Automated small parts stores are the perfect solution for a scenario with a large number of articles and small parts. Totes with a weight of up to 50 kg can be stored and moved quickly and flexibly. Usually systems feature multi-deep shelving racks such that even totes of different sizes (depth units) can be stored. For such systems, fast automated storage/retrieval cranes (AS/RS, speed up to 7m/s) with telescopic table (multiple load handling devices) are used that are able to simultaneously pick up and unload several totes while still managing to carry totes on the load handling device.
By default, our warehouse management software optimizes the load cycles - this is also the case at Marburg Wallcoverings - by simultaneously picking up picking and relocation totes, distributing the relocation totes to other storage locations and "collecting" further picking totes. The throughput will be maximized. AS/RS with pulling mechanism (e.g. Dräxlmaier) for totes or trays are faster than with telescope, but support single-deep storage only.
Besides totes of different depth, provisions can be also made for different height classes which make maximum use of the storage space. More and more frequently combinations of technical performance and human flexibility go into action. Hence, e.g. flow rack channels can be planned for picking in the lower shelf levels of an automated small parts store. Here totes can be provided both statically and dynamically and thus are available for manual picking (single or double stage).
The channels of a multi-deep storage can be mixed or may contain only load carries with the same article or batch. It is possible to trigger consolidation runs (reorganization) which compress the warehouse and create storage locations or totes belonging to one and the same order can be merged in advance in a staging area to speed up the picking/retrieval process.
The performance of the AS/RS is path-optimized by
