Automated Storage and Retrieval System in Warehouse (AS/RS)
An AS/RS is a combination of equipment and controls which
handles, stores, and retrieves materials with precision, accuracy, and speed
under a defined degree of automation.
In General, AS/RS systems transport, stage, retrieve, and
report on every inventory item with up-to-the minute accuracy.
Concept of AS/RS
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The operation is totally automated
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Computer controlled
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Fully integrated with factory and warehouse operations
Basic Structure of
AS/RS
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Storage structure
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S/R(storage/retrieval) machine
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Storage modules (e.g.) pallets for unit loads
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One or more pickup-and deposit station
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External handling system
Benefits of AS/RS
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Improve operator efficiency and storage capacity
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Increasing accuracy
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Maximize available storage space
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Reducing labor costs
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Reducing product damage and waste costs
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Increasing customer service (e.g. : fast
delivery)
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Real time inventory control
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Removing personnel from difficult working
condition (such as cold food storage environments)
Current Types of
AS/RS
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Unit load AS/RS - Large automated system
designed to use S/R machines to move unit loads on pallets into and out of
storage racks.
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Deep-Lane AS/RS – High-density unit load
storage system, designed to store large amounts of stock with relatively little
amounts of stock types. It generally stores ten or more loads in a single rack
with the input on one side and output on the other
•
Mini-load AS/RS - Smaller automated
system designed to move smaller loads into and out of storage bins or drawers.
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Man-on-board AS/RS - Uses personnel to
pick items from racks or bins, reducing transaction time.
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Automated item retrieval system - Items
to be moved are stored in single file lanes, rather than in bins or drawers.
•
Vertical lift storage modules –same
principle of using a center aisle to access loads is used except that the aisle
is vertical. Helps to save floor space
Use of AS/RS at
Different places
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Warehouses - Storing, Moving, and
selecting parts
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Manufacturing - Just in time arrival of
parts
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Clean Rooms - Moving and storing of
material that cannot be contaminated
•
Libraries - Book storage and retrieval
•
Hospitals - Storage and retrieval of
dangerous material
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Pharmaceuticals - Storage and retrieval
of dangerous material
•
Grocery Distributer - Moving and storing
of material that cannot be contaminated
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