Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, or ASRS, are becoming a new face in warehousing businesses. The use of ASRS in storage and retrieval is highly efficient, precise, and easily expandable. Here, you will be informed on how superior ASRS is compared to other systems, the potential application of ASRS, and some things to consider when applying it.
What is ASRS?
ASRS, or Automated Storage and Retrieval System, refers to a computerized system for storing and picking loads at particular positions. These systems are intended to increase the storage capacity of warehouses and minimize the amount of work carried out manually. ASRS can accommodate palletized, tote, and unitized forms of material and is thus suitable for many industries.
Benefits of ASRS
- Increased Efficiency
Another advantage that ASRS provides is an increase in the overall productivity of flight operations. ASRS is a system that eliminates the time and the human force exerted in moving and shelving the stocks by automating the storage and retrieval processes. This results in increased efficiency and increased output, so warehouses can process more volumes without necessarily hiring more workers.
- Enhanced Accuracy
It is important to add that ASRS systems are developed with high accuracy. He uses modern sensors and computers to determine the correct positioning and collection of goods and articles. This accuracy reduces major problems like wrong stocking and dispatching of stocks, customer dissatisfaction, and costs associated with returns and corrections.
- Space Optimization
Another benefit of ASRS is optimizing storage space. These systems enable the storage of many items due to the use of vertical space and small aisles. Efficient use of facility space is economical since it allows the storage of inventories in a compact manner, thus reducing the size of the warehouse required.
- Improved Safety
ASRS also supports workplace safety by minimizing the likelihood of employees moving heavy or large items manually. This reduces physical human handling and, consequently, the chances of getting injured when lifting, carrying, and moving goods. Also, ASRS can be used in conditions that might be dangerous for the employee and inconvenient for carrying out his/her functions, such as low temperatures and high actual heights of shelves.
Applications of ASRS
ASRS technology is versatile and can be applied across various industries. Here are some key applications:
- Manufacturing
In manufacturing, ASRS can reduce the cycle of supply chain operation by optimally storing and retrieving raw materials and products. This automation enables easy access to materials in the production processes, thus eliminating extended time wastage.
- E-commerce and Retail
ASRS is especially advantageous for the e-commerce and retail industries. These systems are used to quickly pick orders from storage space and pack goods for dispatch. This means that when the number of orders increases, which could be the case during holidays, for instance, ASRS can deliver goods to customers as required.
- Pharmaceuticals
ASRS is most effective in the pharmaceutical industry since it is very sensitive and accurate. Technology makes it easy for drugs and other medical equipment to be put in their proper places and also to be fetched easily to avoid complications.
Choosing the Right ASRS Solution
When considering the implementation of ASRS in your warehouse, several factors should be evaluated to ensure you select the best system for your needs:
- System Compatibility
Confirm that the ASRS of your choice is integrated with your current WMS and other automation tools. It is crucial that your system easily interfaces with others to reap the most advantages of automation and not harm your business.
- Load Handling Capabilities
It is important to remember that ASRS solutions are created for different types of loads. Take time to analyze what loads your business deals with, whether they are pallet jack-friendly or if the storage system is capable of handling totes or individual products.
- Vendor Support
Vendor support is another important factor for the effective implementation and sustenance of ASRS. Select a vendor with a good performance history, quality services, and quality technical support whenever complaints are made.
Conclusion
ASRS technology is slowly becoming a game changer in the management of warehouses by improving efficiency, accuracy, and use of space. ASRS provides a wide range of advantages since both storage and retrieval processes are fully or partly automated and include the following types of facilities: suitability of the system, capacity and capability of the load, and source of the vendor are critical factors to assess when one is contemplating on integrating an ASRS on the organization’s system.
