AUTOMATED STORAGE
& RETROVIRAL
SYSTEMS
Jasmine Oliphant
Mr. Howard
Computer Integrated
Manufacturing
August 26, 2010
Topic Outline
Definition
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are
inventory management systems that are widely used in
manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and
warehouses throughout the United States and the world.
AS/RS systems generally consist of machines that move up
and down one or multiple parallel storage aisles, storing and
retrieving products and materials for dissemination to
internal and external destinations alike.
TYPES OF AS/RS
Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)
Horizontal Carousels Robotics
Mini Loads - also known as mini load stackers Unit load
stackers
Compact 3D AS/RS
Man-aboard AS/RS
While this is a very short list of ASRS devices, there are many
more AS/RS's manufactured and deployed...
HOW IS IT USED TODAY?
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems continue to be a strategic
weapon of choice for successful companies around the globe. To
reduce staffing, improve performance and maintain accuracy,
mission critical facilities use AS/RS in a broad variety of
applications including:
Manufacturing
Modern applications of AS/RS in a production environment provide
sequencing, work-in-process (WIP) storage and just-in-time (JIT)
part delivery with perfect inventory accuracy.
HOW IS IT USED TODAY?
CONTINUED…
Electronics
AS/RS technology provides a controlled environment for component
storage and electronic burn-in processes. The system can provide
automatic electric connections, time the process and move it to the
next operation without manual input. Variance data can be easily
collected and analyzed for process improvements.
Food & Beverage
From complex order selection systems to huge 250,000+ full pallet unit
load systems, HK Systems is an industry leader with creative
solutions for food & beverage manufacturers and grocery
distribution in environments that range from wet to dry and
ambient to frozen.
HOW IS IT USED TODAY?
CONTINUED…
Archival & Security
The need for very dense inaccessible storage with quick retrieval time
has many university libraries turning to AS/RS technology. This
technology stores vaults and valued material in a highly secure,
environmentally controlled automated warehouse.
Conventional Warehousing
Businesses are finding the HK3000/RF Rotating Fork (RF) storage
and retrieval machine a great value when automating their
conventional racking systems. The HK3000/RF handles pallets in
the fork pockets and interfaces with standard post & beam rack.
AS/RS technology can now be applied to your existing warehouse as
well.
Advantages
Comprised of modular subsystems that can be easily replaced to
minimize downtime and extend the service life of the overall system
Provide users with increased inventory control and tracking
Greater flexibility to accommodate changing business conditions.
Reduce labor costs, lowering necessary workforce requirements,
increasing workplace safety, and removing personnel from difficult
working conditions (such as cold food storage environments)
produce major savings in inventory storage costs, as immensely
improved warehouse space utilization—both vertically and
horizontally—creates greater storage density
Disadvantages
Maintaining highly integrated systems requires training and experience,
and workers struggle to support the changing requirements of maintaining
aging technology
The cost of purchasing an effective automated storage/retrieval system is
significant
AS/RS equipment & software
AS/RS Require a high level of upkeep
occasional updates
When disruptions occur, the impact can be devastating to small and mid-
sized businesses
Lost production and shipping revenue, increased labor costs for repair
Reduce workforce confidence in the company's operations, downgraded
client confidence
Companies
KardexRemstar
HK Systems
AS/R Inc.
MegaStar Systems
Works Cited
Wingington, Michael. "Five Prescriptions for Creating a Successful
AS/RS." Plant Engineering. August 1998.
Frazelle, E. (2001), World-class Warehousing and Material Handling,
McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.
"Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) Storage and Retrieval
Machines (SRM)." Material Handling Systems, Logistics Software
Solutions and Material Handling Equipment. HK Systems, n.d. Web. 27
Aug. 2010. <[Link]
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