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5 Operational Advantages of Pallet Automation Systems

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Today we live in a globalized world where companies must focus on lowering costs and modernizing their operations to compete in the business world. Transitioning to pallet automation systems has become the way to handle slow-to-medium-moving merchandise. These pallet-based techniques provide a variety of advantages in warehousing, distribution, fulfillment, and shipping applications. They give you that extra push and competitive edge you desire.

What are pallet automation systems?

A pallet automation system is a system controlled by software that substitutes manual storage and retrieval processes of goods with automatic ones. This automatic pallet storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) is considered an efficient solution to store heavy and bulky goods securely, rapidly, and ensuring optimal use of available space. These systems transport the demanded goods to the workstations.

What are they an alternative to?

Most distribution warehouses use metal shelving systems as a form of storage. This type of system represents a huge loss of space and a high risk of accidents if the stacked merchandise is excessively high. Rather than manual operations, a more innovative, safer, and modern alternative to this system is pallet automation systems. These systems will help to reduce the quantity of merchandise stored to a minimum without slowing down production, risking merchandise deterioration, or losing money.

The components of this automatic system are based on storage and retrieval shuttles. Shuttles are storage vehicles that are operated independently in the shafts of the storage racks.

In pallet automation systems, pallets are stacked by a mobile feeder system. Then, a stacker crane moves horizontally on a rail through an aisle, stops at a certain required rack level, and with a vertically functioning lift truck, retrieves or stores load pallets.

At the retrieving phase, the goods can be chosen individually in their storage units or entirely on their pallets using the lift truck. Then, the pallets are taken to a roller conversion belt which is divided into three sections with drive-in plates allowing the forklift to drive in and unload the goods.

Simply put, the merchandise is taken automatically to the operator, considerably diminishing the distances and shortening order throughput times.

5 operational advantages of pallet automation systems

Maximized use of a facility’s overhead space

Despite having a high volume of merchandise, automated pallet handling systems require much less storage space than manual ones. Pallet automation systems create dense storage that allows complete use of the facility’s overhead space. Therefore, many pallets of merchandise can be stored even in smaller areas.

High level of inventory accuracy

The stored merchandise is monitored and tracked, thus reassuring the inventory accuracy. The automated system eliminates the risk of the operator forgetting to scan the pallet license plate number (LPN) to a location.

Reducing labor costs by 50% or more

Using an automatic pallet handling system reduces labor costs by 50% or more since the system can operate 24/7 without any necessary human intervention.

Equipment damage reduction

An automated pallet transfer system allows a facility to load in and out the merchandise of racks without using forklifts, hence eliminating the risk of damaging the product, facility’s structure, or warehouse staff.

Increased throughput

AS/RS allows loading up to 6,600 pounds with driving speeds up to 787 feet-per-minute, and lifting/lowering speeds at 262 feet-per-minute; therefore, productivity increases throughput needs with the insignificant overall effect on other warehouse tasks. Consequently, hiring additional staff isn’t necessary to increase order fulfillment in top seasons or promotional demands.

Considering getting a pallet automated system? Here are some tips.

Automated pallet mover, transfer, or automated pallet handling systems are logistics solutions where operations are carried out automatically with the help of equipment such as stacker cranes, shuttles, conveyors, and electric monorails. However, certain factors must be taken into account before choosing and implementing any of these automatic solutions. Some of these factors are:

– Storage capacity and space available in the warehouse.
– Number of SKUs in the warehouse.
– Type of products stored in the warehouse.
– Weekly, daily or hourly amount of pallets to be stored.
– Investment capacity.

However, each company must find the best suitable system for its productivity needs and its warehouse capacity.

Many companies might benefit from pallet automation systems for storage and retrieving merchandise — increase productivity, reduce costs, amplify working space, and safeguard inventory.

Source: Plato Data Intelligence: Platodata.ai

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