A Basic Overview of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems and Their Usefulness

An automated storage and retrieval system is a set of computerized systems that are used to both store items in specific locations and to retrieve these items when needed. Unlike manual storage and retrieval systems which involve human labor to store and retrieve items, automated systems are entirely automated and don’t need explicit human involvement.

ASRS is used in the following cases:

• Highly accurate retrieval systems where there can be basically no margin for error
• To save space and store more items in the least space possible.
•  High volume warehouses where a lot of orders are processed each day.
•  Fast processing of orders where speed is paramount. 

There are many types of automated storage and retrieval systems, as many manufacturers offer custom configurations for clients as per demands. However, ASRS can be roughly categorized into two types: Vertical lift modules and Horizontal lift modules.

Vertical Lift Modules

Vertical lift modules prioritize height above, as they are stacked up high rather than occupying floor space like horizontal lift modules do. They are common sights in warehouses with very high roofs. They can be kept in collections of two or more, which can be connected together to work simultaneously. VLM has a central computer that has all the data about items and storage bins in that particular location. When the data is entered, a machine arm moves to the desired tray picks the item up and brings it down to the delivery point. The main difference of the vertical module is that the storage bins are non-movable, and an arm transfers the goods to and from the bins.

Horizontal Lift Modules

HLMs are more widespread in an area and occupy more space than VLMs. Unlike VLMs, horizontal modules have movable racks, and they rotate the entire arrangement into place for pickup. They don’t have any mechanical arm and rotate the entire shelf arrangement around a central carousel that is usually oval-shaped, and sometimes circular or rectangular. They are more prominent in small to medium warehouses, which have a somewhat lower volume of orders to process.

Lift modules are modern must-have machines for any kind of warehouse that deals exclusively in storage and delivery business, for ASRS make it very easy for businesses to propel their work into new heights while saving labor costs, space and improving accuracy by a huge margin.