May 2024
seen in pallet automation is broken bottom (Cont'd on P boards on a pallet. Broken bottom boards can create faults in many different areas of automation, such as preventing the ability to convey a pallet or impeding a pallet from being stored and retrieved safely and reliably.”
Reed echoed the importance of consistent quality. “Automated systems love consistency,” he commented. “Pallet and load quality issues are the top reasons for faults within automated systems, which can create issues both during commissioning and once a system is fully up and running. Broken top and bottom boards, along with pallet deflection, cause the most faults, as the automated systems are either unable to convey the pallet or retrieve it once it is in storage.”
Excessive pallet deflection can also disrupt operations in systems. Nevenhoven noted: “As many pallet storage systems support pallets on two rails, the deflection of a pallet in storage is an important consideration; pallets that deflect too significantly are often unusable in automation as the deflection may cause interference with the load handling device used by the storage system.”
The Importance of Pallet Inspection
Because of pallet quality constraints, inspecting pallets being inducted into automated systems can play a critical role. “The inspection process – both manual and automated – is very integral to AS/RS systems running properly and helps eliminate or minimize pallet quality issues,” Reed stated.
“Manual inspections involve training operators to inspect the pallets visually before they are dropped off at system entry points,” he expained. “Are there broken boards? Plastic wrap hanging from the pallet? Nails sticking out? Is the pallet sagging in the middle? These are some of the issues that can be spotted upfront.
“For automated inspections, pallets pass through a dimensioning area and scale to confirm they fit the specifications for which the system was designed (i.e., length, width, height of the loads, weight) and spot things like leaning product. Technologies that scan bottom boards and physically test the strength of the pallet should also be included to help eliminate pallet quality issues.”
“Many precautions are taken through automation to identify the presence of broken boards and situations in which the pallet is leaning or the load has shifted,” added Nevenhoven. “When the quality and consistency of pallets cannot be controlled, the use of system pallets or system boards is often the best way to provide a safe and reliable pallet storage system.”
The Importance of a Strong Partnership with Your Pallet Supplier
Finally, Reed stressed the importance of having a strong relationship between pallet supplier and pallet buyers when it comes to automation. Having a knowledgeable pallet provider who understands the nuances of what will work and what won't work in automated systems is crucial.
“Having a great pallet supplier is key to pallet quality, and there are lots of them out in the market,” Reed concluded.
WPM