Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (ASRS) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector.
An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) is a combination of equipment and controls that handle, store and retrieve materials as needed with precision, accuracy and speed under a defined degree of automation. Systems vary from relatively simple, manually controlled order-picking machines operating in small storage structures to extremely large, computer-controlled storage/retrieval systems totally integrated into a manufacturing and distribution process.
Generically speaking, AS/RS refers to a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically depositing and retrieving loads to and from defined storage locations. Within an AS/RS environment one would find one or more of the following technologies: Horizontal Carousels, Vertical Carousels, Vertical Lift Modules, and/or Fixed Aisle (F/A) Storage and Retrieval Systems, the latter utilizing special storage retrieval machines to do the work needed to insert, extract and deliver loads to designated input/output locations within the aisles being served.
The right application of AS/RS provides a long list of user benefits! It has been demonstrated time and time again that Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are proven technologies capable of effectively and reliably handling and buffering raw materials, work-in-process inventories and finished goods of all kinds, making it possible to totally integrate material handling storage, however temporary, into the total process being served.
AS/RS is a member driven organization. Member companies of the product section meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage / Retrieval Systems. The objectives of the product section involve promotion of these manufacturers, the users and the public generally regarding AS/RS and the component elements thereof through:
- The development and promotion of standard nomenclature;
- Assisting and coordinating the efforts of related trade associations and product sections of MHI as applicable to automated storage/retrieval systems and component elements;
- The preparation and distribution of promotional and educational materials;
- The establishment of liaison and cooperation with private and governmental entities establishing standards and/or safety codes that may be pertinent to this Product Section and Working Groups; and
- The collection and dissemination of reliable industry statistics.
AS/RS has two Working groups: Fixed Aisle (F/A) and Carousel/Vertical Lift Modules (C/VLM). Click here to view our members.
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MH24.1: Safety Standard for Horizontal Carousel
Material Handling and Associated
Equipment This newest standard, approved January 15, 2005, for horizontal carousels, was developed by the Carousel and Vertical Lift Module (C/VLM) Working Group of the AS/RS Product Section following the ANSI Public Canvass method. |
| B30.13 - 2003:
Storage/Retrieval (S/R) Machines and
Associated Equipment This AS/RS safety standard published in 2003 deals solely with the Crane and Aisle (C/A) technology for automatic storage and retrieval. This standard, also following the ANSI Public Canvass method, was developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). |
The documents below can be used in conjunction with our usage requirements.
| Strategies to Optimize Distribution Center Business Results via Automation Projects Sponsored by Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) Group DC managers, accustomed to doing more without more resources, also face a host of strategic challenges that must be met to achieve measureable progress against corporate social responsibility goals and regulatory compliance. This session will help attendees (with or without automated fulfillment systems) understand how automation projects have achieved desired business results by improving cost, safety, throughput, profitability, use of space, traceability, reliability, productivity, regulatory compliance and energy consumption. This session will review case studies of automation projects from AS/RS modernizations to new systems using technology. Attendess will learn the process, tools, and best practices used to design or modernize automated material handling systems for optimal performance that meets the needs of business, the employees, the environment and the customers. |
| Six Steps to Optimizing Order Fulfillment Sponsored by Kardex Remstar From pallet picking to case picking and piece picking, order fulfillment can be an overwhelming task. In this seminar, we will review six steps to streamline and optimize your order fulfillment processes. Categorizing your inventory, matching it with the best storage technology and selecting the right order fulfillment method is the foundation of successful ofer picking. We'll also review some real world examples of how other customers have optimized their order fulfillment processes. |
| Safeguard Your Production Investment by Optimizing Your MRO Sponsored by Kardex Remstar With competitors appearing overnight and consumers demanding more choices with faster delivery, manufacturers have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in automating their production capabilities. In this seminar we will discuss the necessity of protecting that investment by minimizing production downtime and the importance of a reliable maintenance and repair operation (MRO). Every minute a machine is down is a minute of production time that cannot be recovered. The ability to react quickly to repair the machine and minimize downtime can have a major impact on your bottom line. |
| Automation: Low Risk & Low Cost Order Picking Systems Designed For Efficiency, Reliability and Productivity Sponsored by Sapient Automation Single piece/split case order fulfillment can be the most resource consuming activity in a warehouse. The ability to automate order picking regardless of the size of your operation is essential to your customers and management. We will discuss how implementing simple automated technologies today provides labor reduction, space savings, up to 550 lines/hr, flexible/scalable by the hour, 100% ergonomic and a fast Return On Investment. |
| Solving the Piece Picking Challenge with Award Winning New Technology Sponsored by Swisslog Logistics Inc. Evolving market trends in the retail industry which are driving changes in order fulfillment will be reviewed. Impacts on the distribution center are significant and are causing both storage and picking efficiency issues due to reduced order quantities driven by SKU proliferation and shorter product life cycles. New technology that can provide a solution to both the storage and piece picking challenges will be presented along with a case study of an actual implementation. |
| Batch Pick Your Way to Higher Productivity - 5 Methods to Get the Most Out of Your Picking Operation Sponsored by System Logistics Corp. One of the most effective strategy for improving productivity is batching orders together for fulfillment. From simply grouping orders together in a conventional pick-and-go or man-to-goods warehouse, to combining batch picking with automated goods-to-man delivery solutions, batch picking approaches can drive productivity to truly unexpected heights. In this seminar attendees will review multiple concepts for developing batch picking environments as well as applicable technologies that can enable them to be highly productive. Here you will learn more about work area design, work direction technologies, enabling technologies such as flow rack, carousels or ASRS and new solutions designs for goods-to-man delivery solutions. This session will synthesize both theory and practical knowledge of technologies to help attendees increase their understanding of a tried and true approach to order fulfillment and order picking. |
| Well Beyond the Four Walls - Material Handling Automation's Impact to the Total Supply Chain Sponsored by TGW Systems While material handling automation solutions typically focus within the four walls of distribution, the impact of the solution extends well beyond to effect tracking, labor and store shipments. |
Upcoming Meetings
AS/RS Managing Executive
Gary Forger
gforger[at]mhi[dot]org
704-676-1190
Leadership
Chair
Brad Moore
Swisslog Logistics, Inc.
Vice Chairman
Colman Roche
Sapient Automation