eBook - Warehouse Solutions (EM21060) - Book - Page 23
Pallet shuttle rack systems are another example
of fixed automation. These semi-automated
deep lane systems utilize an integrated cart to
transport pallets loaded by the lift truck at the
lane entry into the deep lane. They work well
in high-volume SKU applications, helping to
increase productivity by reducing lift truck travel.
PHYSICAL AUTOMATION uses fixed or mobile
automation to automate repetitive tasks and
product movement. This type of automation is
often designed to reduce employee movement,
increase efficiency, improve performance levels
and/or create a more comfortable working
environment.
Conversely, mobile automation works
within existing warehouse infrastructures
to automate manual processes. Examples
include autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and
automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Automated
forklifts, such as Crown’s DualMode forklifts, are
another example. Today’s automated forklifts
can address many processes where a manual
forklift is being used, including horizontal travel
applications such as pallet transport and order
picking or vertical applications such as pallet
putaway and retrieval.
Fixed automation, such as goods-to-person
(GTP) systems, are often semi-permanent
and may even become part of the assumed
infrastructure of a facility. Vertical lift modules
(VLMs) are a good example. These enclosed,
vertical, automated storage and retrieval systems
use trays to store objects and can be an
excellent way to save space and bring products
to the operator to increase order picking
productivity. VLMs are also easy to combine
with other automation systems. For example,
you can pick from the VLM and then move the
product onto a conveyor system for transport to
a shipping area.
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