August 26 2013
By: Staci Cretu, M.S.
Marketing and Communications Manager
Profitability is front of mind for all businesses as they work to grow in profits and productivity. Implementing an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) not only increases efficiency and profits, but does much more. AS/RS works to reduce costs associated with labor, product damage and energy usage, and maximize the existing storage space to avoid off-site storage and expansions.
These systems move faster and more accurately than manual labor and ensure that more product is moved and transported, and done so correctly. AS/RS helps companies cut expenses by improving the organization of the warehouse, thus strengthening the efficiency of the facility. An automated facility increases throughput, directly increasing profits. These systems also lessen the costs associated with product loss and damage.
Because AS/RS takes up less space and utilizes more of the existing space, pallets can be loaded in higher and narrower rows. In addition to utilizing less space of the warehouse for the storing and retrieving of product, more space is therefore available to take on new customers, allowing for company growth in both capacity and profits.
With this technology, storage space is increased, materials flow faster and more efficiently, and companies see a reduction in costs and labor requirements. Investing in an automated warehouse system is just that, an investment, but it is one that sees a return faster than most companies expect. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems provide payback within three to five years and provide considerable cost savings over their 20 to 25 year lifespan.