Designing a warehouse that is organized and functional means selecting a storage system that meets your unique requirements. Because this can be a relatively significant capital investment, the system must fit with your warehouse floor plan and processes. Otherwise, it could impair your efficiency and throughput.
Throughout Florida and Southeast Georgia, businesses with inventory management needs will have several options, including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), racking systems, storage bins, and pick-and-place robots.
Let's go over each option and how they could help you meet your storage needs:
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems consist of dedicated equipment and controls that help manufacturers handle, store, and retrieve materials. Although there are various types of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems for companies of all sizes, they all provide the same essential advantages:
- Reduced labor costs
- Improved accuracy, efficiency, and productivity
- Reduced safety risks for employees (reducing the need to lift and move heavy or bulky items)
- Vertical systems offer space-saving benefits
- Useful in environments that are not suitable for human workers, such as freezers and high places
Warehouse Racking Systems
Warehouse racking systems are created to stack inventory in horizontal rows with several levels. The systems help companies better utilize their warehouse space while organizing materials for a more streamlined operation.
Some advantages of the racking systems include:
- Reducing clutter
- Getting pallets off of the floor
- Maximizing warehouse space
- Improving worker efficiency and productivity
Storage Bins
The storage bin is the smallest space unit in a warehouse and can play a significant role in organizing it. Companies typically assign a warehouse number to each storage bin according to its location, maximum weight, capacity, and type.
Storage bins can be used in numerous applications, but in a warehouse, they provide the following benefits:
- Freeing up space by getting rid of clutter
- Organizing parts, tooling, and equipment
- Less wasting time looking for items
- Increasing productivity
- Improving worker safety
- Making the warehouse easier to keep clean
Pick-and-place Automation
Pick-and-place robots are often used in bin picking applications, increasing the output and providing an excellent ROI. The robots can grab items from a bin and then move them to another location, such as packaging or assembly. Some robots now have vision systems allowing them to distinguish color, shape, and size, meaning they can pick the correct items from bins containing randomly mixed items.
The primary benefits of pick-and-place robots include:
- Flexibility means robots can be customized to meet specific needs
- Programmable for multiple applications
- The smaller size of the robot makes it ideal for areas where space is limited
- Relieve workers of monotonous, repetitive work in warehouses
- Faster than human workers
- Accurate and consistent
Meet your Storage Goals
By working with Kardex Storage Systems, we can help you meet your goal of organizing your storage facility better. Our solutions can help you save floor space, increase productivity, and become better organized. Contact us to discover how!
