WAREHOUSING AND AS/RS INTRODUCTION

In any and every business involving the manufacturing/merchandizing of goods, there is always some
level of warehousing, i.e., storage of the physical inventory for the purpose of sale or distribution.
Warehouses are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses,
customs, etc. Products are temporarily stored in bulk before either shipping them to other locations or
individually to end consumers. With the advent of e-commerce, companies store millions of unique
items and handle large and variable daily order volumes. In addition, the land available for warehouses
(which should preferably be close to the demand points) has become scarce, and many warehouses
must operate 24/7. Together, this has given warehouse automation a big boost.

An automated storage and retrieval system is an automated-controlled systems that are used to store
and retrieve products in distribution centers, warehouses, or manufacturing facilities. They are a critical
component of last-mile delivery within the supply chain.

Last Mile Delivery: In a product's journey from warehouse shelf to the back of a truck, to a customer
doorstep, the "last mile" of delivery is the final step of the process — the point at which the package
finally arrives at the buyer's door.

Warehouse tasks are controlled by a warehouse execution software and broader processes such as labor
management, orders, and shipments are controlled by a warehouse management software. Loads are
strategically delivered via automation upon demand without the use of manual labor. High-volume
warehouse applications with space constraints tend to utilize AS/RS systems.

These computerized robotic systems are designed to automate operations such as:

 unloading
 sorting
 put-away
 storage
 order-picking
 staging
 loading

Conserve Space, improve throughput and move materials with accuracy saves manual training time.

Features
Typically, automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) have four major components: the storage rack,
the input/output system, the storage, and retrieval (S/R) equipment, and the computer management
system.

Specifications
Typically, these automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are characterized by multiple speed
options, multiple heights, and a small footprint. So-called mini-load systems also enable warehouses to
store more in less space. Designed with strong but lightweight alloys, these automated storage/retrieval
systems (AS/RS) are suitable for the storage of small parts, and for both picking and order fulfillment.
Some automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are used in applications where a high volume of
loads are moved into and out of storage. Others are used in industries where storage density is critical
because of limited space. Typically, however, most automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are
used in manufacturing or distribution environments to direct the flow of material through an industrial
process and to the end-user.

Double Deep is like selective racking; but pallets are now stored two rows deep instead of one. This type
of racking therefore requires specialized pallet handling equipment using ether a specialized forklift or a
standard unit a with double deep handling attachment.

TERMINOLOGY

A pallet is a support or platform for boards to stack the load. They are rigid frames on which the goods
are placed, distributed in a homogeneous way at height and on the pallet surface.

A forklift, also known as fork truck, is a motor-driven industrial truck used for lifting and moving goods
on a pallet within the premises of a warehouse, storage facilities and distribution center.

The aisles in a warehouse are known as the space between the racks. This is where the workers and
machinery can move through.

Single-deep AS/RS:

 Single-deep automated storage comprises direct retrieval of all unit loads in

storage from either side of any S/RM
 It is ideal for a lower range of items or stock keep units (SKUs) that require
instant accessibility to every unit load
 Standard single-deep AS/RS operate using a telescopic fork

Double-deep AS/RS:

 Double-deep racking systems involve the retrieval of unit loads in storage from
either side of any S/RM aisle in a double-deep configuration
 It is useful for warehouses with a larger range of items or SKUs and greater
variations of inventory levels per SKU
 Double-deep AS/RS utilize a telescopic fork but could also use
a Satellite® device for heavier loads