Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS): Maximising Efficiency
At Industore, we understand the critical role efficiency plays in warehouse operations. With over fifty years in the efficiency industry, we’ve established ourselves as leaders in specifying, installing and maintaining the world’s leading automated storage solutions (AS/RS). Our exclusive UK and Ireland partnership with Hänel has enabled us to provide the most advanced business operations, warehouses, and distribution centres anywhere in the country, thanks to our blend of interior logic and key technologies, such as our Lean-Lift (VLM or ‘vertical life module’) and Rotomat (automated storage carousel).
What are the benefits of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS)?
With ASRS, warehouses can optimise use of space by extending upwards, maximising vertical storage capacity without expanding the footprint. This is particularly important for facilities operating in space-constrained environments.
Automated storage systems eliminate manual tasks such as replenishment, reducing labour costs and minimising the risk of errors. This results in faster order fulfilment and improved overall efficiency.
ASRS systems provide real-time visibility into stock levels, allowing for better inventory control and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. Integrated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) further streamline inventory management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Interested in warehouse management solutions? Take a look at our HanelSoft solution.
By automating simple, repetitive tasks traditionally performed by workers, ASRS systems minimises the risk of operator injuries. As well as creating a safer working environment, this allows the repurposing of staff, to more valuable positions within the business.
The pursuit of efficiency:
In the relentless pursuit of efficiency and productivity, businesses often find themselves at a crossroads, puzzling out the best way to streamline operations, or boost throughput.
Is your warehouse struggling with inefficiency and operational challenges? Here then, are ten signs to watch our for, and may indicate the need to implement ASRS systems:
10 Signs It's Time for ASRS Systems:
If manual replenishment tasks are consuming valuable time and resources, automation can optimise these processes.
Excessive travel distances within the warehouse can be minimised with ASRS systems, reducing time wastage and improving productivity.
Visual searches for inventory items are inefficient and error prone. AS/RS systems streamline retrieval processes, minimising search time and improving accuracy.
Increased picking errors can have detrimental effects on your business’s reputation and bottom line. Automated storage systems reduce picking errors by automating the retrieval process, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
If your warehouse is struggling to meet order cut-off times or keep up with demand, vertical lift modules like our Hanel Lean-Lift, or automated storage carousels like our Rotomat can enhance throughput and improve order fulfilment efficiency quickly and easily.
Frequent instances of inventory misplacement or loss can disrupt operations and lead to inventory inaccuracies. ASRS (automated storage and retrieval systems) ensure precise inventory management, reducing the likelihood of misplaced or lost items.
Unexplained inventory discrepancies may indicate security vulnerabilities within your warehouse. Automated storage systems, combined with effective WMS (warehouse management systems) like ours enhances security by providing controlled access, such as PIN or card access. Our systems can also be equipped with image technology, giving a watertight audit of who took what, when and from where.
If your warehouse is at maximum capacity with no room for growth, ASRS systems can rationalise your space, allowing for expansion without the need for additional square footage. Maximum space, with minimal disruption.
Worker safety is paramount in any environment. ASRS systems minimise the risk of operator injuries by automating repetitive tasks and creating safer working conditions.
Valuable inventory items frequently found damaged indicates inefficiencies in handling processes. Automated storage and retrieval systems minimise the risk of damage by providing automated, controlled storage environments – including climate controlled or clean storage environments.
Futureproof Solutions with Industore:
At Industore, we’re committed to providing futureproof solutions that adapt to your evolving business needs. Our ASRS systems are not only technologically advanced but also flexible and scalable, ensuring they grow with your business. With our Lean-Lift systems (VLM, vertical lift modules) for example, each shelf within the lift is measured each time it is loaded and returned to a storage position. This means, if your products change, the lift simply adapts.
Ross Powell, Managing Director:
From consultation and site audits to installation and aftercare support, Industore offers comprehensive solutions tailored to specific client requirements. Industore’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of security, health, and safety, as recognised by independent assessments from the British Standards Institute [ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001] instils confidence in clients and partners alike.
Our expertise in interior logic optimisation ensures that your warehouse layout and processes are strategically designed for maximum efficiency and productivity. Combined with our hardware and software offerings, partnering with Industore transforms businesses, helping them to become the very best versions of themselves.
In an increasingly competitive business landscape, efficiency and productivity are more important than ever before. With ASRS systems, and the interior logic offered by Industore, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and safety in your warehouse operations.
Don't let inefficiencies hold your business back.
If you’re interested in finding out more, perhaps arranging a demo centre visit (Cardiff, Dublin) or visiting one of our exemplar sites (located throughout the country), get in touch, and we can arrange something to suit.
We also offer site-audits, whereby our experienced, trained staff will visit your site, get an idea of your setup and help you identify and address any perils or pitfalls, as well as assist you in planning your ideal layout, logic and speficying the technology which will help you improve your operations.
