The key to determining the right level of automation for the typical conventional warehouse is to apply it to those processes that are not adding value. According to viastore Systems’ Myles Harmon, warehouse automation is often expensive and complex. Harmon noted that automating a warehouse breaks down into four levels of increasing sophistication and investment.
Level 1 usually begins with a conventional picking with process improvements delivered via warehouse management system (WMS), order picking system such as radio-frequency (RF) or voice-directed picking, and/or a labor management system (LMS).
Level 2 involves mechanized solutions that automate horizontal movement and reduce non-value added activities (like walking), such as conveyor, pick modules, stretch wrap applicators, label print-and-apply, and layer picking equipment.
Level 3 often includes semi-automated equipment that improves storage efficiency and further minimizes travel and manual handling with storage carousels, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), conveyor and sortation, and warehouse control software (WCS) to direct equipment operation in line with the WMS.
Level 4 is a fully automated, high-speed greenfield installation that includes a combination of high-density AS/RS, extensive conveyor and sortation, automated layer picking, case palletizing, WCS and WMS.
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About viastore Systems, Inc.
For over 40 years, viastore Systems, Inc. (http://bit.ly/1PxYifB) has been a leading international provider of automated material handling solutions including AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval systems), conveyor and shuttle systems, warehouse management systems software, material flow and process controls, and integrated SAP logistics solutions. The company employs over 470 people worldwide and has annual sales of over $140 Million.
viastore’s focus is on consulting and planning, together with the implementation and constant improvement of intralogistics solutions with locations in Germany, USA, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Russia, China, Croatia, Turkey, Poland, Israel, Ukraine, Sweden, and Brazil. viastore, with North American headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI, is an integrated and certified partner for all major ERP system database and operating system suppliers such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft. viastore earned a return spot on Food Logistics’ 2015 FL100+ list of software and technology providers whose products and solutions are key to the global food supply chain. viastore is a proud member of MHI.
Media Contact
Company Name: Viastore Systems Inc.
Contact Person: John Clark
Email: press@viastore.com
Phone: 616-977-3950
Address:4890 Kendrick Street SE
City: Grand Rapids
State: MI
Country: United States
Website: www.us.viastore.com