Oct 17, 2023 | ABCO Systems, AS/RS, Automation, cost reduction, Goods-to-person, order fulfillment, space optimization, Storage, third party logistics
In the world of modern warehousing, the demand for optimized space utilization is a constant challenge. Traditional racking systems have long been the mainstay in the warehousing industry, providing reliable and robust storage solutions. However, as operational demands surge and available space is at a premium, the quest for more space-efficient solutions becomes imperative. High-density storage technologies offer an array of solutions for businesses seeking to maximize their warehousing operations. In this blogpost, we delve deeper into the subject of high-density storage, revealing its potential to revolutionize your processes.
The Dilemma of Space and Efficiency
Efficiency and space utilization are integral elements of warehousing success. High-density storage solutions offer the elusive answer to this space-efficiency conundrum. These innovative systems are meticulously designed to do more than merely expand capacity; they also prioritize accessibility, organization, and efficiency.
Pushback Racking: Dynamic Optimization
Among the unsung heroes of high-density storage is pushback racking. Distinct from traditional pallet racking, pushback systems permit multiple pallets to be stored within a single lane. This dynamic storage system hinges on specially designed carts and rails that facilitate the sliding of pallets into the system as new ones are loaded. It not only optimizes space, but it also significantly enhances accessibility, making it an adaptable choice for high-velocity goods.
Pallet Shuttle Systems: Efficiency Redefined
Pallet shuttle systems represent another hidden gem within high-density storage, offering an efficient and cost-effective way to store large quantities of goods. These systems employ motorized shuttles that transport pallets within deep storage lanes. By eliminating the need for forklifts to enter the storage lanes, shuttle systems save time, reduce labor costs, and dramatically optimize the warehousing operations. These systems are also configurable and customizable, allowing users to tailor them to their specific needs. They can be used in a variety of applications and are designed to be compatible with existing racking and shelving, making them an ideal solution for those looking to upgrade their existing storage solutions.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Solutions: Precision in Cramped Quarters
For situations where every inch of space is critical, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) solutions provide an answer. These systems, coupled with specialized turret forklifts, function in aisles that are substantially narrower than those required by traditional racking systems. VNA designs make optimal use of vertical space while ensuring that each pallet position remains easily accessible. They represent the ultimate choice for those seeking to optimize storage within tight confines and make the most out of the available warehouse square footage.
Automated Retrieval: The Fusion of Precision and Speed
To harness the full potential of high-density storage, automation is the key. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) work seamlessly with high-density storage solutions, delivering unparalleled precision and speed. These systems transport products directly to operators, eliminating the need for manual retrieval. AS/RS systems are highly efficient and reliable, allowing for rapid product movement and provide the ability to respond to orders faster and in a more cost-effective way.
The automation of storage and retrieval processes also offers distinct advantages when it comes to inventory management. Automation means that products can be tracked extremely accurately as they move through the warehouse, providing real-time visibility into inventory levels. This allows companies to react quickly to changes in demand, ensuring that they always have the right amount of stock on hand, while achieving unparalleled accuracy and speed when handling the inventory.
The Route to Space Optimization
High-density storage solutions can be your gateway to space optimization and heightened efficiency. By embracing these innovative systems, you open the door to a more organized, streamlined, and cost-effective warehousing operation. Here are several tips to set you on the path:
Assess Your Needs: Commence by evaluating your current storage requirements and the constraints of your warehousing space. This initial step will help you ascertain the specific high-density solution that best aligns with your demands.
Seek Expert Guidance: High-density storage is not a one-size-fits-all remedy. Collaborate with experts who possess a comprehensive understanding of your industry and its unique challenges. Their expertise can be invaluable in designing a tailored solution.
Plan for Growth: Ensure that the high-density solution you choose can accommodate your projected growth. High-density storage represents an investment in your future, one that should be scalable to meet your evolving needs.
Invest in Employee Training: Implement comprehensive training programs to ensure that your employees are well-versed in the new system. Proper training will result in safer and more efficient operations.
Establish a Maintenance Routine: High-density storage solutions, like any other machinery, necessitate regular maintenance. Develop a schedule for routine maintenance to ensure your system operates at its optimal performance level.
The potential for more efficient, organized, and space-optimized warehousing operations is within reach. By partnering with ABCO, you can explore a world beyond traditional racking and position your business for growth and success even in the challenging landscape of economic uncertainty. Reach out to us today to get started!
Sep 27, 2023 | 3PL, ABCO Systems, AGV, AMR, Automation, Conveyor, E-commerce, order fulfillment, Sortation, third party logistics
In the world of order fulfillment, precision and speed are paramount. Every second counts, and every error can be costly. That’s where cutting-edge Pick Modules come into play, revolutionizing the way businesses handle their picking operations. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Pick Modules, unveiling how they streamline order picking, increase efficiency, and make the entire process painless.
The Pick Module Advantage
Pick Modules are multi-tiered systems designed to optimize order picking in warehouses. They are carefully engineered to maximize both vertical and horizontal space, creating a highly organized environment where items are readily accessible. Let’s explore how they elevate order fulfillment:
1. Vertical Optimization: In warehousing, vertical space is often underutilized. Pick Modules change the game by stacking inventory vertically while maintaining accessibility. This vertical optimization drastically increases storage capacity, making it possible to store more SKUs in a smaller footprint. This is achieved through the clever integration of conveyors that efficiently transport items to different tiers, effectively utilizing every available inch of space.
2. Speed and Efficiency: Pick Modules are strategically designed to minimize travel time for pickers. Products are stored in a way that ensures fast and efficient retrieval. Conveyors, pick-to-light technology, and pick walls work in harmony within these modules. Conveyors seamlessly transport items to the picker, while pick-to-light systems guide them to the precise location of the required products. Pick walls, equipped with compartments and technology, further aid in streamlining the process. These technologies collectively reduce the distances pickers need to traverse, order fulfillment speeds skyrocket, enabling you to process more orders in less time.
3. Customization: One of the most significant advantages of Pick Modules is their adaptability. They can be tailored to match the specific needs of your products and order profiles. Whether you’re dealing with small, fast-moving items or larger, slower-moving goods, Pick Modules can be configured to accommodate them all. This customization extends to the integration of Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for tasks such as material transport, ensuring a seamless flow of items within the module.
4. Scalability: As your business grows, so does the demand for efficient order fulfillment. Pick Modules are inherently scalable, allowing you to expand your picking capacity without needing to relocate or rebuild your warehouse. This flexibility ensures your operation can evolve with market demands. AGVs, in particular, are a versatile addition, capable of adapting to changing workloads and efficiently moving products in and out of the module.
5. Improved Accuracy: Inaccurate picking can lead to costly errors. Pick Modules are designed to enhance picking accuracy. Products are organized logically, and pickers are guided to the correct locations through technologies such as pick-to-light. This reduction in human error ensures that the right products are selected, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
6. Ergonomics and Safety: Employee safety is paramount. Pick Modules are often equipped with features like ergonomic workstations and safety measures, reducing the risk of accidents and minimizing strain on workers. This extends to the collaboration between pickers and AMRs or AGVs, where safety systems are implemented to ensure smooth interactions.
The Future of Order Fulfillment
In an era where customers expect swift and error-free deliveries, Pick Modules have emerged as a game-changer for order fulfillment. These systems seamlessly blend advanced technology such as conveyors, pick-to-light systems, pick walls, AMRs, and AGVs with vertical optimization and customization to create a painless, efficient, and future-proof picking process.
By investing in cutting-edge Pick Modules equipped with these technologies, businesses are not only meeting the challenges of today but also preparing for the demands of tomorrow. Contact us today to explore possibilities to get a well-designed Pick Module system in place. By working with us, you’ll not only enhance the speed and accuracy of your order fulfillment but also pave the way for satisfied customers and continued growth.
May 9, 2023 | 3PL, Garment-on-Hanger, GOH, Sortation, Storage, Systems Integrator, third party logistics
Warehouse and supply chain management can be a complicated process that requires streamlined operations to ensure smooth functioning. Every aspect of warehousing, such as sorting, picking, packing, and shipping, must be planned meticulously to meet the customer’s requirements and satisfy their preferences. When it comes to the garment industry, where multiple SKUs and sizes need to be managed under different brands, a proper sorting system is paramount. With over 50 years of experience in garment-on-hanger solutions, we have seen both the challenges and the advantages that can be presented. This blog post will discuss the garment-on-hanger sortation system, its advantages, and how it can be implemented to maximize efficiency and save costs.
What is a Garment On Hanger Sortation System?
A Garment On Hanger (GOH) sortation system is an automated method of sorting, storing, and transporting garments. The system uses specialized equipment, such as overhead rail systems, conveyors, and sorters, to handle different types of clothes, hangers, and packaging. GOH systems increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and offer higher efficiency compared to traditional garment handling methods.
Advantages of a GOH Sortation System
Increased efficiency – The GOH sortation system is an automated process that can handle a high volume of garments quickly and efficiently. The system can sort, store, and transport the garments in a structured manner, eliminating chances of error and reducing handling time.
Better inventory management – The GOH system offers precise tracking and monitoring of garments, which helps the management team maintain an accurate inventory count. The system can also store garments in a designated location, making it easier for the team to locate and pick the desired garment quickly.
Higher storage capacity – With a GOH sorting system, there is less risk of damage and wastage of clothing, ensuring that the garments remain in good condition for longer. The system also offers higher storage capacity than conventional garment sorting methods, making it ideal for warehouses with limited space.
Sustainable operations – GOH systems help reduce the use of packaging materials, such as boxes and plastic bags, which contribute to environmental pollution. The system also offers more sustainable operations by increasing the lifespan of clothing, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting a circular economy.
Implementation of a GOH Sortation System
Implementing the GOH sortation system requires proper planning, assessment, and execution. Here are some steps to consider when implementing the system:
- Assessment of the warehouse layout – warehouses should have adequate space with overhead rails and conveyor systems to ensure the system can function effectively. It is advisable to conduct a feasibility study to identify the ideal areas where the system can be installed.
- Integration of the system – the GOH sortation system should integrate with existing warehouse management systems to ensure seamless operations. This will require software development and hardware installation to ensure that the system can integrate into the existing environment.
- Training and support – with any new technology implementation, there is often a need for training and support for the warehouse teams. The teams will need to understand how the system works, how to operate the equipment, and how to maintain it.
ABCO Systems is a premier provider of GOH sortation and storage solutions. We have been installing GOH solutions for numerous apparel brands for over 50 years and bring this experience to all customers to provide the best solution to meet each customer’s unique needs.
For more information on ABCO’s GOH solutions
ABCO GOH Solutions
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Garment on Hanger (GOH) sortation system is an automated method of sorting, storing, and transporting garments, increasing productivity and reducing labor costs.
- Benefits of the system include increased efficiency, better inventory management, higher storage capacity, and sustainable operations.
- Implementation of the GOH sortation system requires assessment of the warehouse layout, integration with existing systems, and training for the warehouse team.
- Integrating a GOH sortation system can help maximize efficiency and save costs in garment warehouses.
May 20, 2022 | 3PL, ABCO Systems, COVID-19, E-commerce, order fulfillment, Supply Chain, third party logistics
The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in major changes in many aspects of our lives. In addition to the health concerns of the pandemic, many brands have experienced the impact of COVID 19 on their brands, the industry, and eCommerce overall.
Since the onset of the pandemic, many physical stores have closed doors, as lockdowns kept many potential shoppers quarantined at home. To obtain essential items, consumers turned to online shopping. According to data from IBM’s U.S. Retail Index, the pandemic accelerated the pivot from physical stores to digital shopping by roughly five years.
Understanding emerging eCommerce trends has always been important to long-term business success online but has become much more prevalent in the wake of COVID’s unparalleled disruption of all things eCommerce.
Unfortunately, it appears as though COVID still isn’t behind us just yet. Though life may have begun to return to normal, the lasting effects of the pandemic have become the new normal. Looking back at how COVID affected businesses can help us better appreciate why it’s so important to pay attention to eCommerce trends. Should disruptions to everyday life return, this understanding can prepare us for a second round.
Back in 2019, we had no idea what the following year would bring us, but there were people in the eCommerce world who had considered the trends that might emerge. Let’s take a look back at what the state of eCommerce looked like before COVID hit.
Back in 2019, the Amazon Effect was as powerful as ever. Online retailers around the globe felt the pressure to keep pace with the many ways Amazon continued to grow its revenue. Amazon invested billions into offering 1-day shipping to its Prime members at no extra cost. This was after two-day shipping for Prime members helped it rule eCommerce since that offering was implemented back in 2005.
Amazon’s shipping times were already a massive competitive edge, so making them even faster was big news. Not surprisingly, two of Amazon’s biggest competitors, Target and Walmart, countered with similar one-day shipping plans soon after this news was announced.
In hindsight, these developments could not have come at a better time, as many of us would soon depend on these shipping plans once our usual in-person shopping was no longer possible.
Another trend that picked up steam in 2019 – and also just in time for impending lockdowns – was BOPIS (Buy online, pick up in-store). With BOPIS, customers can shop online, make their purchases online, and then go pick up those items without having to troll the aisles and wait in line to check out. The genius of BOPIS is that any local retailer can offer the service. All they need is a website and an in-store pickup extension to convert customers who want their products right away.
Many grocery stores took this a step further and offered curbside pickup, making it even easier for customers to buy from them. On the other hand, many digital brands realized the potential for having a brick-and-mortar presence as well, prior to the global pandemic. Many of these online companies tested the concept with popup shops, while others jumped right in with legitimate brick-and-mortar stores.
By the end of 2019, there were more than 1,700 stores owned by digital brands all over the country. But once again, this is the kind of business decision that no longer needs to be complicated or expensive.
The first step is to understand how eCommerce can increase efficiency and productivity in your business while also reducing costs. ABCO Systems has years of expertise in the design and development of eCommerce solutions that can make your eCommerce goals to happen. You know your product – we know distribution design. Let us help you bring your product to the eCommerce market.
Mar 29, 2022 | 3PL, ABCO Systems, Announcements, Automation, E-commerce, New Warehouse, order fulfillment, Storage, Supply Chain, third party logistics, Uncategorized
ABCO Systems offers design engineering expertise to provide custom solutions for material handling and distribution system design for their customers. This requires a team of professionals who understand the intricacies of the modern-day distribution center, and the right strategic partners to meet and exceed the goals of our customers.
We are excited to highlight our partnership with Fetch Robotics, a pioneer of on-demand automation. Intelligent automation can be the workforce multiplier needed to accelerate throughput and productivity. Automation reduces congestion in aisles, limiting interactions between workers and potentially hazardous heavy loads and equipment, enhancing safety as well as performance and productivity.
Being able to incorporate Fetch Robotics into our design engineering allows us to provide both innovation and resilience to personalize each design to the unique needs of the customer.
To learn more about ABCO Systems Solutions with Fetch Robotics, contact us at 201-429-0580 or at [email protected]. We look forward to providing you with your custom design solution with a unique blend of efficiency and resilience.
ABCO Systems – Solutions engineered for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Jul 21, 2021 | 3PL, Announcements, E-commerce, New Warehouse, order fulfillment, Storage, Supply Chain, third party logistics
It’s official! ABCO Systems is proud to announce that we are teaming up with Vidir Solutions to bring their storage solutions to our customers! This partnership combines Vidir Solutions’ world-class storage solutions, which can optimize your storage footprint significantly, with ABCO Systems’ unparalleled customer service and proven engineering and implementation capabilities, and we can’t wait to take our customers’ warehouses to the next level! For a storage solution that will guarantee great quality and safety, while increasing your overall productivity and storage footprint – give us a call today and see why the best trust Vidir Solutions and ABCO Systems!
More about Vidir Solutions: One of the most trusted storage solutions companies in the world, Vidir Solutions provides industrial and specialty carousels to many Fortune 500 companies in over 30 different countries worldwide! Vidir manufactures merchandising carousels and display fixtures that store and dispense rolled products, such as carpeting and sheet vinyl, as well as other non-rolled products such as tires, clothing, industrial parts and more. Visit the flooring department of your local Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Menards store and the various carpet and vinyl you’ll see on display are stored on a Vidir Carousel. Learn more about the exciting array of product offerings here.
More about ABCO Systems: As your material handling system partner, we are committed to bettering your business. We provide a wide range of solutions from e-commerce to full-fledged automated warehouse design and implementation.
To learn more about ABCO Systems and Vidir Solutions contact us at 201-429-0580 or [email protected]. We look forward to helping you maximize your space and improve your business practices with the material handling solutions that work the best for you.
