SDI Element Logic is proud to announce our partnership with FPE

SDI Element Logic is proud to announce our partnership with FPE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – LOS ANGELES, March 7th, 2024 –

SDI Element Logic, a leader in Materials Handling Systems since 1977, is proud to announce our partnership with FPE | Forklifts Parts & Equipment, the leading supplier of OEM Forklift Parts, to install an AutoStore system in Miami, FL.

The unit is well-equipped, with over 27,000 bins, 10 robots, and five ports. FPE will use SDI Element Logic’s purpose-built AutoStore software, eManager, to maximize the performance of the AutoStore system and provide an intuitive user interface at every port.

“As partners, we at SDI Element Logic are incredibly excited to join forces with FPE | Forklift Parts & Equipment in creating a top-of-the-line AutoStore unit because FPE has taken immense pride in providing their clients with the highest quality parts, accessories, and more for over three decades!”  Josh Beckham, Account Executive at SDI Element Logic, said. “This partnership is not just a simple union, but a promise to elevate industry standards and create a future where efficiency and quality seamlessly intertwine.”

“In our collective vision for progress, SDI Element Logic and FPE are crafting a partnership that amplifies both of our commitments to excellence.” Robert Humphry, Executive VP at SDI Element Logic, said. “As we continue to align our strengths and expertise, we confidently move towards an era of outstanding innovation, reliability, and a redefining of the benchmarks of success.”

To support the growth of their online store and streamline the fulfillment of orders to their growing customer base, FPE has made the strategic decision to outfit their new Miami, FL, warehouse with an AutoStore (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) from SDI Element Logic. The addition of the AutoStore system will enable FPE to maximize storage density while minimizing the required footprint in the newly constructed building located next to their existing Miami headquarters. As their business grows, the scalability of the AutoStore system will enable FPE’ to expand their storage capacity and maintain the widest selection of available products to their customers.

 

“With the significant growth potential that FPE offers in the materials handling parts industry, introducing a tool to optimize our product storage and enhance the fulfillment process was an obvious choice.” Michael Suarez, Director of E-commerce of FPE | Forklift Parts & Equipment said. “The integration of AutoStore into our daily operations positions us to scale our already thriving business to new heights. We are extremely excited for what the future has for us and FPE.”

About SDI Element Logic:

SDI Element Logic, a division of Element Logic®, has been offering turnkey Materials Handling systems and solutions to brands all over the world since 1977. They are specialists in apparel sortation, unit handling, consulting, engineering and design, systems, and software integration. SDI Element Logic integrates various innovative technologies such as: AutoStore, Joey Pouch Sorter, and manufactures their own Tilt Tray Sorter and SORTRAK G4 — a Bomb Bay-style unit sorter. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, SDI Element Logic services domestic and international clients with operations across the Americas and has more than 400 Distribution Center systems installed. Learn more at www.SDI.SYSTEMS

For more information visit SDI Element Logic Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube.

Media Contact:

Maria Elena Ladrón de Guevara

Director of Marketing – Americas (818) 890.6002 ext. 279, maria.elena@SDI.SYSTEMS

Secure Your Competitive Edge with AutoStore

THE WORLD’S FIRST AND LARGEST AUTOSTORE DISTRIBUTOR

February 28, 2024 0

SDI Element Logic’s New AutoStore Collaboration with Avantor

SDI Element Logic’s New AutoStore Collaboration with Avantor

SDI Element Logic is pleased to announce its new collaboration with Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and technology industries, to install a new innovative automated project at their North America regional distribution center in Bridgeport, NJ.

AutoStore, empowered by Element Logic, is an innovative goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) that offers the market’s fastest order fulfilment solution per square meter. With the highest density of any ASRS, AutoStore is a cube-based storage system with its design roots in the Rubik’s Cube concept.

“The integration of AutoStore will help Avantor optimize warehouse space and enhance the accuracy and speed of their order fulfillment,” Jatin Lewis, Director of Sales for SDI Element Logic, said. “The agreement with SDI Element Logic and Avantor shows our shared dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower our teams and offer our customers unmatched efficiency and precision.”

AutoStore technology is also eco-friendly and energy-efficient, with a dependable average system uptime of 99.7% and the ability to support 24/7 operations.

The Bridgeport, NJ, site is the fourth location where Avantor and SDI Element Logic have collaborated to automate warehouse operations. The continued cooperation with SDI Element Logic allows Avantor to utilize the cutting-edge technology that AutoStore offers to address needs for increased productivity as well as quickly fulfill orders to meet growing customer demand.

Secure Your Competitive Edge with AutoStore

THE WORLD’S FIRST AND LARGEST AUTOSTORE DISTRIBUTOR

February 28, 2024 0

Launching The First eGrocery with AutoStore in Norway

Launching The First eGrocery with AutoStore in Norway

For the first time in Norway, AutoStore will be used for eGrocery. The food chain MENY has chosen Element Logic to build their new centralized online grocery store. The project is ongoing, and the new building is scheduled to be ready in the fall of 2024.

“What characterizes food is the different temperature zones such as refrigerated, frozen, and dry goods. Initially, we are implementing a customized AutoStore solution for MENY’s dry goods, but this is just the beginning – we plan to include the other zones in the future,” says Aftermarket Director at Element Logic Norway, Andreas Kristensen.

Kristensen and the rest of the Element Logic team are proud of the trust from the customer.

“This is a major milestone for Element Logic in Norway and marks the start of a new and exciting collaboration within a large and important industry,” says Kristensen.

“This is a major milestone for Element Logic in Norway and marks the start of a new and exciting collaboration within a large and important industry”

— Aftermarket Director at Element Logic Norway, Andreas Kristensen

From left: Andreas Kristensen, Aftermarket Director at Element Logic Norway Niklas Top Sørum, Key Account Manager at Element Logic Norway, Sondre Bo-Larsson, Operations Manager at MENY, and Ida Juliane Havnås, Logistics Manager at MENY.

High Ambitions for Online Retail 

“Norway is still far behind many other countries in terms of online groceries, but we believe it will increase, and we are preparing for the future. We are establishing a centralized online grocery store, where, among other things, a solution from Element Logic with an AutoStore is a central piece of the puzzle. We want to reinforce our focus on the appreciation for food, fresh products, and a large selection for our online customers. The investment in AutoStore allows for a significantly larger assortment, which will give customers more to choose from,” says Vegard Kjuus, CEO in Meny.

Choosing Element Logic is based on several reasons according to Havnås: “We conducted an extensive process, including all suppliers offering AutoStore on the Norwegian market. Element Logic offered the best solution overall, and their team is competent and experienced. Early in the process they showed an understanding of our needs, challenged us along the way, and acted as a good partner for us on the journey we have started. We are impressed by what Element Logic achieves, as a Norwegian technology company with world-leading expertise,” says Ida Juliane Havnås, who leads MENY’s initiative.

“The investment in AutoStore allows for a significantly larger assortment, which will give customers more to choose from”

— Vegard Kjuus, CEO in Meny

Facts about Element Logic’s installation at Meny:

Secure Your Competitive Edge with AutoStore

THE WORLD’S FIRST AND LARGEST AUTOSTORE DISTRIBUTOR

February 27, 2024

Element Logic installs the world’s first Pick-up Port at thansen’s new in-store solution

Element Logic installs the world’s first Pick-up Port at thansen’s new in-store solution

thansen’s brand-new store in Copenhagen, Denmark, is empowered by Element Logic and the world’s first in-store solution equipped with an AutoStore Pick-Up Port, that enables fully automatic delivery of goods to customers.

thansen was founded in 1991 in Denmark and delivers spare parts and equipment to cars and other vehicles, as well as camping equipment and other recreational gear to customers in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Germany.

Customers can look forward to ordering a product online and pick it up directly at the store almost immediately – and at any time of the day. And soon, the same will be possible in other thansen stores.

“With the store located just outside of Copenhagen, we are taking the first, but far from the last step towards the ultimate customer experience, where you as a customer can buy and pick up your goods at any time of the day. No queue, no fixed opening hours. That’s the future, and we are as a chain starting the future now,” says founder and CEO at thansen, Bent Jensen about the store, which was officially inaugurated February 2nd, 2024.

“With the store located just outside of Copenhagen, we are taking the first, but far from the last step towards the ultimate customer experience, where you as a customer can buy and pick up your goods at any time of the day. No queue, no fixed opening hours. That’s the future, and we are as a chain starting the future now,”
— Bent Jensen, CEO at thansen

“We’re starting in Rødovre. But the plan is to implement similar systems in ten of our stores over the course of 2024,” he adds.

Consumers Push the Boundaries

The AutoStore solution implemented by Element Logic in thansen’s new store consists of 14 robots and more than 18,000 bins.

Despite the modest size of the warehouse, it contains more than 32,000 of thansen’s 200,000 items, as the warehouse allows for much more efficient use of storage space. This means that customers get access to a much broader range of goods directly in the store, as the goods do not need to be ordered from a central warehouse first.

Element Logic has previously delivered Denmark’s largest automated warehouse, with 100 robots to thansen’s central warehouse in Middelfart.

“With the system in Rødovre, thansen is moving the robots directly out into the individual store, which is somewhat of a paradigm shift. Consumers are constantly pushing the boundaries for delivery times and the degree of flexibility, and as a company, you cannot meet these demands without thinking in terms of smart, automatic solutions,” says Nikolaj Bjørn Eriksen, Managing Director of Element Logic Denmark.

“With the system in Rødovre, thansen is moving the robots directly out into the individual store, which is somewhat of a paradigm shift. Consumers are constantly pushing the boundaries for delivery times and the degree of flexibility, and as a company, you cannot meet these demands without thinking in terms of smart, automatic solutions”

— Nikolaj Bjørn Eriksen, Managing Director of Element Logic Denmark

Secure Your Competitive Edge with AutoStore

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February 5, 2024 0

CALCULATE YOUR ROI WITH SDI ELEMENT LOGIC

Cost vs Benefit in Warehouse Automation: Calculate Your ROI with SDI Element Logic

We are proud to announce the publication of our newest white paper. Our industry experts break down the factors that go into calculating your ROI and, most importantly, how automation can bring your expectations into reality.

Whitepaper cover: Warehouse Automation - Calculate Your ROI with SDI Element Logic

Making sure that your business fully benefits from your investments is an end goal we all hope to achieve. This has proven to be difficult for many companies, which is understandable when you look at the sheer number of factors that go into calculating your ROI.

SDI Element Logic’s white paper is not only able to simplify these complexities, but also display strategies straight from our industry experts and how the incorporation of automation can exponentially decrease the time it takes to meet your ROI standards.

Secure Your Competitive Edge with AutoStore

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October 10, 2023 0

Autostore toy instructions

Build Your Own AutoStore LEGO® with SDI Element Logic Custom Set!

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Unlock the world of automation and innovation with our exclusive SDI Element Logic LEGO® custom set of the Autostore Robot R5. Dive into the captivating realm of robotics and technology as you assemble your very own miniature Autostore Robot using high-quality LEGO® bricks.

¡Get Your Instructions Now!

Ready to embark on your Autostore Robot adventure? To obtain our exclusive PDF instructions, simply fill out the form below. Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a download link straight to your inbox, allowing you to begin your LEGO® masterpiece right away.

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August 15, 2023 0

THREE EMERGING TRENDS SHAPING INTRALOGISTICS

THREE EMERGING TRENDS SHAPING INTRALOGISTICS

SDI Element Logic is thrilled to present you with our insights on the latest breakthroughs and game-changing innovations that are reshaping the Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Management industry.

Whether you are a logistics professional, warehouse manager, or simply a supply chain enthusiast, this white paper provides invaluable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. Embrace the future of intralogistics and unlock the full potential of your warehouse operations with this knowledge.

In this white paper, we will take you through:

  • Strategies being implemented to change the product life cycle in Distribution Centers and Warehouses.
  • How can this impact you? Your organization? Your customers?
  • When does it make sense to apply them?
  • How are these topics already impacting the industry?

Please fill out the form below, and we will send you an email with the link to download the document.

WhitePaper cover: Three Emerging Trends Shaping Intralogistics

Secure Your Competitive Edge with AutoStore

THE WORLD’S FIRST AND LARGEST AUTOSTORE DISTRIBUTOR

July 25, 2023 0

5 Reasons to Use AutoStore

5 Reasons to Use AutoStore

Article by Josh Beckham

Two frequent questions when considering automation systems are:

1. Is it a match for my operation?

2. Will it provide positive and measurable results? 

The same questions are typically asked by anyone considering AutoStore.

 

Here are 5 reasons to Use AutoStore:

1. Density

 By utilizing a cube-based design consisting of stackable bins within a grid, AutoStore can typically provide up to four times the storage capacity of conventional storage systems within the same footprint. 

If your warehouse is suffering from a lack of space and you are considering expansion of your building, AutoStore may be a more cost-effective solution that can keep you in your existing space.

2. Modularity

The AutoStore  grid can adapt to your DC’s footprint and can accommodate an array of obstacles such as columns or staircases. 

There are many installed systems that contain features like overhangs or tunnels, to maximize space utilization and avoid the added cost of redesigning floorplans. 

3. Scalability

The AutoStore grid is designed to easily expand as your business and needs continue to grow throughout the years  without shutdown of the existing grid. 

A new system can be designed with future growth in mind, leaving space for additional bins or robots to be added to an existing grid, and without increasing the overall footprint. 

4. Reliability

Because all the robots within a given system work independently from one another, there is no single point of failure. On average, AutoStore systems globally have an average up-time availability of 99.7%

The system can even support 24/7 operations and the robots do not require warehouse lights to operate.

5. Productivity

The overall productivity of an automated system is often a crucial factor when deciding on a technology. Compared to conventional pick and replenishment tasks, the AutoStore system can not only perform both simultaneously, if desired, but can also consolidate entire orders at a single port. Reducing travel time to manually process orders and complete putaway tasks significantly increases throughput and maximizes efficiency. 

By minimizing human dependency, fulfillment accuracy errors can be avoided and ensure order accuracy in every instance. 

If you’d like to discover more benefits of using AutoStore for your warehouse operations, read more about it here.

What’s Next?

Understanding what makes the AutoStore system a revolutionary solution is just the first step into starting the implementation process. As part of making sure that an AutoStore solution is well-suited for your business, SDI Element Logic does an in-depth quantitative data analysis. As the world’s first and largest AutoStore integrator, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the execution process and provide the greatest support every step of the way.If you are interested in learning more about AutoStore and how we can optimize your warehouse performance, contact me: josh.beckham@sdi.systems or visit our website  https://sdi.systems/solutions/goods-to-person/autostore/.

January 18, 2023 0

Types of Sortation Systems

Types of Sortation Systems

Efficient and profitable warehouses limit the use of manual, time-consuming, and error-prone workflows. This includes the use of manual sortation processes that weaken warehouse operations by increasing the chance of inaccurate sorting, delayed orders, and upset customers. 

The warehouse industry has come a long way from manual sorting, and there are several types of sortation systems that can be used to automate the sortation process. In this blog we will cover the different types of sortation systems, their benefits, and their applications, to help you select the best option for your unique warehouse needs. Let’s get started.

What is a Sortation System?

In warehouse management, a sortation system is a process that uses equipment to automatically identify, process, and divert items to the correct location within the warehouse. Sortation equipment often uses task-specific algorithms and codes to identify what these items are and where they need to go next. While warehouse sortation systems can vary widely based on product size, warehouse layout, and sortation speed, they are all able to automate the sorting process and improve accuracy, increase speed, and reduce costs.

Benefits of Automated Sortation Systems

Sortation systems are an essential part of modernizing your warehouse management, and they bring many top benefits associated with digital transformation. Some benefits include:

  • Improving sorting efficiency 
  • Correcting inventory and order accuracy
  • Increasing the speed of order processing
  • Improving order fulfillment 
  • Streamlining warehouse operations
  • Minimizing human errors
  • Reducing labor costs
  • Optimizing floor space
Group of warehouse employees sorting packages


Sortation System by Application

Sortation systems can be used to help with various aspects of order fulfillment. For instance, there are sortation systems designed to automate receiving, picking and packing, and shipping.

1. Receiving

Leveraging an automated sortation system during the receiving process can help you better process your inventory as it enters the warehouse, increasing visibility into your inventory levels. Sortation systems can help with the following receiving applications.

  • Return Processing: Return items can be identified and sent to specific stations designed to handle returns or exchanges based on your company’s protocols. Once the items are processed, the sortation system can automatically divert them to the appropriate station for destruction, put away, or used to fill an open order. 
  • Putaway: A receiving system can efficiently sort a high volume of product units or cases and transport them to the optimal location for storage. 
  • Cross Docking: Sortation systems can also be utilized to sort inbound items that are being unloaded and loaded directly into outbound delivery. The accurate intake and speedy reorganization of products increases the efficiency of these outbound deliveries.

When selecting sortation equipment for receiving in your warehouse, consider the number of inbound trailers that need to be unloaded and processed at the same time, as well as the total number of destinations needed for putaway or other processing. Identifying these parameters will help you select the best option for your warehouse.

2. Picking & Packing

Within order fulfillment, picking and packing are the most labor-intensive processes. When picking and packing are done manually, workers have to walk long distances throughout warehouses, manually pick items, bring them to the correct station, and pack them into orders for shipping. Warehouses are large facilities, and walking to and from inventory stations can be time-consuming. Not to mention, manually picking and packing orders is a slow and tedious process that can easily be messed up due to human error.

Sortation systems streamline picking and packing, managing more orders quickly and accurately. There are semi-automatic sortation systems designed to help workers facilitate picking and packing, as well as more advanced options that handle the majority of the picking and packing processes. The type of system you need depends on the size of your workforce, the number and type of packing stations required, as well as the case or palette sizes and weights. We’ll help you identify the best options later in the post.

3. Shipping

Sortation systems are a key driver of shipping efficiency, decreasing order turnaround time and improving customer satisfaction. An advanced sortation system enables orders to skip parcel hubs, which is known as zone skipping. That’s because sortation systems can presort groups of orders in an optimal format. This also allows for lower shipping costs and more orders to be processed within shorter timelines. Sortation systems can be used to presort orders in a variety of ways depending on the item size and weight, the volume of shipping, and the number of pallet build locations or trailers that will be used at the same time. 

Now that you understand the applications of sortation equipment, let’s review the types of sortation systems that can be used for different types of inventory.

Case Sorters vs Unit Sorters

The distinction between a unit and a case is important when talking about sortation systems because they generally require different types of equipment. In warehouse management, an inventory unit is the language used to describe the smallest unit of an item. All other inventory measurements can be split into multiple parts, including a case. For example, a case is a box that contains numerous inventory units, and the size of the case can vary based on the unit size and logistics. Likewise, there is a case sorter that is designed to handle cases, and there is a unit sorter designed to manage individual units. The exception to this is when a hybrid model is used that can accommodate both units and cases. 

Read on to learn specific examples of case sorters, unit sorters, and hybrid case and unit sorters.

Case Sorters

Case sorters are designed to receive, sort, and transport entire cases, cartons, or totes within a warehouse. Examples of case sorters include the following:  

  • Pop-Up Sorter: A Pop-Up Sorter consists of wheels or rollers emerging from a conveyor belt which pop up to transfer items to another downstream conveyor. This type of case sorter has medium to high throughput and can handle 40-100 cases per minute. Pop-up Sorters work well for packing applications. 
  • Shipping Carton Sorter: A Carton Sortation Conveyor is a belt-powered pop-up wheel conveyor with high throughput and can sort up to 100 cartons per minute. It automatically diverts cases to a specific destination and can also divert cartons to shipping doors. 
  • Pivoting Arm Sorter: A Pivoting Arm Sorter uses a series of paddles that divert and sort cases from a primary conveyor onto a secondary conveyor. It has medium to high throughput and can handle 50-100 cases per minute. A Pivoting Arm Sorter is commonly used for shipping applications. 
  • Pusher Sorter: A Pusher Sorter uses pneumatic pushers mounted to a conveyor belt. These pushers extend at specific angles to divert a case onto a secondary conveyor. This sorter has the lowest throughput and can process only 10-30 cartons a minute.

Unit Sorters

Unit sorters are designed to handle inventory units of varying sizes and shapes. Examples of unit sorters include the following:

  • Pouch Sorter: JOEY Pouch Sorter uses flexible pouches to transport, sort, accumulate, and buffer an infinite variety of inventory units up to 22 lbs. Any shuttle on which each pouch hangs can be used as a garment hanger instead if needed.
  • Bomb Bay-Style Sorter: The Sortrak G4 is an efficient Bomb Bay-Style Sorter with high throughput that can handle 18,720 trays per hour past a single point and make left and right turns. It uses a flexible chainless design made from steel, with numerous available configurations.
  • Tilt Tray Sorter: A Tilt Tray Sorter has high throughput and is typically used by high-volume shippers and can be utilized for packing and shipping. The flexible system can handle a broad range of package mixes with multiple in-feed and induction areas. In-motion scales can also be incorporated into the automatic inducts to check parcel weights.
  • Crossbelt Sorter: A Crossbelt Sorter also has high throughput and can sort up to 25,000 UPH and can be used for a wide range of items including apparel, parcels, accessories, and more. It uses an infeed system that can be fully automatic or semi-automatic to identify items and scan their measurements. The outfeed system temporarily stores the items and can be directly sorted into outfeeds such as chutes, bag racks, roll cages, and more.

     

  • Garment-on-Hanger (GOH): A Garment-on-Hanger (GOH) Sorter is the industry standard for high-speed unit distribution of hanging garments, and is capable of sorting up to 13,000 units per hour.

Case & Unit Sorter

  • Narrow Belt Sorter: A Narrow Belt Sorter can be used for medium-sized items including both cases and inventory units. It has medium to high throughput capacity and can handle up to 120 cases per minute with 90 or 30-degree divert capability. 
  • Sliding Shoe Sorter: A Sliding Shoe Sorter has the ability to sort a wide variety of load mixes that vary in size, weight, and type, including both cases and units. It has high-speed sortation, handling over 200 cartons per minute. 

If you’re still not sure which sortation system is the best match for your warehouse, review the sortations systems table below to help inform your decision. 

Sortation Systems Table

 

 
Application/Function
Case / Unit / Polybag
Lead Time
Good for
Pop-up Wheel sorter
Receiving, routing and shippingCase (need to check on Polybag)6-10 monthsCases, polybag, totes
Narrow Belt Sorter
Receiving, routing and shippingCase (need to check on Polybag)6-10Cases, polybag, totes
Sliding Shoe sorter
Receiving, routing and shippingALL6-10Cases, polybag, totes
Cross Belt
Receiving, routing, shipping & fulfillmentALL6-10Apparel, parcel, accessories, etc.
Bomb Bay-Style
FulfillmentUnit & Poly8-10Apparel, jewelry, small packages
Pouch sorter
FulfillmentUnit & Poly10-12Shoes, accessories, apparel, parcels, etc.
Garment-on-Hanger (GOH)
FulfillmentUnit6-10Garments on hanger, lingerie on hanger, any hanging product
Enzo
Goods to Person/ASRSUnits/small cases6-10Storage and Fulfillment. Can also be used in conjunction with other fulfillment tech
AutoStore
Goods to Person/ASRSUnits/small cases6-12Storage and Fulfillment. Can also be used in conjunction with other fulfillment tech

 

Which Sortation System is Right for Your Warehouse?

When selecting the right sortation system for your warehouse, it’s important to consider your needs and parameters. Answering the following questions can help you identify your priorities so you can align them with the sortation systems in the market. 

  • What is your budget?
  • What types of items do you need to sort? Are there any fragile items? Sizes and weight?
  • At what speed do the items need to be sorted, what is your throughput?
  • What’s your warehouse footprint? ?
  • What materials are needed for the product packaging (bags, cartons, envelopes, etc.)?
  • What type of application do you need help with (receiving, picking, packing, shipping, etc.)?

Investing in the Right Solution

SDI Element Logic is an industry leader in automating warehouse management. Our expert consultants and systems integrators can help you design, build, integrate, and install a custom sortation system that is right for your warehouse.

Contact Us

January 13, 2023 0

The Benefits of Automating Your Warehouse with AutoStore

The Benefits of Automating Your Warehouse with AutoStore

 

By: Cory Clifford

As the world increasingly becomes more automated and tech-driven, warehouses look for ways to become more efficient, and still provide the same quality service. A popular option is the use of Goods to Person (GTP) robotic picking systems like AutoStore, a high-density cube storage system. In this post, we will learn about AutoStore, what we can pick with it, and the benefits compared to manual/legacy systems.

What Is AutoStore?

AutoStore is a robotic GTP system designed to streamline warehouse operations by automatically picking storage bins and delivering them directly to operators at workstations/ports. This is done through a network of robots that can quickly and accurately transport bins from one place to another, eliminating the need for manual labor, improving productivity, increasing storage density, and reducing costs.

Warehouse worker entering inventory from AutoStore bin

What are the Components of Autostore?

Autostore is made up of 5 main components that work together to seamlessly automate warehouse management, including inventory storage and retrieval. Read on to learn more about each of the Autostore components and how they function together to reduce errors and increase storage capacity.


1. Grid

The grid is the framework on which the inventory bins are stacked. The grid also acts as a guide for the robots to follow. The layout of the grid can be customized to best fit the needs of your warehouse, saving up to 80% of floor space on average.

2. Bins

The bins are used to store all of the warehouse inventory, and are able to manage a variety of items. The Autostore database has total control over the contents of the bins at all times, increasing visibility into warehouse inventory.

3. Ports

The ports act as an elevator-like mechanism. They deliver the picked goods to the operator using a conveyor belt that raises and lowers to the necessary locations within the framework. Upon delivery, the warehouse worker is told which item to retrieve from the selected bin at the port.

4. Robots

The robots are essentially small carts with wheels that glide across the grid framework. They are used for picking and delivering the inventory bins using the best routes in the grid as calculated by the controller.

5. Controller

The Autostore control center is the heart of your warehouse. It is in constant control of your infrastructure and also conducts real-time logging of inventory. This helps to reduce inventory errors and ensure a strong supply chain.

 

Autostore is transforming warehouse management across numerous industries, and there are several benefits to leveraging this innovative technology.

 

What Can Be Stored in an AutoStore?

The type of items that can be placed in an AutoStore depend on the size and weight of what you’re looking to store. AutoStore systems are well-suited for handling items such as: 

  • consumer products
  • electronics
  • parts distribution
  • grocery
  • apparel 
  • bio/medical 

Can you use AutoStore for hazardous materials, sensitive electronics/components, fragile items, liquids, and high value products?

Yes! If your items fit into one of the three bin sizes, you can automate your picking in a secure and safe environment. SDI Element Logic uses extensive data analysis of your order structures and products to suggest and build the most efficient system possible for your operation.

AutoStore bin size comparison

Who Benefits from Using Autostore?

While e-commerce is often the first use that comes to mind, AutoStore is also applicable, and used extensively, for retail and wholesale. Discrete order picking, batch picking, and automatic order consolidation are all possible with AutoStore– making it one of the best all-around GTP systems on the market today.

AutoStore robot picking inventory

How will AutoStore benefit your operations?

AutoStore will:

  1. Reduce human error by automating many processes that would otherwise be manual labor
  2. Drastically decrease labor costs associated with warehouse operations as fewer people are required to operate the system
  3. Boost productivity in a warehouse as goods can be stored and retrieved more quickly than if they had been handled manually

By eliminating human error and reducing costs associated with warehousing activities, you can improve your bottom line and still maintain high levels of quality service for your customers. AutoStore allows you not to sacrifice quality or customer satisfaction.For more information, contact me:  cory.clifford@sdi.systems or visit our website: https://sdi.systems/solutions/goods-to-person/autostore/

December 14, 2022 0