal review is completed. Important criteria may include the number of stock keeping units (SKUs), batch sizes, operating and maintenance costs and, of course, available space.
Take a look and see which system would best work for your company.
Conventional Single Deep or Satellite® Technology
| Take a look and see which system would best work for your company: |
If it is absolutely necessary to have direct access to each individual load, then a single deep storage system or a single deep storage system with Satellite® technology (We refer to this as TSAT) can be considered. The throughput performance is usually the deciding factor between the two. In the case of a classic single deep storage system, the number of Storage/Retrieval Machines (SRMs) is aisle defined, whereas the single deep system utilizing Satellite® technology allows the throughput levels to define the number of SRMs.
In other words, the Satellite® (TSAT) technology has overcome the limitations of a traditional single deep system. This triumph is achieved by the SRM running within the main aisle, a Satellite® integrated with a telescopic fork enters a corridor/storage aisle, located perpendicular to the main aisle. Once the Satellite® is in position relative to the pallet, the forks are extended to access the load and retract back to the Satellite®, then returns to the SRM. The classic single deep system usually has three to four stacker cranes operating in three or four storage aisles. A single deep system using the Satellite® technology can be operated with one SRM and as many aisles as necessary, reducing the total investment for an automated warehouse dramatically. The conventional single deep storage system has higher investment and operating costs associated with it, but also has higher throughput capabilities. The single deep storage system with Satellite® technology provides an inexpensive alternative, but performance capacity must be individually assessed and adjusted accordingly.
When we install this type of system for our customers, they typically see 20-30% reduction in costs, 10% less errors in shipping, and 115% increases in throughput.
Does this sound like the ideal system for your needs? If so, we want to talk to you today.
Single Deep or High Density Storage If direct access to all pallets is not absolutely necessary, it may be worth considering the alternative high density warehouse with Satellite® technology. This is generally the case if there are larger lot quantities per SKU being stored in one warehouse. Depending on the sizes of the batches produced, the storage aisles are individually dimensioned and the unit loads are stored one behind the other. This creates a compact, cost effective way of storing goods, since – compared to the traditional single deep storage system with multiple cranes – investment and operating costs are generally reduced.
When we install this type of system for our customers, they typically see 20-30% reduction in costs, 15% less errors in shipping, and 200% increases in throughput.
For more information on which system would be best for you, please contact Westfalia. We will work with you to come up with the best design.
Innovative concepts:
One of Westfalia’s specialties is dual management of a central storage block of products, using two storage/retrieval machines. This means that the pallets stored between two S/RM aisles can be served by the SRM in either aisle. This technology offers a range of advantages for the user. Redundancy is the main advantage. This feature is offered as an option, so speak to our experts to see if this applies to your design.
The second capability is to allow both SRMs access to a central block creating a perfect environment to implement a true First-In, First-out (FIFO) product rotation principle. In this case one SRM would be used exclusively for storing pallets, while the second SRM would be used for retrieval of those pallets. At the same time each SRM would function as a standard aisle storage system by maintaining the storage and retrieval of pallets from the blocks to the left and to the right of the central, FIFO area.
Does this sound like a viable solution to help you manage growth? we have installed over 50 of these types of systems for our customers. Return on Investment numbers range from 40-140%!
Summary:
The examples given in this article are just that, examples. General Statements about what is best for your situation just do not exist. A true evaluation is a complex procedure and is influenced by several factors, which may mean different things for different companies.
The plus side in single deep storage lies in its high level of flexibility. However, often the statistics governing your operation can lead the design to a high density system, which may reduce the number of S/RM’s needed, as well as reduce building size and costs.
Call us today so we can design the perfect solution for you! We look forward to partnering with your organization to show how you can improve your existing ASRS or bring a new system online.
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