The Satellite Review Magazine The Satellite Review Magazine Vol 3 | Page 20

FEATURE STORY

A robust and robotic
combination

AS/RS&

AUTOMATED LAYER
PICKING SYSTEMS
By Jon Schultz

VP of New Business Development,
Westfalia Technologies, Inc.

and

By Derek Rickard

Distribution Systems Manager,
Cimcorp

T

oday, a growing number of organizations are turning to automation and robotics to
improve operations and cut costs. In fact, the 2016 MHI Annual Industry Report ranks
robotics and automation as the top emerging technologies that will “transform and/or
disrupt” the supply chain over the next decade.

As automation technology continues to rise, so do the challenges and
complexities of running an efficient
warehouse. A few of these challenges
include:
• The growing number of SKUs
• Warehouses have limited space for
storing and staging orders
• Labor availability
Warehouses can overcome these
challenges and set themselves up for
greater overall efficiency by implementing an automated layer picking
system integrated with an automated
storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).
While both solutions offer their own
set of benefits, you can maximize their
value by using them in tandem.

AS/RS and Layer Pick
Systems: A Powerful
Combination
When seamlessly integrated, an AS/RS
and layer picking system create a
powerful combination. But, before
exploring the benefits of integration,

you must first understand each of the
technologies, their features and functionalities.
Automated Storage and
Retrieval Systems

Using a combination of robotics,
equipment and controls, an AS/RS
optimally stores, retrieves and handles
goods within a warehouse. An AS/RS
comprises the following: a rack system
to store product, a storage and retrieval
machine (S/RM) or crane that runs
on a floor rail, a load-handling device/
shuttle to move product from the crane
to the rack location, and a conveyor
system to move goods to and from the
AS/RS and dock areas. When fulfilling
orders, the system rapidly brings products close to the shelves and the S/RM
ensures that the picker has product
available in the right position at the
right time.
Automated Layer Picking
Systems
Automated layer picking systems can

www. WestfaliaUSA.com

pick a near limitless variety of products, access a large volume of inventory with a single machine and create
orders in any sequence. A unique
aspect of the solution is the ability to
pick up one layer, multiple layers and
even entire pallet loads of product to
build rainbow pallets.
Additionally, a layer pick system can
pick a single product or SKU from any
location within any stack in minimal
time. The system includes a robot,
which combines a clamping tool and
a large gantry that travels on two rails.
Underneath the gantry is a staging area
with a pallet of every SKU the company offers. The AS/RS will automatically
replenish the layer picking system with
inventory pallets. The layer pick then
picks and palletizes the product in
layers to be sent to the customer.
Not every industry has the opportunity
to layer pick. Layer pick systems are
ideal for warehouses and distribution
centers that move more than 1,000
layers per day with 50 to 500 SKUs
picked in layer form. Automated layer

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