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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. Mission: Deliver member value by collectively and collaboratively growing and supporting the Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems market. Vision: To be recognized as the independent authority on Automated Storage/Retrieval System solutions and technologies. The Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems Industry Group is a member-driven organization. Members meet regularly to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently through: Contribution to the development and promotion of standards and safety codes Delivery of market intelligence through the collection of statistics and other activities. Preparation and distribution of promotional and educational materials on key features, advantages and benefits of AS/RS for customers. Developing safe-harbor relationships through networking and collaboration. 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 Robotic Storage Retrieval Systems (RSR), 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. The AS/RS Industry Group is a member-driven organization. Members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage/ Retrieval Systems, and to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently 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 The collection and dissemination of reliable industry statistics.
Conveyco Technologies is one of the nation’s leading integrator providing the RightFIT order fulfillment, distribution center and warehouse solutions. We provide solutions utilizing our RightFIT methodology in customer applications, zones, green and brown field systems to help assure immediate and long-term success. Solutions and systems include order fulfillment and sortation, palletizing, AS/RS, automated case handling, a comprehensive line of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic picking, dispensing, AGV, WES, WMS and WCS software plus consulting and integration services.
Quicktron Robotics automates intralogistics using intelligent robots. Our Goods-to-Person, Picking, Order Fulfillment, and Material Handling solutions, equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software, optimize autonomous handling of goods in warehouses and factory floors. Eliminate manual tasks such as box-stacking, order picking, storage, and pallet-moving. Our technology liberates the workforce from mundane activities, allowing them to concentrate on value-added initiatives for genuine growth. With 25,000+ robots operating globally, Quicktron is the trusted efficiency partner for businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2014, Quicktron has established itself as a leader in the field of intralogistics automation with over. We employ 600+ people worldwide and invest 60% of our budget in R&D, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. This dedication translates into industry-specific solutions that tackle not just today's supply chain challenges, but also those of tomorrow.
BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH is an innovative manufacturer of storage and material handling solutions. As one of the few full line suppliers in this field, BITO provides shelving & racking, bins & containers, order picking and in-house transport solutions for any industry. With our manufacturing competence, customer-oriented product portfolio and tailor-made solutions, we count among Europe’s market leaders and are proud to serve more than 70,000 customers worldwide. Storage systems and material handling equipment made in Germany: We are a long established, medium sized family business, locally rooted, yet acting on a global scale. Since BITO was founded in 1845, both the company headquarters including our R&D department as well as our production facilities have been located in our region. BITO continues to regard its employees as its most valuable asset. Great importance is attached to listening to each other, standing up for each other and being in good contact with each other
KPI Solutions is an end-to-end warehousing and distribution solutions provider, offering supply chain consulting, warehouse software, systems integration, and automation. We partner with our customers to analyze, design, implement, and support a full range of customized supply chain solutions that elevate distribution performance, provide competitive advantage, and enable growth. Our data-driven, technology-neutral approach transforms operations with automation to boost fulfillment speed, reduce reliance on labor, and improve agility. Our full-service capabilities include supply chain consulting, engineered concept design, automated systems integration, warehouse software, and lifetime support services. Our Solutions: Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems Automated Guided Vehicle Systems Carousels Consulting & Professional Services Controls & Controlling Devices Conveyors Order picking & E-Commerce fulfillment Sortation Equipment Systems Integration Services Vertical Lift Module
WIXOM, MI, August 2025 — ISD has launched OneTouchDistribution, a cutting-edge automation system designed to optimize order fulfillment for case, split-case, and pallet operations. By integrating state-of-the-art storage, retrieval, transportation and processing technologies, the system minimizes labor requirements, enhances accuracy, and maximizes facility space utilization.OneTouchDistribution provides a comprehensive approach to warehouse automation, offering a seamless process from inbound receipt to outbound fulfillment. The system significantly reduces labor requirements by automating receiving, storage and order processing.By leveraging advanced tracking and sequencing, OneTouchDistribution ensures 99.9% percent pick and inventory accuracy while maintaining high throughput, even during peak demand periods. The system’s high-density design allows for the storage of hundreds of thousands of cases or split-case products in a compact footprint, making it an ideal solution for facilities looking to maximize operational efficiency without expanding their physical space."OneTouchDistribution was designed with flexibility and agility at its core," said Ed Romaine, VP of Marketing at ISD. "Every operation has unique challenges, and our system adapts to those needs… whether handling cases, split-cases, or pallets. It allows businesses to scale seamlessly, adjust to shifting demand, and optimize order fulfillment without disruptions. This level of adaptability ensures our clients maintain efficiency, accuracy, and speed, even in the most dynamic distribution environments."The system automates inbound processing by receiving products through lift trucks, autonomous mobile robots, humanoids or Cobots. Once received, items are scanned, recorded, and directed into an automated storage and retrieval system that organizes and tracks each product in real time.Orders are processed based on specific sequencing and fulfillment requirements, ensuring that inventory is retrieved in the optimal sequence for downstream operations. Retrieved products are sent to fully automated or semi-automated picking stations, where they are either picked and sent to a cartonizing area for split-case processing, directly routed to a sorter for case picking or delivered to palletizing and/or an outbound staging area for final shipping.OneTouchDistribution is designed to support a wide range of industries, including food service, ecommerce, pharmaceuticals, industrial distribution, reverse logistics and third-party logistics. Its scalable architecture allows for phased implementation, enabling businesses to integrate automation at their own pace while maintaining ongoing operations.The system’s ability to handle full-case, split-case and pallet orders within a single platform adds to its versatility, making it a viable solution for distribution centers with diverse fulfillment requirements.The system also offers flexibility in order sequencing, allowing products to be picked and processed in a precise order based on weight, fragility, delivery requirements, order cut-off times, and customer preferences. Automated scanning and labeling ensure complete validation before orders leave the facility, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Likewise, document printers and inserters can be easily integrated into the OneTouchDistribution system for increased revenue generation and reduced labor.With a focus on space optimization, the system minimizes wasted storage areas and maximizes available cubic space, creating a more efficient and cost-effective distribution process.About Integrated Systems Design - ISDIntegrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and wholesale applications, improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value for a broad range of industries by tailoring systems to clients' specific requirements.ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), AMR, conveyor, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, and software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, and MES).ContactEd RomaineVP Marketing & Business Development215-512-2613
WIXOM, MI, July 2025 — Integrated Systems Design (ISD), a distinguished systems integrator and OEM provider of advanced warehouse automation solutions, announces its comprehensive initiative to revolutionize supply chain resilience through strategically curated "Made in America" automation partnerships. This groundbreaking approach addresses mounting concerns over international supply chain vulnerabilities while delivering unprecedented operational excellence.Supply Chain Sovereignty Emerges as Critical Business ImperativeContemporary enterprises face escalating challenges stemming from protracted international supply chains, geopolitical instabilities, and pandemic-induced disruptions. ISD's revolutionary approach eliminates dependency on overseas manufacturing networks, establishing robust domestic partnerships that guarantee supply chain continuity and operational predictability. "Patriotism transcends sentiment—it embodies strategic wisdom," declares Ed Romaine, VP Marketing at ISD. "Our domestic manufacturing alliances eliminate intercontinental shipping delays, customs complications, and communication barriers that perpetually plague international sourcing strategies."Technological Prowess Meets Manufacturing ExcellenceISD's meticulously crafted portfolio encompasses cutting-edge automation technologies exclusively sourced from a number of leading American manufacturing powerhouses:UltraStore Mid-Load ASRS represents tried and true engineering achievements in automated storage solutions. This domestically engineered system optimizes mid-range applications requiring high-density storage coupled with lightning-fast retrieval capabilities. Superior technical support, expedited software updates, and streamlined system modifications distinguish this American-manufactured solution.Kardex Remstar Vertical Lift Modules maximize storage capacities through vertical storage optimization. These systems transform limited floor space into high-density storage capacity while delivering requested inventory directly to ergonomic workstations, dramatically enhancing productivity metrics.URBX ASRS showcases next-generation robotic ASRS storage system. These modular, scalable systems adapt seamlessly to evolving operational requirements, featuring real-time optimization algorithms that maintain peak performance regardless of fluctuating demand patterns.Raymond Material Handling Equipment continues decades-long traditions of American manufacturing excellence. Their product lineup encompasses traditional counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and specialized narrow-aisle equipment designed for high-density storage environments.Reflex Robotics introduces groundbreaking humanoid automation from Brooklyn, New York. Founded by MIT alumni with prestigious experience from Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Amazon, Reflex delivers cost-effective warehouse and manufacturing general-purpose robotics achieving operational capability within sixty minutes of deployment. Their affordable pricing structure—below annual operator salaries—democratizes humanoid automation across diverse warehouse operations.Strategic Advantages Compound Through Domestic PartnershipsISD's "Made in America" approach delivers multifaceted benefits extending beyond equipment procurement: Supply Chain Resilience: Eliminates international shipping vulnerabilities, port congestion delays, and customs complications Quality Assurance: Domestic manufacturers operate under stringent regulatory frameworks ensuring consistent, superior products Rapid Response Support: Time zone alignment, linguistic clarity, and cultural familiarity accelerate technical support resolution Regulatory Compliance: Intimate knowledge of American building codes, safety regulations, and integration standardsOptimalOps-Process™ Maximizes Automation Investment ReturnsISD's proprietary OptimalOps-Process™ framework orchestrates seamless integration across multiple automation technologies. This comprehensive eight-step methodology ensures optimal equipment selection, strategic implementation, and sustained operational excellence while maintaining vendor-neutral flexibility.Partnership Excellence Drives Sustained SuccessAs an OEM-agnostic systems integrator, ISD leverages extensive partnerships with premier American manufacturers to deliver customized solutions precisely matching operational requirements. This collaborative approach eliminates single-vendor limitations while ensuring unified system performance across diverse automation components. "Our domestic partnerships transcend transactional relationships," emphasizes Ed Romaine, VP Marketing at ISD. "We cultivate enduring alliances that deliver sustained value through comprehensive training programs, reliable technical support, and predictable upgrade pathways."Market Leadership Through InnovationISD's commitment to American manufacturing excellence positions clients advantageously amid intensifying global competition. Domestic automation solutions provide strategic stability, operational reliability, and performance consistency that international alternatives cannot match.Discover Revolutionary Automation SolutionsOrganizations seeking to mitigate supply chain risks through Made in America warehouse automation technologies are invited to schedule complimentary consultations exploring ISD's comprehensive capabilities and strategic advantages.About Integrated Systems Design - ISDIntegrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and wholesale applications, improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value for a broad range of industries by tailoring systems to clients' specific requirements.ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), AMR, conveyor, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, and software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, and MES).ContactEd RomaineVP Marketing & Business Development215-512-2613eromaine@isddd.com
• Intelligent software platform WERX as core element.• Artificial intelligence boosts efficiency and reduces manual intervention.• Integrated systems also facilitate the seamless combination of full case and split case picking.(Marchtrenk, Austria, July 14, 2025) Grocery retail is characterized by high dynamics, increasing complexity of product ranges and growing customer expectations with regard to delivery speed and availability. High-performance solutions are essential when it comes to efficiently processing large-volume material flows, especially in the field of full case handling. An intelligent software platform plays a central role here, particularly with respect to palletizing.With over 25 years of specialization in the grocery industry, TGW Logistics is among the leading providers in Europe. As a market leader in the area of systems suited for freezer applications, the intralogistics specialist offers a comprehensive full case product range. "We are in constant contact with our customers. Intensive communication and the ideas that arise from it help us to stay on the cutting edge," explains Michael Schedlbauer, Vice President of Business Development Grocery at TGW Logistics. The full case solutions cover all temperature zones – from dry goods to fresh and frozen foods (-30 °C) – and enable automated handling of pallets, roll cages and thermocontainers.TGW Logistics builds on technologies developed in-house in all core areas:• High-performance palletizer: over 700 packing units per hour, modular design, high redundancy and optimal accessibility for maintenance.• Depalletizing systems with various levels of automation to accommodate different types of packaging• Highly dynamic shuttle warehouses with trays that can hold multiple SKUs and thus simultaneously allow a higher storage density and flexible picking.• Exact sequencing directly from the warehouse or via the conveyor system to facilitate the targeted supply of goods for palletizing and further processes.• Modular software platform WERX for efficient implementation, individually adapted to customer requirements."We build our solutions on a broad foundation of experience in the areas of integration, software, warehouse and conveying technology and robotics. This makes us a reliable partner that our customers can count on. TGW Logistics takes care of the efficient operation and maintenance of the system during its entire service life," emphasizes Peter Ehrenhuber, Director of Grocery Retail at TGW Logistics.Intelligent software platform WERXThe software platform WERX is a central element of every TGW installation. With its team of over 700 specialists, TGW Logistics develops modular software solutions for the control, optimization and visualization of all material flows. Special focus is placed on palletizing software, which guarantees maximum packing density and optimal packaging stability with the help of intelligent algorithms. Software and technology are constantly tested, calibrated and developed further with the help of demo and test systems.Artificial intelligence boosts efficiency and reduces manual interventionIn the area of depalletizing, TGW Logistics relies on camera-based, self-learning system behavior: with the help of AI algorithms, the system recognizes patterns and analyzes error patterns directly in the visualization. This fuels a continuous learning process that reduces the amount of intervention required from operators by up to 30 percent, which in turn directly affects the system's overall performance.An intelligent multi-layer approach also comes into play during the creation of the packing plan prior to palletizing. This allows multiple requirements to be considered simultaneously and to be activated or deactivated as needed. The system recognizes any need for optimization based on current capacity utilization. This feature has already proven itself in practice for one of the leading food service providers in the U.S. When it comes to supplying end customers, the duration of stops to unload customer deliveries can be drastically reduced. This increases efficiency along the entire supply chain and strengthens competitiveness.Security as integral feature – NIS2, KRITIS & IT securityIn the face of rising regulatory requirements, e.g. as a result of the NIS2 Directive, as well as the significance of intralogistics as part of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), TGW Logistics is setting high standards in terms of security, availability and data protection – both for customers and for its own system landscape."We are making long-term investments in IT security and process reliability," stresses Hans-Peter Dirisamer, Director of Group IT at TGW Logistics. "Our aspiration is to establish sophisticated security structures that will play a preventive role and enable swift reaction in case of emergency. TGW Logistics takes a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only technical but also organizational measures. This includes redundant system architecture, coordinated access regulations, data encryption and continuous monitoring, as well as emergency plans and recovery scenarios whose effectiveness are tested regularly."Expansion to split case picking: one system, two worldsWith the growth of online business, the requirements associated with picking single items for end customer orders (split case picking) are also on the rise. TGW Logistics has developed solutions just for this situation and has already implemented them at multiple customer sites designed especially for e-commerce. They make it possible to handle over 20,000 units per hour and are suited for delivering to end customers directly or for supplying stores with small lot sizes.Moreover, TGW Logistics offers integrated systems that seamlessly combine full case and split case picking, allowing the same system to handle both fast-moving and slowmoving items.This is made possible by:• Highly dynamic shuttle technology to supply both areas at once• An external sequencer developed in-house that sorts items intelligently based on target and delivery criteria• The patented PickCenter One – 1:1 picking workstation with integrated target sequencer for optimized picking orderThis integration offers maximum flexibility in the face of changing business models, e.g. in the case of seasonal transitions, changes to the product range, or increasing affiliation with convenience stores.Brownfield competence: integration during live operationNot every operator is able or willing to turn to greener pastures. TGW Logistics has extensive brownfield experience to draw on and has already successfully integrated numerous systems into existing buildings and software landscapes – often during live operation. The modular design of the TGW systems makes it possible to insert single functional units into existing infrastructure in a compact and flexible manner, whether as a partial extension or comprehensive modernization. Tried and true methods, comprehensive project planning and experienced realization teams make it possible to accomplish integration with minimal interference in existing processes, all without compromising performance or scalability.To learn more, visit us at www.tgw-group.com.About TGW LogisticsTGW Logistics is one of the leading international suppliers of material handling solutions. For over 50 years, the Austrian specialist has implemented highly automated systems for customers, including brands from A as in Adidas to Z as in Zalando. As systems integrator, TGW Logistics plans, produces, implements and services complex logistics centers – from mechatronic products and robots to control systems and software.TGW Logistics has subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the U.S. and employs roughly 4,500 people worldwide. In the 2023/24 business year, the company generated a total revenue of 1.07 billion euros. Pictures: © TGW Logistics Reprint with reference to TGW Logistics free of charge. Reprint is not permitted for promotional purposes.ContactTGW Logistics GmbH+43.50.486-0tgw@tgw-group.com
New size 280 compact modules – available with either ball screw or toothed belt drive – can transfer payloads up to 250 kg at speeds up to 5 m/sIn response to a growing need to transfer heavier items faster and more efficiently throughout manufacturing processes and a rapidly changing e-commerce landscape in supply chain operations, Bosch Rexroth has expanded its extensive compact modules portfolio. The new size, 280, can support items up to 250 kg, which makes it ideal for transferring battery modules, machine tools, furniture, palletizing gantries, robotic transfer units, and other larger items."Today’s manufacturers and warehouse operators are constantly searching for solutions to help them meet diverse consumer needs, including with their heaviest items,“ said Sean Barunas, Sales Product Manager, Bosch Rexroth. "These modules are engineered to meet those requirements and open new possibilities for Cartesian robot solutions."Compared to the largest version to date - the 200 - performance (more weight with the same dynamics) with the 280 increases by more than 50 percent. Payloads of up to 250 kg can be moved over a length of 5,500 mm. The high acceleration of up to 5 g and a maximum speed of 5 m/s are suited for short cycle times while maintaining high degrees of precision. As a configurable component, the modules can shorten the engineering of single axes, multi-axis, and Cartesian robots. The modules can be paired with automation packages that include a motor, drive, and controls, which speed up commissioning and make operating easier.Additional applications for the 280 module within manufacturing and warehouse operations lie in pick-and-place processes and transporting robots or cobots from one point in the line to another. The increased load capacity allows the module to withstand more than 4x the cantilevered forces as the 200 model.For more information on Bosch Rexroth’s complete line of compact module solutions, please visit boschrexroth-us.com.About Bosch RexrothAs one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 33,800 associates generated sales revenue of 7.6 billion euros in 2023. To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.About BoschThe Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers. Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com.Contact Bosch Rexroth CorporationEden Estabrook(704) 942-4227Eden.estabrook@boschrexroth-us.com
MAVs deliver a lot of benefits, including higher efficiency, productivity, safety, and flexibility. To provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of materials. To supplement or replace manually-operated material handling vehicles, such as forklifts, tuggers, and order pickers. For greater flexibility in material transport compared to fixed solutions, such as conveyors. In response to shortages in labor, allowing reassignment of employees to areas where they can add more value. To eliminate associate travel time during picking and order fulfillment.
The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) has published a blog to supplement its latest video on safety at pick modules. The video can be viewed at mhi.org/progma/videos.Here at ProGMA, we have produced a series of educational videos on protective guarding equipment in the material handling industry. ProGMA members provide fixed protective guarding products to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. A variety of such items are designed for installation at pick modules, which are multi-level structures typically constructed out of pallet rack that allow multiple pallets of product to be stored, broken down, picked, and packaged into specific orders for shipping.Our video is targeted at end users, system integrators, material handling warehouse design consultants / engineers, distributors, and safety professionals in manufacturing and distribution centers in the material handling industry, as well as students studying the sector. Many household and industrial goods we interact with every day were once stored or passed through a pick module. At the distribution centers of companies like CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid Corporation, for example, goods are stored before being repackaged and shipped to individual stores.As the 2:23min-long video says at the outset, pick modules can have several elevated levels of materials that are handled by both automation and personnel. Although everything in the material handling industry is becoming more automated, separation of full stored cases into smaller, individual shipments is still being completed manually. The size of pick modules has been increasing over the years; in the past, you may have seen a floor plus one level system, then a floor plus two levels, and now it is not uncommon to see three or even four elevated levels. This increases potential hazards.As the video continues, it is of paramount importance that proper guarding is used from the ground up to protect structures, the product they hold and, most importantly, the people working within and around them. Rack upright columns can be difficult to replace and costly to repair because often the area has to be closed off, product has to be removed, and multiple sections need to be disassembled. These components are all dependent upon one another, so if one part fails, the entire system can fail.The video highlights three “easy and affordable” solutions: Free-standing pallet rack column protectors Post cushions Bumper guardsHowever, ProGMA members offer a variety of products for ground-level protection including guardrails, bumper guards, column protectors, bollards, rack guards, and product containment enclosures (i.e., wire mesh or netting); and for upper-level protection, such as side and back product containment enclosures (wire mesh or netting) to prevent products from falling below.What does ANSI say?The video continues, and quotes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 6.4.3, which states that “…any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift or leave an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”However, it is important to note that there are many mezzanines that were installed before the ANSI standards were created that used more conventional gates, such as removable, sliding, or swinging systems—and that is the same for pick modules. Systems can be retrofitted to achieve conformity with current standardization. There is no grandfather clause for ANSI (or OSHA) so all systems whether new or old should follow their guidelines. Note that many of the protective guarding products found in the video and on the ProGMA site are easily retrofittable to these older systems.As the video stresses, only dual-gate systems should be used. The same gates used on a pick module are also the preferred method for securing all elevated pallet drop areas whether they are in pick modules, on mezzanines, or on elevated work platforms such as storage or production / blending areas. The ANSI standards that recommended the use of dual-gate systems were written specifically for elevated work platforms and since a pick module is a type of elevated work platform that should be applied.The video demonstrates how a dual-gate system uses two counterbalanced and interconnected gates that are configured so when the first gate at the ledge is open, the second gate behind the pallet is closed. Fixed guarding on the sides—often the frame of the pallet rack in a pick module—prevents access into the side of the areas. This allows material to be loaded into the area while keeping employees a safe distance from the ledge and the material. When the rear / operator gate is opened, the ledge gate automatically closes, maintaining a barrier at the ledge while the pallet is accessed and picked. This creates what ProGMA calls a controlled-access area so there is always a barrier between the worker and the ledge.For information, ProGMA members that manufacture such solutions include Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., Wildeck, and Heartland Engineered Products. Although companies still provide swing gates for pallet drop areas where a single pallet is loaded and staged, they are not an acceptable solution according to ANSI and could potentially create a situation where they are in violation of OSHA code.A self-closing swing gate, also featured in the video, should only be used when integrated with pallet flow lanes where multiple pallets are loaded into the system. The pallet flow lanes are pitched so the pallet rolls into the storage area. This allows the gate to immediately close once the pallet is loaded. By comparison, when used for a single pallet position without flow rails, the staged pallet would hold the swinging gate open, preventing it from closing.For securing multiple deep pallet flow lanes, a dual-gate system is the preferred safety method because not only does it make sure a barrier is in place all times for fall protection, but it also keeps people out of the pallet flow lanes when pallets are being loaded. The two types of incidents we see in these areas are falls from the ledges and pallets being pushed into the legs of employees who have entered the lane. Only the dual-gate system keeps people out of the lanes when the lane is being loaded. The self-closing swing gate, however, does secure the ledge for fall protection.Hand in gloveOftentimes, a safety aspect can be used to increase productivity. For example, the self-closing swinging gate on pallet flow lanes will allow pallets to be quickly loaded into the system. Any time the lift truck operator wants to load a pallet into the area, they just push the pallet through the swinging gates. The dual-gate system has the potential of the gates being in the incorrect position for loading, meaning that the ledge gate is closed when the lift truck is trying to replenish pallets into the area. So they can go to load but a barrier is in place preventing them from doing so.A user can power operate these gates for remote operation but often this isn’t feasible due to the number of areas. Manual operation can actually create a safer and faster environment. The position of the gates in a dual-gate system can be used as a signal between the picker up on the platform and the lift truck operator below. In other words, when the ledge gate is closed that means the picker is picking from the pallets or the area doesn’t need to be replenished.When the picker has finished in that bay or when they notice the pallets need to be replenished in that bay, they just manually close the gate near them, which opens up the ledge gate. Now the lift truck operator can look up and see which areas are safe and ready to be replenished. This is an example of a safety system helping communications among the different workers.In conclusion, it’s evident that, despite automation, people remain at the center of activity in and around pick modules. ProGMA and its members are a one-stop-shop for leading safety solutions, whether it be for preventing hazards associated with falling boxes, product, or workers; or structural protection of the system itself from impact. As the video serves to reiterate, even in automated systems there are still people moving around the facility, either on ground level or on the elevated levels. Even if people are not used for the picking of material, there are areas where empty pallets or totes are removed that need to be guarded.The product-centric video doesn’t feature specific brands, but free-standing pallet rack column protectors, post cushions, and bumper guards are available from ProGMA members including Adrian’s Safety Solutions, A-Safe USA, Bluff Manufacturing, Boplan, DamoTech, Folding Guard, Husky Rack & Wire, Heartland Engineered Products, Jesco, McCue, Slowstop Guarding, SpaceGuard Products, Steel King, Troax, VisiPlas, Wildeck, and WireCrafters.Costs range from inexpensive, light-duty products to more expensive, heavy-duty solutions. Importantly, talking with the manufacturer about the application will help source the right product/s for the facility. No two pick modules or applications are completely alike and that’s what the member companies of the ProGMA are here to help with.The ProGMA website—mhi.org/progma—features details of 22 member companies and hundreds of solutions to help companies with older systems find protective guarding solutions to update / upgrade their pick module system.See the latest video and others in the series at mhi.org/progma/videosShould you be using a ProGMA member to enhance the safety and productivity of your pick modules?About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at mhi.org/progma.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.Contact for editorial enquiries: Ashley Skidmore, askidmore@mhi.org or 704-676-1190
In a typical warehouse operation, the order-picking process consists of retrieving products from storage locations to fulfill customer orders. The process has received a great deal of attention from warehousing practitioners and researchers because it is generally the most labor-consuming operation in a warehouse, accounting for approximately 35% of a warehouse operating cost. From a general point of view, there are two basic order picking systems, namely parts-to-picker, and picker-to-parts. In the former, some sort of automated system is used to bring the products to the picker (i.e., the picking operator), whereas in the latter, the picker travels along the aisles of the warehouse retrieving the required products from the storage locations. Among these two types of systems, it has been well documented that the largest proportion of order picking systems found worldwide belong to the picker-to-parts type, probably because of the lower capital investment required and the flexibility and adaptability of human workers.
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Guest blog from MHI Member Company DTG...
Many shipping and picking errors can be resolved by automating picking processes and implementing automated audit systems to ensure everything in order is correct before it is sent out. A global manufacturing supply company was looking for a way to automate these processes to ensure correct qualities of its products are shipped to the correct retail store. This supplier was having issues with stock being delivered to incorrect retail stores or delivering incorrect quantities. Prior to involving SICK, this process was manual with no automation, which led to many errors and added costs to resolve issues from these errors.
Stihl dealer in the Midwest can expect fast, accurate service when they need equipment, accessories or spare partsMississippi Valley Saw was founded in 1978 by Bob Joynt in Peoria, IL. It began serving the nation’s heartland by shipping chain saws, log splitters and accessories to about 70 independent dealers and lawn centers. Growth was swift, and in 1981 the company moved into a new location. Soon after, Mr. Hans Peter Stihl visited and asked them to drop all other lines and become an exclusive Stihl dealer. Mississippi Valley Stihl (MVS) was born.MVS investigated all possible solutions to their time, inventory and space issues and chose the Lean-Lift® Vertical Lift Module from Hänel Storage Systems. A bank of three units were installed initially, with a fourth lift added shortly after to keep pace with demand.The benefits of the Lean-Lifts® were immediate. Before the lifts, five or six people would work well into overtime to fill the day’s orders.After the lifts, a single person could get all orders received by 2 p.m. out by 4 p.m. the same day. Orders are picked faster with less walking and no more overtime.The lifts work together to cue the next part automatically so that the operator can move from lift to lift, minimizing any potential wait time for trays to be delivered to the access point. Totes and boxes are used to collect the various parts for each order, with a put-to-light system ensuring the right parts go into the right container. A pick-to-light system is used to pull fast moving items from bins nearby.The increased speed and accuracy afforded by the Hänel Lean-Lifts® allowed MVS to keep its commitment to its dealer network to provide the right part within 24–48 hours, even while stocking an ever-increasing inventory of parts.
The Hänel Lean-Lift as a high-speed shipping systemWhen it comes to tools, the experts at Productivity Inc. can provide customized solutions for the metalworking industry. In addition to consulting, customer care, service and maintenance,Productivity Inc. delivers tools and tool holders to customers throughout North America. Fast shipping from the company’s site in Minneapolis is supported by three Hänel Lean-Lifts® that are used to store more than 10,000 items.The Hänel vertical lifts are equipped with multifunction containers, making them ideal for automated small parts storage. Job orders are displayed directly on the HänelSoft® terminal and can be processed there.The high-speed version of the Hänel Lean-Lift® quickly brings stored items to the retrieval area on request.If the items needed for a particular order are located in various lift systems, picking performance can be boosted even more through parallel system operation.Thanks to digital compartment and sub-level indicators, even storage positions in very small configuration layout patterns can be identified easily. The combination of all these features ensures that orders are filled and shipped in record time – without errors.Orders are filled directly opposite the system access points, where they are also packed for shipping. Order confirmation is entered in the systems using barcode scanners. Another Hänel Lean-Lift® located in a different area of the warehouse is also integrated in the storage solution.Productivity Inc. quickly recognized the high quality of Hänel technology through the reliable performance delivered by the storage systems
Ultra-compact storage in the Hänel Lean-Lift frees up valuable floor space for production processesDIRTT is a company specializing in the prefab construction of interior spaces and employs 85 people at its site in Phoenix, Arizona. A compact Hänel Lean-Lift® in the production area is used for the heightoptimized storage of hardware, bolts, brackets, and similar items.The high-speed version of the Hänel Lean-Lift® serves as the central distribution system for production at DIRTT. Vertical storage from Hänel means that fewer high-bay racks are needed. What’s more, efficiency and ergonomics have been optimized.Specially designed Hänel multifunction containers ensure neat and compact item storage. Systematic organization of diverse items is guaranteed with flexible container dividers and configuration options. The Hänel Lean-Lift® provides maximum height-optimized storage capacity. The compact Hänel system frees up floor space for other processes and thus reduces costs.Parts needed in the production area are picked from the Hänel Lean-Lift® on demand. This just-in-time principle keeps production processes lean and smooth – there is no need for buffer storage.Fast and error-free order picking with Hänel Pick-o-Light-VarioEmployees use the Hänel MP 12N controller and a barcode scanner to start the picking process. The containers holding the requested items are brought to the retrieval point automatically. Hänel Pick-o-Light-Vario® shines a light beam on the requested items for easy identification. This helps prevent human errors and mix-ups.The integrated management functions of the Hänel MP 12 N ensure constant inventory monitoring of all items in stock. This real-time inventory means that replenishment takes place at the right time to prevent item outages.DIRTT has been very satisfied with the Hänel intralogistics solutions at its headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. That’s why the company successfully integrated a Hänel Lean-Lift® to optimize processes at the Phoenix site in the US
A storage system that provides varying means of either mechanically moving storage locations or loads within the systems so as to increase storage density and/or to increase storage, retrieval and order picking throughput.
An execution system used to manage people, inventory, time, and equipment related to picking and processing customer orders. The Warehouse Management System receives orders from the Order Management System or the Transportation Management System, then relies on rules and priorities established by the user to optimize the space and work within the four walls of the warehouse.
The selection of merchandise packaged in shippable cartons for orders from a pick location onto a transporting device (conveyor, cart, pallet).
Utilized to facilitate the picking of a wide size and shape variety of individual items, the A-frame is extremely popular with drug and pharmaceutical distribution facilities. As the name implies, individual items are loaded or stacked in two rows of dispensing magazines (one or more magazines per item) that are arranged side-by-side, forming an "A-frame". A belt conveyor passes through the long tunnel created by the A-frame. As orders are filled, one at a time, items automatically dispensed from the bottom of selected magazines are kicked onto the belt conveyor, and then they are carried to the end of the tunnel where they fall into a tote. The tote is then transported by another conveyor to an order and/or packing station.
Fulfillment and Distribution centers have adapted to the increased demand brought on by floods of e-commerce orders. Now, having transitioned to picking eaches instead of full containers, more flexibility is required from conveyor and sortation solutions if operators want to keep up.
This is a paid advertisement. Find out how warehousing and logistic processes are revolutionized by the award winning and patented pick-by-vision solution xPick. It supports manual order picking, incoming, outgoing and sorting of goods as well as inventory management and kanban. xPick allows for hands-free order picking with high speed while being able to reduce the number of picking errors simultaneously.
This is a paid advertisement. Zebra’s FulfillmentEdge is a completely new and smart approach to warehousing that wraps around and modernizes your current WMS — without upgrades, backend changes or disrupting your current operations. FulfillmentEdge allows you to aggregate work orders that enable one worker to complete multiple work orders on one trip through the warehouse, delivering a dramatic increase in workforce productivity, business efficiency, and order fulfillment times.
Meijer and WITRON have again worked together on installing this fully automated food distribution center in Wisconsin. WITRON’s automation technology enables optimal picking of cases onto pallets for store order fulfillment.
Fulfillment and Distribution centers have adapted to the increased demand brought on by floods of e-commerce orders. Now, having transitioned to picking eaches instead of full containers, more flexibility is required from conveyor and sortation solutions if operators want to keep up.
With demands continuing to rise in the supply chain, the picking of orders has become a prime target for innovation. Augmented reality solutions are one of the possibilities operators can use to level up their workforce and make these time-intensive tasks more efficient.
FREE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE! This document describes the operation, application and benefits resulting from the use of this automated storage and retrieval system.
This document describes the operation, application and benefits resulting from the use of this automated storage and retrieval system.
Fundamentals of Warehousing and Distribution, Volume 2: Warehouse Operation is designed to be a follow-up to Fundamentals of Warehousing and Distribution, Volume 1: An Introductory Course in Material Handling. Volume 2 builds upon the equipment based information of Volume 1 and delves more deeply into the functions this equipment and processes serve in the industry. There is logical progression in Volume 2 from equipment centric to functional centric information. The textbook takes the basic functions of movement, storage, control and protection, the authors and editorial staff expand these functions into such areas as shipping, receiving, order picking, putaways, ergonomics and sustainability. Kindle Version http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BPN69Y6/ref=r_soa_w_d Special quantity pricing is available to public schools. For information, contact the MHI Knowledge Team at education@mhi.org For quotes on special quantity shipping contact education@mhi.org