Table of Contents
What is an AS/RS?
The Automated Storage & Retrieval System is a highly efficient warehousing solution designed to automate goods storage and retrieval. It combines robotics, conveyor systems, and advanced software to offer optimised inventory management and speed and accuracy of order fulfillment, making the system suitable for applications in different industries.
The adoption, and hence the market size of of Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems is expected to be about $13.62 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030.
Types of ASRS Systems at Addverb
1. Carton Shuttle- Quadron
Quadron is designed to move cartons quickly and efficiently around the warehouse area. Shuttle-based automated storage & retrieval system technology involving vertical lifts provides maximum throughput while making good use of the available space. Effective product layouts further increase order fulfillment and inventory management.
2. Mother-Child Shuttle – Multi Pro
The Multi-Pro system comprises a bigger “mother” shuttle and a smaller “child” shuttle. The mother and child shuttles are used to automate pallet storage and retrieval. A pallet is placed in the storage racks by positioning it in the right place efficiently in a way that minimises space loss and limits inventory management, hence suitable for all industries.
3. 4-Way Pallet Shuttle – Cruiser 360
The Cruiser 360 is an automatic four-way pallet shuttle with the optimum utilisation of warehouse storage in the most high-density racking systems. It maximises the warehouse’s capacity as it can aptly handle pallets without compromising the perfect positioning and great storage density.
4. Multi-Level Shuttle – Medius
Medius is a vibrant, multi-level shuttle system that can store and retrieve cartons or totes across multiple levels. It includes maximum storage density and flexibility, providing a perfect fit for operations with constantly changing storage demands.
5. Crane ASRS
Crane ASRS is designed to load or unload large objects. It aims towards efficient storage. Its modular architecture, along with real-time inventory tracking, ensures narrow aisle navigation. This increases the utilisation of vertical space and also offers better versatility.
6. Pallet Shuttle-Cruiser
The Cruiser is an automatic pallet shuttle equipped with a high-density racking system that enhances inventory management, operational efficiency, and throughput while maintaining maximum storage capacity to achieve a better-allocated warehouse.
Components of an AS/RS
- Storage Racks: The racking systems which maximise vertical and horizontal storage space are designed to hold many forms of inventory. There are several components: automated retrieval machines; robotic systems, or shuttles that navigate the storage area retrieving and placing items for quick and accurate handling; conveyor systems that transport items between the various warehouse areas through the network of conveyors for moving items from storage or shipping/production areas.
- Inventory Management Software: Our software is designated to check on the quantity of stock in the inventory and also keeps track of the location where the inventory is. Order processing keeps actual-time information and analysis.
- Control Systems: The hardware and software that integrate all of the AS/RS elements, thus ensuring integration and automation.
- Workstations: These can be specific spaces that allow workers to interact with the automated storage & retrieval system to pack, sort, or inspect goods on their shipping route.
- Safety Systems: This includes sensors, alarms, and safety barriers to provide for the safe operation of the automated storage & retrieval system , protecting equipment and personnel alike.
What are the Benefits of AS/RS Warehousing?
1. Better Utilisation of Space: An automated storage & retrieval system uses vertical and horizontal space. It places more products in a comparable area of warehousing space. Similarly, through the use of an AS/RS, storage density can be maximised, saving the business on costs related to real estate and general efficiency.
2. Enhanced Picking Reliability: Automated systems bring about the reduction of human error that would have been common in picking. With tight controls and easy tracking, AS/RS ensures that the correct items are picked, thereby reducing error and dissatisfaction among customers.
This AS/RS reduces labour needs, thereby saving much labour wages, and allowing workers to be more strategically allocated, thus increasing productivity.
3. Better Inventory Management: Automated Storage & Retrieval System tracks the levels and locations in inventory which leads to better inventory management and then to better stock levels with less excess stock and few stockouts.
4. Quicker Order Fulfilment: With the automation of retrieval processes, AS/RS greatly accelerates order fulfilment times. This efficiency enables businesses to respond to customer needs much faster and improve service levels.
5. Scalability and Flexibility: Automated Storage & Retrieval System can easily scale with shifts in a company’s business cycle. It may be an increase in the product line or an expansion in storage capacity. The whole system of AS/RS can easily adapt without major shutdowns to operations.
Common Applications of ASRS Systems
1. Kit assembly: Automated Storage & Retrieval System is used in a kit assembly where single pieces are collected and packaged together into a set for various orders. This automation integrates kits, reduces time spent on handling, and increases the accuracy of order preparation. Overall efficiency in the supply chain process is enhanced.
2. Order Consolidation: In order consolidation, ASRS systems can group several orders in a single shipment. By making sure items are acquired from each location with the least time travel and consolidating the products, AS/RS prevents maximum travel time and reduces shipping costs while improving delivery times.
3. Buffering: AS/RS acts as a buffer intermediate between production and shipping. It enables the temporary storage of items. This buffering capability is useful in controlling variations in supply and demand so that the production lines always run smoothly, and at every instance, there is neither excessive nor insufficient inventory balance.
4. Assembly Support: AS/RS can be of utmost importance in assembly operations through the delivery of the parts just at the time of their assembly. Just-in-time delivery minimises downtime, further streamlines workflow, and allows workers to use the right part when they need it. This enables more productivity overall.
5. Tool and Die Management: In manufacturing, Automated Storage & Retrieval System are successful tools in organising and making tools and dies conveniently available in specific areas. This reduces the time wasted in searching for tools, improves inventory management of tools, and overall increases efficiency in managing processes with the right tool when needed in production.
6. Maintenance and Repair Parts: AS/RS aids the management of MRO inventories. With automated storage & retrieval system, critical parts can be assured to stay easily accessible, have minimum downtime, and automate the maintenance process to, in a way, enhance the reliability of equipment and ensure continuity of operations.
7. Restocking and Return: AS/RS systems support efficient replenishment of stock by automatically tracking the inventory level and, thereby, triggering the restocking process. It also eases the management of returns, as it reduces the processing time for return items, their redistribution to the storage department, and updating records about them, thereby optimising overall inventory flow and reducing overall processing time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, AS/RS play an important role in changing warehouse operations in the most efficient manner and achieving optimal space use with enhanced inventory management. Ready to revolutionise your warehouse operations?
Contact us today to discuss how our state-of-the-art Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems can enhance your efficiency, optimise your space, and streamline your inventory management. Let’s work together to take your business to new heights!
Founded in 2016, Addverb offers complete robotics solutions for warehouse and industrial automation, with a strong global presence through its subsidiaries worldwide. The company provides a range of in-house automation products, including Autonomous Mobile Robots, ASRS, and sorting technologies. It serves over 350+ clients, including well-known companies such as Coca-Cola, Amazon, and DHL.