Automated Sortation Systems

Sep 22, 2023 | Solutions - By Function

Solutions by Function

Automated Sortation Systems

ImPROVE YOUR SPeeD, Efficiency and Accuracy while reducing your costs with our automated sortation systems

Automated Sortation System<br />
sortation automation

Understanding Automated Sortation:

Automated sortation refers to the use of advanced technologies and systems to categorize, sort, and sequence products within a warehouse or distribution center. These systems are designed to streamline order fulfillment, reduce manual labor, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Key components of sortation automation include:

Conveyor Systems: Automated conveyor systems are the backbone of sortation automation, facilitating the seamless movement of products within the warehouse.
Sortation Equipment: These machines employ various mechanisms such as diverters, pushers, tilt trays, and chutes to sort products based on predetermined criteria like destination, size, or SKU.
Put Wall Solutions: Manual sortation by manual placement at the direction of light technologies to sort items quickly and accurately at a low cost. This type of sortation is easily deployed and easily scaled to accommodate growth within an operation.
Software Integration: Warehouse management software and control systems orchestrate the entire sortation process, coordinating product movement and providing real-time data.

Types of automated Sortation Solutions:

Automated sortation solutions come in various types, each tailored to meet specific sorting needs and challenges:

Cross-Belt Sorters: Cross-belt sorters use a series of belts equipped with diverters to move and sort items. They are highly versatile and suitable for handling a wide range of products, making them ideal for e-commerce and retail applications.
Sliding Shoe Sorters: Sliding shoe sorters employ sliding shoes to divert products onto designated chutes or lanes. They are known for their gentle handling of fragile items, making them suitable for industries like pharmaceuticals and electronics.
Pop-Up Wheel Sorters: Pop-up wheel sorters use spinning wheels to redirect items. They are well-suited for handling small and irregularly shaped products, making them a favorite in the apparel and fashion industries.
Tilt Tray Sorters: Tilt tray sorters utilize trays that tilt to guide items into designated bins or chutes. They are efficient at handling items of varying sizes and shapes, commonly found in postal and package sorting centers.
Bombay Sorters: Bombay or Flat sorters are used for high-speed automated sortation of small, lightweight items. Sorted items are either sorted to chutes or directly into shipping containers.

The adoption of automated sortation offers numerous advantages that are transforming warehouse operations:

Enhanced Efficiency: Automated sortation dramatically reduces processing times, leading to faster throughput and shorter order fulfillment times.
Cost Savings: Automated systems optimize labor utilization, reduce errors, minimize storage costs, and result in significant cost savings.
Improved Accuracy: Automation minimizes human errors, ensuring that products are accurately sorted and sequenced, leading to higher order accuracy and customer satisfaction.
Space Optimization: Automated sortation systems help warehouses make the most of available space by efficiently organizing products for storage and shipment.
Scalability: Automated sortation solutions are scalable, allowing businesses to adapt to changing order volumes without disruptions.

Applications of automated sortation:

Automated sortation finds applications across various sectors and use cases:

E-commerce: Online retailers rely on sortation automation to efficiently sort and sequence products for order fulfillment, ensuring timely deliveries to customers.
Parcel and Package Sorting: Logistics companies and postal services use sortation systems to categorize and route parcels to their final destinations.
Retail Distribution: Retailers optimize their distribution centers with sortation automation to streamline the movement of products from receiving to shipping.
Apparel and Fashion: The fashion industry benefits from sortation automation by efficiently processing and sorting clothing, footwear, and accessories for retail distribution.
Food and Beverage: Sortation solutions aid in the quick and accurate sorting of perishable and non-perishable goods within the food and beverage sector.

Challenges and Considerations:

While sortation automation offers numerous benefits, businesses must address certain challenges:

Integration Complexity: Integrating sortation systems with existing warehouse management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be complex and require skilled IT professionals.
Initial Investment: Implementing sortation automation may require a significant upfront investment in technology and infrastructure.
Maintenance and Support: Regular maintenance and support are essential to ensure that sortation systems operate efficiently and reliably.
Employee Training: Employees may require training and support to adapt to new automated processes and systems.

Conclusion: A New Era of Warehouse Efficiency

Automated sortation solutions have ushered in a new era of warehouse efficiency, enabling businesses to meet customer demands with speed and accuracy. By selecting the right type of sortation automation for their specific needs, companies can streamline their operations

Storage

Sep 22, 2023 | Solutions - By Function

Solutions

Storage Solutions

STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAYS CHALLENGES AND TOMORROW’s OPPORTUNITIES

Efficient warehousing is the backbone of a successful supply chain. In today’s dynamic business landscape, warehouses require a diverse range of storage solutions to meet the ever-evolving demands of inventory management. This comprehensive guide explores the various types of warehouse storage equipment, their applications, and the role they play in optimizing storage and retrieval processes.

Understanding Warehouse Storage Equipment:

Warehouse storage equipment refers to a wide array of tools and systems designed to store, organize, and manage inventory efficiently. These solutions are essential for maintaining accurate inventory records, streamlining order fulfillment, and maximizing available warehouse space. Key components of warehouse storage equipment include:

Pallet Racking Systems: Pallet racking systems are versatile storage solutions that allow products to be stored on pallets in vertical rows. They come in various configurations, including selective racking, drive-in racking, and push-back racking, each tailored to specific storage needs.

Shelving Units: Shelving units provide flexible storage for smaller items, cartons, and bins. They are commonly used in parts storage, retail settings, and smaller warehouses.

Cantilever Racks: Cantilever racks are designed for the efficient storage of long, bulky items such as pipes, lumber, and furniture. They feature horizontal arms that extend from vertical columns, making it easy to access products.

Mezzanine Systems: Mezzanine systems create additional storage space by utilizing the vertical space within a warehouse. They are ideal for businesses looking to expand their storage capacity without relocating.

Carousels and Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs): Carousels and VLMs are automated storage systems that use vertical carousels or trays to deliver items to the operator. They are commonly used in parts storage and order picking applications.

Flow Racks: Flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks, use declined roller or wheel beds to allow products to flow from the loading end to the unloading end. They are excellent for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.

Mobile Shelving: Mobile shelving systems are mounted on wheeled carriages, enabling them to move horizontally. This design maximizes storage density by eliminating fixed aisles.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems(ASRS): Applications of Warehouse Storage Equipment:

The diverse range of warehouse storage equipment finds applications across various industries and use cases:

Retail: Retailers use shelving units for displaying products and pallet racking systems for storing inventory in the backroom.

Manufacturing: Manufacturers utilize selective rack and cantilever racks for storing raw materials and mezzanine systems for additional workspace or storage.

Distribution and Logistics: Distribution centers employ AS/RS, Goods To Person (GTP), shelving flow racks for order picking, mobile shelving for maximizing space, and carousels/VLMs for efficient parts retrieval.

Automotive: Automotive warehouses rely on AS/RS, Goods To Person (GTP), shelving, pallet racking systems for storing automotive parts and mezzanine systems to create additional space for assembly.

Pharmaceutical: Pharmaceutical companies use Goods To Person (GTP), shelving flow racks for inventory management and stacking frames for secure storage of medications and medical supplies. Goods to Person solutions are a particularly great solution for the pharmaceutical industry because it limits access to inventory.

Benefits of Warehouse Storage Equipment:

Investing in the right warehouse storage equipment offers several advantages that drive efficiency and productivity:

Optimized Space Utilization: Storage equipment maximizes available vertical and horizontal space, reducing the need for costly facility expansion.

Enhanced Inventory Control: Proper storage solutions help maintain accurate inventory records, reducing errors and minimizing stockouts.

Improved Accessibility: Efficient storage solutions facilitate quick and easy access to inventory items, reducing retrieval times and labor costs.

Increased Productivity: Automated storage systems like carousels and VLMs streamline order picking processes, increasing overall productivity.

Flexibility: Warehouses can adapt storage solutions to changing inventory profiles and business needs, ensuring long-term scalability.

Challenges and Considerations:

While warehouse storage equipment offers numerous benefits, businesses must consider certain challenges:

Initial Investment: Acquiring and installing storage equipment can require a significant upfront investment.

Space Planning: Proper space planning is essential to maximize the benefits of storage equipment and ensure smooth operations.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure equipment functions efficiently and safely.

Service Excellence is Our Priority

Warehouse storage equipment plays a pivotal role in the efficient functioning of modern warehouses and distribution centers. By selecting the right storage solutions for their specific needs, businesses can streamline inventory management, improve accessibility, and maximize space utilization. As real estate costs continue to rise across the US it is imperative that every operation maximize how they use each and every square foot of space.

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