Mini-Load
Why a Mini-Load ASRS Could be the Best Goods-to-Person for your Money!
In today's fast-paced and competitive world, optimizing warehouse space and improving operational efficiency are critical for businesses seeking to stay ahead. The advent of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) has revolutionized the way goods are handled in warehouses and distribution centers, offering significant advantages over traditional manual processes. Among the various AS/RS options available, the Mini-Load ASRS stands out as a cost-effective and space-efficient solution that could be the best fit for your money.
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What is a Mini-Load ASRS?
The Mini-Load ASRS is a storage retrieval machine designed to handle smaller loads such as cartons, totes, and trays, typically weighing less than 350 lbs. This system is built with strong, lightweight alloys, making it less expensive to install, operate, and maintain. It offers real-time inventory visibility, high-density storage, easy operation, and secure product storage. When combined with flow lanes and static racks, the Mini-Load system becomes a perfect solution for SKUs with mid-range activity. In some applications the Mini-Load could also be integrated with fast moving A type SKUs.
How Does it Work?
The Mini-Load ASRS system consists of rack structures, stacker cranes, software control systems, and a pickup station. The mini stacker crane travels up and down the aisles between storage racks, while the load-handling device or carriage moves along the stack crane tall mast to reach the desired shelf height. The crane then picks up or deposits the load at the specified storage location. This automated process saves time and minimizes the risk of product damage.
Mini-Load ASRS
The Mini-Load ASRS offers a compelling solution for businesses seeking to optimize warehouse space, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce labor costs. Its compact design, high-density storage capabilities, and automation benefits make it a cost-effective option for a variety of applications, from manufacturing to distribution environments.
When considering a Mini-Load ASRS for your operation, partner with experienced integrators like Warehouse Automation AI, who possess extensive knowledge and hands-on integration experience with various ASRS manufacturers. With their expertise, you can find the best solution to meet your specific needs and goals, ensuring a successful and seamless implementation of this cutting-edge technology. Embrace the potential of a Mini-Load ASRS to revolutionize your warehouse operations and position your business for continued growth and success.
Applications and Benefits:
High-Density Storage: The Mini-Load ASRS maximizes vertical space, offering up to 85% savings in underutilized overhead space.
Labor Savings: By automating tedious and repetitive storage tasks, the system frees up labor for more valuable and engaging activities, reducing labor needs by up to two-thirds.
Improved Inventory Control: The automated system enables better inventory control, including FIFO (First In, First Out), LIFO (Last In, First Out), and JIT (Just-In-Time) inventory management.
Picking Accuracy: The system enhances picking accuracy to an impressive 99.9%, minimizing errors and improving customer satisfaction.
Storage and Buffer: The Mini-Load ASRS serves as an excellent storage and buffer solution for raw materials, finished goods, and work-in-progress (WIP) inventory.
Replenishment Inventory: It efficiently stores inventory for order fulfillment through pick modules or goods-to-person systems, ensuring rapid and accurate order processing.
Secure Storage: The system provides controlled inventory access, reducing the risk of misplaced items or inventory loss.
Considerations and Technologies:
Before implementing a Mini-Load ASRS or any ASRS technology, there are crucial factors to consider:
Labor Usage: Assess the amount of labor currently employed for inventory management, receiving, put away, and retrieval tasks, as this affects the return on investment (ROI) for ASRS.
Facility Space: Evaluate whether increased storage capacity provided by AS/RS would extend the lifespan of your current facility and potentially mitigate relocation or expansion costs.
Automation Benefits: Determine how automated inventory management can improve visibility, provide data, and deliver better control of inventory levels and locations.
Product Delivery and Removal: Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of manual processes versus automated systems for delivering and removing products from the ASRS.
Mini-Load System Size: Sizing the Mini-Load ASRS involves knowing the number of required storage locations and the desired throughput. This calculation helps determine the number of aisles or SRMs needed.
