6 Benefits of AS/RS systems

6 Benefits of AS/RS systems

An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS or AS/RS) constitutes a diverse range of computer-controlled systems for automatically allocating and retrieving loads from designated storage locations. They are designed to maximise storage and picking processes for greater efficiencies.

AS/RS technology is vastly used in warehouses and distribution centres for material movement and inventory management purposes. These systems are typically used in automotive, consumer goods, cold storage, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, fashion, manufacturing, and e-commerce applications.

These systems can maximise efficiency, productivity and storage ,However It is important for you to know, what contributions does AS/RS make towards improving operations? What are the benefits of automated storage and retrieval systems over conventional rack and shelving?… Dive in and Let us know more of it in this blog.

Benefits of AS/RS:

Better Floor Space utilisation

Shelving and proper classification of items are important in warehouses and distribution centres. Raw materials, incomplete and finished goods inventories are required to be replenished consistently to keep processes running without interruption. Warehouses and distribution centres rely on efficient utilisation of space to ensure a healthy bottom line.

Most ASRS solutions need narrower aisles in comparison to facilities that need adequate aisle space for the human workforce and tools such as forklifts to pass through, often with traffic coming from both sides. Narrower aisles allow greater storage space for materials and goods, enabling warehouses and distribution centres to store more products without the need for expanding the facility. Facilities can also make smart use of vertical space, as automated storage and retrieval systems can easily reach higher storage locations compared to human workers.

Overcoming labour Shortage and Inflations

AS/RS or ASRS units transfer the required item directly to the operator following the “goods-to-person” concept, drastically decreasing operator search and walk time. Usually, workers must travel miles during a shift and that ends up wasting a lot of time. On the other hand, when you have AS/RS technology by your side, the workers can stay back within the assigned work area and the machines transfer goods to the operators based on the requirements. Pick-to-light illuminates the location of the items and picks the required quantity, reducing the operator time spent looking for a particular item.

Improved picking accuracy

Each step within the process of picking creates room for human error. The more work is dependent on human efforts, the greater the possibility of error.

For high pick accuracy, Addverb’s Mother-child ASRS integrates with several light-directed picking technologies and integrated messaging centres which send pick information to the operator. Together, these systems locate the exact location of the item to be picked within the carrier, display the part number or description, direct pickup (or storage for replenishment), and provide the desired quantity. These visual picking aids improve accuracy and decrease picking errors by up to 99.9%.

Increased Throughput

In operations that are carried out manually, pickers often manage to fill just one order at a time. ASRS technologies can improve these numbers considerably due to their accuracy and fast nature and removes search time of a labour, increasing the throughput by 3-5 times. Combining pick-to-light systems that guide the operator to the destination location of the pick also contributes to increasing the throughput rates.

Precise Inventory Control

AS/RS solutions keep inventory within a completely enclosed system, offering secure, safe, and controlled inventory management. The system can be programmed to allow only authorised personnel access to stored inventory through a password. This facilitates tracking of missed or misplaced goods. This advanced level of security removes inventory shrinking and its undesirable impact on the bottom line.

Moreover, products are housed in a clean and protected environment. Not only does this help in increasing their useful life but also decreases the amount of components or items that must be discarded due to damage.

Enhanced ergonomics

Every item kept in an ASRS can be delivered to the user in the “Golden Zone,” which is the height between the user’s shoulder and knees. Items are displayed on shelves, trays, or bins that are within easy reach, minimising the need to bend or stretch over to get something that is stored too low or too high, respectively. To obtain this ergonomic benefit with some AS/RS machines, a raised table could be required. As a result, there is a significantly lower chances of worker accidents, absenteeism, insurance costs, and worker’s compensation claims.