Introduction


Besides order picking truck using the help of order picker, there are alternative devices/tools to replace the order picking truck. Advancement in technology gradually allows storage and picking of inventory to be increasingly streamlined and efficient, resulting in overall lower operational cost and increased performance.

As a result, manual material handling devices, or the MHE (Material Handling equipment), may eventually result being phrase out, paving way for more advance equipment such as the automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or the ASRS.


Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

Consists of an integrated computer-controlled system that combines the storage medium, transport mechanism, and controls with various levels of automation for fast and accurate random storage of products and materials.

How AS/RS Works?

Storage/retrieval (S/R) machine in an AS/RS operates in narrow aisle, serving rack slots on both sides of aisle; can travel in horizontal (along the aisle) and vertical (up and down a rack) directions at same time.

It works via a robotic "arm" that quite literally fetches materials from archival locations to a pick up locations withour human intervention.


The next post we will be touching on the advantages and disadvantages of using AS/RS. To be continued....