in layers, it may be a good idea to investigate using a
layer-picking robot coupled with the AS/RS. The
AS/RS can feed the layer-picker when stock is low.
The layer-picker can then replenish its own stock or
create new custom pallets that can be conveyed di-
rectly to outbound lanes and ready to be loaded onto
the truck.
Efficient Labor
The efficiencies gained with an AS/RS allow compa-
nies to operate with fewer workers. These jobs are
notorious for high turnover due to the physical stress
put on his or her body. These employees can transi-
tion into positions like an AS/RS Attendant that can
manage the system and review and resolve any faults
that may happen during a shift. This person should
have experience working with automation and can
be critical to keeping your system maintained and
running at optimal speed.
The saved labor can then be better used for individual
item and case picking. Although robots that do this
type of work are available, this new technology may
be out of budget and human labor is sufficient. These
factors make this a perfect place to have the deci-
sion-making skills and assessment ability of a person
that is not easily thrown off by a misplaced barcode,
uneven cases, or open boxes.
The Right Software
companies in the beverage industry to manage almost
every part of the warehouse. While it may sound great
to install specialized software for each portion you’d
like to manage, it can also create a complicated pro-
cess to integrate. For example, if a new version of one
software system comes out, but the integration cannot
support the upgrade, your software will not have full
functionality. It is a good idea to discuss integration
capabilities and make sure the software solution
you choose is flexible in design. When looking into
WMS software to pair with the AS/RS, the same rules
apply. Choosing an automation company that man-
ages its own software will also help with integrations
as the automation company has a lot of experience
using their WMS and can fully explain its capabili-
ties. A company should also offer a service support
agreement to make sure that your system never goes
legacy. Old software can wreak havoc to your ware-
house; proactively having a plan to keep it up to date
will save you and your employees from lost sleep and
headaches.
Automation, when implemented correctly in a bev-
erage warehouse, can create efficiencies that will save
your company on overall costs. It is important to find
an integrator that will listen to your specific needs in
terms of design, throughput and level of automation,
and design a system best fit for your unique ware-
house. The beverage industry is gaining a reputation
for being leaders of mixing automation with human
labor. Find an integrator early and start making the
right decisions to keep up with the competition.
There is an abundant amount of software available for
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The Satellite Review
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