Changing consumer trends are challenging the global retail, manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain sectors.
To meet the demand for more goods, available faster than ever, Business Development Manager for AutoStore Australia and New Zealand, Jason Wu believes that “businesses must embrace transformation and innovation.” In so doing, they can also sidestep a few sizable hurdles including labour supply shortages, inventory management, operational performance, and the demand for better customer experience.
Underpinning much of the transformation, says Wu, is the adoption of cubic storage automation. “This warehouse storage format enables us to fit more products into a warehouse space, without compromising access to the inventory. In addition, the warehouse owner utilises vertical space more effectively, without incurring the cost and downtime associated with site expansion,” he says.
Automation and robotics take it to the next level
According to Wu, the integration of innovative technology solutions (e.g. automation, robotics, etc.) into the cubic storage system facilitates a number of benefits:
- More efficient inventory management. "The system can be programmed to track inventory levels and it automatically notifies operators of impending low stock. This facilitates just-in-time processing, where inventory shortages and wastage are minimised,” says Wu.
- More efficient and accurate retrieval of goods, making for more productive operations with fewer errors.
- Improved safety and worker ergonomics. “The robots do all the hard work (even in very tight spaces).”
- Round-the-clock operations if required, which translates to greater productivity.
- Enhanced maintenance, as the system can be programmed to carry out analysis and alert operators to predictive maintenance requirements.
Wu points to the AutoStore Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), which demonstrates how independently operating Robots move rapidly through a 3D cube grid, retrieving Bins (stocked with inventory) as required to fulfil demand. “The Grid design is modular, customisable and scalable, and it enables 90% warehouse space utilisation. The Robots deliver rapid throughput, handling anywhere between 450 and 650 bin presentations every hour, with a 99.9% picking accuracy,” he adds.
In the average ASRS Grid, slotting and fulfilment is easier and more efficient. The average Bin is located just 2.5 cells deep, and takes just 27 seconds to retrieve. The high density of the Grid makes travel distances 25-40% shorter once we have the Bin in the cube. The video, here, demonstrates the process clearly.
How an automated grid warehouse system helped drive sales by up to 165%
Japanese fishing equipment manufacturer, Hayabusa, sought a solution to the shipping bottlenecks and inefficient picking processes experienced by its warehouse headquarters. It identified that it would benefit from an automated system that could handle the company’s complex storage and retrieval needs, as well as provide two picking platforms of varying heights to facilitate enable it to meet its picking targets.
The company replaced its existing, two-storey automated system with the AutoStore ASRS system and installed a grid that covers approximately 1 860 metres. Carrying 76 Robots and 22 933 Bins, the system is equipped with 11 Ports for easy storage and retrieval. A customised layout and mixed Bin selection has improved efficiency and streamlined retrievals. The system has also provided the company with abundant storage capacity, enabling it to reduce its warehouse rental space (and benefit from the financial savings).
“The new AutoStore system – the largest in Japan – has enabled picking speeds three times faster than its predecessor,” explains Wu. “Hayabusa has doubled its warehouse storage capacity, but also reduced its warehouse rental costs, and freed up space for offices. In addition, the reduced shipping lead times have enabled the company to better serve customers with its speed to market,” comments Wu. “This is a great example of the benefits of automated cubic storage.”
Pointing to these extraordinary results, Wu concludes, saying: “We are excited about the formidable potential of automated cube storage, to streamline supply chain processes and give customers greater resiliency in a very competitive marketplace.”
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