Movu Shuttle Solution

Mar 28, 2024 | Solutions - By Industry

Movu Shuttle Solution

Why many companies shy away from warehouse automation

Many warehouse operators know that automating their warehouse is inevitable. Increasing demand, shorter turnaround times, peak time management and labor shortages leave them with little choice.

Nevertheless, many companies are hesitant about thoroughly automating their warehouses. There are many reasons for this:

Intransparent market: The automation market offers many different automation solutions whose advantages and disadvantages are often not readily apparent at first glance.
Cost intensive: Implementing automation technologies is costly and often time-consuming.
Complexity: New automated systems need to be integrated into the existing system and software landscape
Total cost of ownership: The return on investment and total cost calculation is difficult to predict accurately

Many automation solutions require structural modifications to the existing warehouse infrastructure. This makes it difficult to calculate the return on investment. In addition, the installation process often disrupts the warehouse operations. This is another reason why many companies are extremely uncertain about which solution to choose when it comes to warehouse automation.

Automation solutions from Movu: Simple, faster, and future-proof

Movu automation solutions are specifically designed to address warehouse operators’ concerns. Movu systems do not require costly reconstruction measures in your warehouse. Instead, they can be easily and seamlessly integrated into existing operations.

This is achieved through our solutions’ high level of integration:

There is only one interface for both hardware and software, making integration into your existing systems and structures no problem at all.
Thanks to their modular design, Movu solutions can be installed quickly and easily and optimally adapted to the conditions in your warehouse.

Warehouse automation with Movu is the easy, fast and safe way to begin automating your warehouse processes.

Your benefits at glance

Fast and easy entry into automation
Significantly improved energy efficiency
Full scalability and flexibility to cover peak and low season times
Up to 50% more storage space in the same hall area
Increased productivity
Fast deployment
Easy integration and seamless integration into your structures and processes

Mujin

Mar 28, 2024 | Solutions - By Industry

Mujin

Creating the next generation of intelligent robotics

With Mujin, automation has never been easier. The MujinController is a platform that allows robots to perform virtually any application, with perception, awareness and autonomous decision-making – no custom development or training algorithms required.
That means faster startup and seamless integration without constant monitoring or regular human intervention. It’s fully automated automation.

Raising the bar for robotic palletizing

Mujin is paving the way for the future of robotics. Our advanced technology optimizes automation for real-world applications – not just theoretical models. Our technology is proven through over a decade of experience and hundreds of implementations in production environments.

A new standard for warehouse piece picking robots

As fulfillment operations contend with growing inventories and demanding delivery expectations, our advanced technology offers a proven solution to fully automate the labor-intensive order fulfillment process. Mujin piece picking robots can place small items in deep containers without unwanted collisions, as well as handle more advanced tasks such as six-face in-the-air barcode scanning and mixed-item sorting.

Robotic Arm Options

Mujin can use robotic arms from any major manufacturer, giving you the freedom to choose the right one for your specific load, reach and footprint requirements.

Gripper Options

Use an off-the-shelf gripper, choose from one of our standard grippers or let us design one for your unique application – we’re hardware agnostic. Create a gripping solution tailored to your packaging and containers – whether totes, bags, cases or other types.

Vision Systems

Mujin guides you to select the right 3D vision technology and peripheral sensors, even incorporating several types of sensors in the same application. We combine all data under one platform, enabling robots to accurately measure the position and orientation of objects, check containers for deformities and continuously monitor the depalletizing process.

Cold Storage

Mar 28, 2024 | Solutions - By Industry

Cold Storage

Cold storage

The demand for cold storage facilities continues to surge across various industries, businesses are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving market. One of the most efficient and technologically advanced solutions is the construction of an automated rack supported cold storage warehouse. ABCO Systems can guide you through the intricate process of constructing an automated rack supported cold storage warehouse, highlighting its unique features, benefits, and how it is reshaping the world of temperature-controlled storage.

System Overview

What makes an automated rack supported cold storage warehouse unique? These facilities seamlessly combine high-density storage racks with advanced automation technology to efficiently manage and store temperature-sensitive products. The key components of these warehouses include:

High-Density Racking: High-density storage racks are the building blocks of this facility. Designed to maximize vertical space utilization, they can be customized to accommodate a vast volume of pallets or products, making them ideal for areas with limited land availability.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): AS/RS systems are the workhorses of these warehouses, employing robotic mechanisms for the storage and retrieval of products within the racks. This minimizes human intervention in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring speed and accuracy.

Conveyor Systems: Automated conveyor systems are responsible for the smooth transportation of products within the facility. Engineered to operate seamlessly in cold storage environments, they facilitate efficient material flow.

Warehouse Management Software (WMS): WMS software is the brain of the operation, managing the warehouse’s processes. It optimizes storage locations, maintains inventory control, and monitors temperature control, ensuring precise and efficient operation.

Temperature Control Technology: Precise temperature control systems are essential for maintaining the cold storage environment. They ensure that products remain within their required temperature ranges throughout storage, preserving their quality and safety.

Construction Process of an Automated Rack Supported COld Storage Warehouse:

Planning and Design: The construction process begins with meticulous planning and design. Detailed blueprints are created, taking into consideration the size and layout of the facility, as well as the specific requirements of the products to be stored.

Foundation and Structural Frame: The construction kicks off with laying a solid foundation and erecting the structural frame of the warehouse. The structural frame supports the weight of the racks, automation systems, and the stored products.

High-Density Racking Installation: High-density storage racks are then installed within the warehouse. These racks are configured to maximize storage capacity, utilizing vertical space efficiently.

AS/RS Installation: The AS/RS system is carefully integrated into the facility. This involves setting up the robotic mechanisms that will handle the storage and retrieval of products within the racks.

Conveyor System Integration: Automated conveyor systems are installed to facilitate the smooth movement of products within the facility. These systems must be meticulously integrated to ensure efficient material flow.

Temperature Control Systems: Precise temperature control systems are installed to create the ideal cold storage environment. These systems ensure that the entire facility maintains the required temperature, preserving the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products.

Warehouse Management Software Setup: The Warehouse Management Software (WMS) is implemented to control and optimize the operations of the facility. This software is essential for inventory management, order processing, and temperature monitoring.

Quality Control and Testing: Rigorous quality control checks and testing are conducted to ensure that all components of the automated rack supported cold storage warehouse are functioning optimally.

Employee Training: Employees are trained to operate and manage various systems effectively and safely in a cold storage environment. Safety protocols are established to protect workers from exposure to extreme cold temperatures.

Regular Maintenance and Support: Ongoing maintenance and support are essential to ensure that automation systems operate efficiently and reliably. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and software updates.

Benefits of an Automated Rack Supported Cold Storage Warehouse:

The construction of an automated rack supported cold storage warehouse offers a multitude of benefits, revolutionizing the industry:

Optimized Space Utilization: These facilities maximize vertical space, reducing the need for costly facility expansion.

Enhanced Efficiency: Automation minimizes the time required for storage and retrieval, resulting in faster throughput and order fulfillment.

Improved Product Quality: Precise temperature control and automation ensure that products maintain their integrity, quality, and safety throughout storage and retrieval.

Inventory Accuracy: Automation guarantees precise tracking and inventory control, minimizing errors and ensuring stock accuracy.

Cost Savings: High-density storage and automation reduce labor requirements, minimize product damage, and offer better space utilization, resulting in substantial cost savings over time.

Safety and Reduced Health Risks: Automation reduces worker exposure to extreme cold temperatures, enhancing safety and minimizing health risks.

Scalability: Automated rack supported cold storage warehouses are highly scalable, allowing businesses to adapt to fluctuating product volumes without disruptions.

Pioneering Cold Storage Efficiency

The construction of an automated rack supported cold storage warehouse is a comprehensive and technologically advanced process. It brings a multitude of benefits, making it an essential solution for businesses looking to meet the demands of a dynamic marketplace while ensuring product quality and safety. In an evolving cold storage industry, automation is not merely an advantage; it’s a necessity. Embracing these transformative technologies is key to maintaining a competitive edge in the critical realm of cold storage, ensuring the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive goods.

Ecommerce

Sep 25, 2023 | Solutions - By Industry

Solutions

Ecommerce

eCommerce Solutions

E-commerce has revolutionized the way consumers shop, providing convenience, variety, and accessibility like never before. Behind the scenes, e-commerce fulfillment centers play a crucial role in ensuring that products reach customers swiftly and efficiently. However, these fulfillment centers encounter a unique set of challenges in the dynamic world of online retail. ABCO Systems will help you develop a comprehensive plan to face challenges that e-commerce fulfillment centers face and how to meet customer expectations and remain competitive in the digital age.

Rapidly Changing Consumer Expectations

One of the most prominent challenges in e-commerce fulfillment is meeting the ever-evolving expectations of consumers. Today’s shoppers demand faster shipping times, flexible delivery options, and hassle-free returns.

Solution: E-commerce fulfillment centers are investing in automation, robotics, and advanced order processing systems to expedite order fulfillment and provide same-day or next-day delivery options. Enhanced tracking and improved communication with customers during the shipping process also help manage expectations effectively.

Seasonal Peaks and Surges in Demand:

E-commerce businesses often experience seasonal peaks and surges in demand during holidays, promotions, or special events. Preparing for these fluctuations in volume can be challenging.

Solution: E-commerce fulfillment centers are adopting flexible automation solutions that allow them to scale operations up or down as needed. They also hire temporary staff during peak seasons and optimize warehouse layouts to accommodate higher inventory levels.

Inventory Management and Accuracy:

Maintaining accurate inventory levels is crucial for preventing stockouts and overstock situations. The diverse range of products in e-commerce fulfillment centers can make inventory management complex.

Solution: Automation and technology are central to improving inventory accuracy. Barcode scanning, RFID technology, and real-time inventory tracking systems help manage inventory effectively and reduce the risk of errors.

Returns Processing:

E-commerce returns are a common occurrence and processing them efficiently is essential to maintaining customer satisfaction.

Solution: Fulfillment centers are implementing automated returns processing systems that expedite the inspection, restocking, or refurbishing of returned items. Streamlined processes reduce processing times and improve accuracy.

Labor Challenges:

Finding and retaining skilled labor in the competitive e-commerce fulfillment industry can be a constant struggle.

Solution: E-commerce fulfillment centers are investing in employee training and offering competitive compensation packages. Additionally, automation solutions are used to reduce the reliance on manual labor for repetitive tasks.

Order Personalization and Customization:

Today’s consumers expect personalized and customized products and services, adding complexity to order processing.

Solution: E-commerce fulfillment centers are integrating advanced software that can handle custom product configurations and ensure accurate fulfillment of personalized orders.

Cost Efficiency:

Maintaining cost efficiency is vital in e-commerce fulfillment, where margins can be tight.

Solution: E-commerce fulfillment centers optimize cost efficiency by automating repetitive tasks like order processing, inventory management, and data entry. Automation reduces labor costs and minimizes errors.

Environmental Sustainability:

With increasing awareness of environmental concerns, e-commerce fulfillment centers are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices.

Solution: Many e-commerce fulfillment centers are adopting eco-friendly packaging materials, optimizing transportation routes to reduce emissions, and exploring renewable energy sources for their operations.

Supply Chain Disruptions:

Global supply chains are susceptible to disruptions, such as natural disasters or geopolitical events, which can affect product availability and delivery times.

Solution: E-commerce fulfillment centers are diversifying suppliers and leveraging technology to gain real-time visibility into the supply chain. This allows for better risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Service Excellence is Our Priority

E-commerce fulfillment centers are at the forefront of meeting the evolving demands of online shoppers. By embracing technology, automation, flexible staffing strategies, and sustainable practices, these fulfillment centers are addressing the unique challenges they face and ensuring that they remain competitive in the digital age. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, e-commerce fulfillment centers will continue to adapt and innovate to meet the demands of the dynamic e-commerce landscape. ABCO System is your partner that will assist you in making certain that your investment in automation is able to adapt to the changing E-commerce market.

Apparel

Sep 22, 2023 | Solutions - By Industry

Solutions

Apparel

Apparel Solutions

In the dynamic world of apparel order fulfillment, choosing the right material handling equipment is crucial for optimizing efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Apparel companies face unique challenges due to the diverse nature of clothing items, ever-changing fashion trends, and the need for rapid order processing. This article explores the key considerations and strategies for selecting the most suitable material handling equipment to meet the specific needs of apparel order fulfillment companies.

Understand Your Product Range

The first step in choosing the right material handling equipment is gaining a deep understanding of your product range. Apparel companies deal with a wide variety of clothing items, including different sizes, styles, colors, and fabrics. Recognizing the diversity of your products is essential for selecting equipment that can handle them effectively.

Assess Order Volume and Complexity:

Consider the volume and complexity of your orders. Are you dealing with high order volumes, customized orders, or both? Understanding your order profile helps determine the scalability and customization capabilities required from your equipment.

Evaluate Warehouse Space:

Assess your warehouse space to determine the layout and available square footage. Efficient use of space is critical in apparel order fulfillment, where storage needs can vary greatly based on the product range and seasonal trends.

Invest in Inventory Management Software:

Implement inventory management software with advanced features like categorization, tracking, and real-time reporting. This software serves as the backbone of efficient material handling, enabling you to track inventory accurately and optimize storage.

Select Picking Technologies:

Picking is a critical aspect of apparel order fulfillment. Choose picking technologies that align with your order volume and complexity. Options include:

Pick-to-Light: Ideal for high-speed, high-accuracy picking.
Voice Picking: Suited for hands-free, error-free order picking.
RFID: Provides real-time inventory visibility and tracking.

Consider Storage Solutions:

Select storage solutions that maximize space utilization and accessibility. Options include:

Adjustable Shelving: Provides flexibility to accommodate varying product sizes.
Garment on Hanger (GOH) – Handling solutions are still popular with some brands and with products with higher values
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Ideal for high-density storage and fast retrieval.

Implement Conveyor Systems:

Conveyor systems are valuable for efficiently moving clothing items within your warehouse. Choose conveyors that can handle different product sizes and weights and facilitate order routing.

Invest in Packaging Equipment:

Efficient packaging equipment streamlines the final stages of order fulfillment. Consider packaging machines that can handle various box sizes and packaging materials while ensuring product protection.

Automate Returns Processing:

Given the frequency of returns in the apparel industry, consider investing in automation for returns processing. Automated systems can help inspect, restock, or refurbish returned items more efficiently.

Regularly Update and Upgrade:

Material handling equipment evolves alongside technological advancements. Regularly assess your equipment’s performance and consider upgrades or replacements when necessary to stay competitive and efficient.

Getting the solution right the first time.

Selecting the right material handling equipment is a critical decision for apparel order fulfillment companies. It impacts operational efficiency, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction. By understanding your product range, assessing order volume, optimizing warehouse space, and investing in the latest technology and sustainable practices, you can ensure that your material handling equipment aligns with the unique challenges and demands of the apparel industry. Stay adaptable and proactive in your equipment choices to remain competitive in this dynamic and ever-evolving sector.

Top of Form

Speak to an ABCO Systems Specialist today about your Apparel Operations!

Automotive

Sep 22, 2023 | Solutions - By Industry

Solutions

Automotive

Automotive Services

In the world of automotive parts distribution, efficiency, accuracy, and speed are paramount. The right material handling equipment can significantly impact the effectiveness of operations in this industry. Automotive parts distributors face unique challenges due to the diverse range of products, varying sizes and weights, and the need for rapid order processing. Look to ABCO Systems to help you explore key considerations and strategies for selecting the ideal material handling equipment to meet the specific needs of automotive parts distribution companies.

Understand Your Product Diversity

Begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse product range you deal with. Automotive parts distributors handle a wide array of products, including components of different sizes, shapes, materials, and weights. Recognizing the diversity of your products is fundamental in selecting equipment that can efficiently handle this variability.

Assess Order Volume and Variety:

Evaluate your order profiles. Do you deal with a high volume of small parts or a mix of large and small items? Understanding your order volume and variety helps determine the scalability and customization capabilities required from your equipment. Many times these items will not be stored in the same areas and will need to be consolidated prior to shipment.

Analyze Warehouse Layout:

Take a close look at your warehouse layout and available space. Efficient space utilization is critical in automotive parts distribution, where storage needs can fluctuate significantly based on customer demands and inventory management. Getting the flow of the receiving, storage, and shipping is

Invest in Inventory Management Software:

Implement advanced inventory management software with features like categorization, tracking, and real-time reporting. This software forms the backbone of efficient material handling, allowing you to track inventory accurately and optimize storage.

Select Picking Technologies:

The picking process is a pivotal aspect of automotive parts distribution. Choose picking technologies that align with your order volume and variety. Options include:

Pick-to-Light: Ideal for high-speed, high-accuracy picking of small parts.
Voice Picking: Suited for hands-free, error-free picking, especially in warehouses with a wide variety of products.
RFID: Provides real-time inventory visibility and tracking, which is particularly valuable for managing diverse automotive parts.

Consider Storage Solutions:

Select storage solutions that maximize space utilization and accessibility. Options include:

Adjustable Racking: Provides flexibility to accommodate varying product sizes.
Automated Vertical Storage: Ideal for optimizing vertical space and efficiently storing small parts.
Cantilever Racks: Suitable for long and irregularly shaped automotive parts.

Push Back Racks: Provide very good density and selectability.

Implement Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems are valuable for efficiently moving automotive parts within your warehouse. Choose conveyors that can handle various product sizes and weights, ensuring smooth order routing and packing processes.

Invest in Packaging Equipment:

Efficient packaging equipment streamlines the final stages of order fulfillment. Consider packaging machines that can handle different box sizes and packaging materials while ensuring the safety of automotive parts during transit.

Prioritize Automation for Heavy Items:

For heavy automotive parts, consider automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or robotic solutions to minimize manual handling and reduce the risk of worker injury.

Regular Maintenance and Upgrades:

Stay proactive in maintaining and upgrading your material handling equipment. Regular assessments ensure that your equipment remains efficient, safe, and competitive.

Selecting the right material handling equipment is a pivotal decision for automotive parts distribution companies. It significantly impacts operational efficiency, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction. By understanding your product diversity, assessing order profiles, optimizing warehouse layout, and investing in advanced technology and automation where necessary, you can ensure that your material handling equipment aligns with the unique challenges and demands of the automotive parts distribution industry. Remain adaptable and forward-thinking in your equipment choices to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving sector.

Top of Form

Look to ABCO Systems Expertise to help guide you to the right solutions

« Older Entries