Goods To Person
In a goods-to-person system, items are stored in high-density shelving units that are accessed by automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyors, and robotics.
Our Solutions
How GTP Solutions Work:
When an order is received, the system locates the required items and brings them with robots to a picking station, where a worker can easily and quickly pack the items for shipment.
This solution has several advantages, including reduced labor costs, increased throughput, and improved accuracy. By minimizing the amount of time and effort required to move around the warehouse, workers can focus on more productive tasks, and orders can be fulfilled more quickly and accurately.
At SDI Element Logic we provide a range of solutions and services, including consultation, design, installation, and maintenance. We work closely with our clients to determine the best solution for their specific needs and budget.
Understanding AutoStore Components
AutoStore is an innovative and efficient automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) that has revolutionized warehouse management and logistics. At the heart of this system lies a complex interplay of components designed to optimize space utilization, enhance picking efficiency, and streamline inventory management. In this exploration, we delve into the key components of AutoStore, including the grid, bins, ports, and robots, to uncover the workings of this cutting-edge technology.
The Grid
The grid forms the foundation of the AutoStore system consisting of a series of stacked bins arranged in a cube. These bins are stored in customizable and highly adaptable aluminum frames, which are robust yet lightweight.
The Bins
They are the building blocks of the AutoStore grid and come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of products. These bins are dynamic entities that move along tracks within the grid, each with unique identifiers that enable precise tracking and retrieval of inventory items.
The Ports
Ports serve as the interface between the AutoStore system and warehouse operators. They may be positioned around the perimeter of the grid providing access points for retrieving items from storage and depositing newly received inventory.
Robots
Robots are the workhorses of the AutoStore system, responsible for the dynamic movement of bins within the grid. These robots operate autonomously and collaboratively to navigate the grid using a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms.
Maximizing Space with AutoStore
In the ever-evolving landscape of warehouse management, maximizing space utilization is a constant challenge. Traditional shelving and racking systems often fall short in efficiently utilizing available space, leading to inefficiencies in storage and retrieval operations. However, with AutoStore, businesses can unlock a new level of space optimization through its innovative design and layout flexibility.
Storage Density
AutoStore is its unparalleled storage density because it utilizes a grid-based system of stacked bins, minimizing the footprint required for storing inventory items. Unlike traditional shelving systems that rely on empty space between shelves, AutoStore maximizes vertical space utilization, allowing warehouses to store significantly more goods within the same square footage.
Layout Flexibility
The modular nature of AutoStore’s grid allows for customization to fit the specific dimensions and configuration of the warehouse space. Whether the facility is narrow and tall or wide and spacious, the grid can be tailored, or even reconfigured, to optimize space utilization without compromising operational efficiency.
Dynamic Optimization
Advanced algorithms analyze inventory data in real-time, identifying opportunities to consolidate or rearrange bins for maximum efficiency, even including shifts in seasonal fluctuations. Robots work collaboratively to retrieve and transport bins, minimizing travel distances and maximizing throughput.
Multi-Level Configuration
AutoStore's multi-level configuration further enhances space utilization by capitalizing on vertical storage capacity. With multiple layers of bins stacked within the grid, warehouses can maximize cubic storage volume while maintaining accessibility to all inventory items. This multi-level design enables efficient organization of goods based on factors such as SKU velocity, size, and storage requirements, further optimizing space utilization and minimizing wasted space.
Sustainability and Efficiency in Automation
AutoStore’s design inherently promotes sustainability by maximizing space utilization and minimizing resource consumption. The compact footprint of the system reduces the need for expansive warehouse spaces, thereby preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. Additionally, AutoStore’s energy-efficient operation minimizes electricity usage compared to traditional warehouse storage systems. By employing advanced algorithms to optimize robotic movements and minimize energy expenditure, AutoStore reduces carbon emissions and mitigates the environmental impact of warehouse operations.
Beyond its environmental benefits, AutoStore delivers substantial cost savings for businesses through improved efficiency and productivity, which is discussed at length in SDI Element Logic’s latest white paper “Sustainability in Automation”. By maximizing storage density and streamlining inventory management, AutoStore reduces the need for excess inventory storage and minimizes inventory carrying costs. Furthermore, the system’s autonomous robotic operation eliminates the need for manual labor in repetitive and physically demanding tasks, freeing up human resources for higher-value activities. These efficiency gains translate into significant cost savings over time, bolstering the financial sustainability of businesses while also reducing their environmental footprint.
Implementing AutoStore:
What to Consider?
Implementing AutoStore requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a seamless integration into existing operations. From facility requirements to product specifics, here’s what businesses need to consider when implementing AutoStore:
1. Facility Requirements
Space:
Assess the available space in the warehouse to determine if it can accommodate an AutoStore system. AutoStore’s modular design allows for flexibility in layout, but sufficient floor space and ceiling height are essential for installation.
Structural Integrity:
Ensure that the warehouse structure can support the weight of the AutoStore grid and bins, especially in multi-level configurations. Structural assessments may be necessary to guarantee safety and stability.
Power Supply:
AutoStore requires a reliable power supply to operate efficiently. Evaluate the warehouse’s electrical infrastructure to ensure it can support the system’s power requirements and provide backup solutions in case of outages.
2. Product Specifics
Inventory Profile:
Analyze the characteristics of the inventory to be stored in AutoStore, including SKU variety, dimensions, and demand patterns. This information will inform decisions regarding bin sizes, grid configuration, and picking strategies.
Handling Requirements:
Consider the specific handling requirements of products, such as fragility, weight, and special storage conditions. AutoStore bins can be customized with dividers, inserts, and protective padding to accommodate diverse product types.
SKU Velocity:
Classify inventory items based on their velocity or turnover rate to optimize bin placement within the grid. High-velocity items may be positioned closer to ports for quicker access, while slower-moving items can be stored in less accessible areas.
3. Operational Considerations
Workflow Integration:
Integrate AutoStore seamlessly into existing workflows to minimize disruptions and maximize productivity. Coordinate with warehouse management systems (WMS) and other automation technologies for smooth data exchange and process synchronization.
Training and Support:
Provide comprehensive training for warehouse staff on operating and maintaining the AutoStore system. Establish protocols for troubleshooting common issues and ensure access to timely technical support from the system provider.
Scalability:
Plan for future growth and scalability by designing the AutoStore layout with expansion in mind. Consider factors such as increased SKU volume, seasonal fluctuations, and evolving business needs when configuring the system.
4. Safety and Compliance
Safety Protocols:
Implement robust safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of workers and equipment. This includes procedures for robot-human interaction, emergency stop mechanisms, and regular safety inspections.
Regulatory Compliance:
Adhere to relevant industry regulations and standards governing warehouse operations, automation, and workplace safety. Stay informed about updates and changes to compliance requirements to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! Here are the responses to the FAQs:
What kind of company is AutoStore?
AutoStore is a Norwegian technology company specializing in the development and manufacturing of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). Founded in 1996, AutoStore is a global leader in warehouse automation, providing innovative solutions for optimizing storage space, enhancing picking efficiency, and streamlining inventory management. AutoStore is the company’s flagship product which has revolutionized warehouse operations through its grid-based system of stacked bins and autonomous robots.
What is the meaning of AutoStore?
The term “AutoStore” is a combination of two words: “Auto” and “Store”. It represents the concept of automated storage, reflecting the core functionality of the system developed by the company.
AutoStore automates the process of storing and retrieving inventory items within a warehouse environment, eliminating the need for manual intervention, and enhancing operational efficiency.
The name encapsulates the system’s ability to store goods automatically while optimizing space utilization and facilitating seamless inventory management.
What are the different types of robots in AutoStore?
In AutoStore, there are primarily two types of robots:
The Cube Storage Robots are responsible for navigating the grid and retrieving bins containing inventory items. Equipped with lifting mechanisms, cube storage robots can grasp bins securely and transport them to designated ports for order fulfillment. They operate autonomously, using sensors and advanced algorithms to navigate the grid efficiently while avoiding obstacles.
The Port Robots serve as the interface between the grid and warehouse operators. Positioned around the perimeter of the grid, port robots facilitate the transfer of bins to and from the grid, enabling seamless integration with other warehouse operations such as packing and shipping. Port robots work collaboratively with cube storage robots to ensure smooth and efficient movement of inventory within the AutoStore system.