8/2/2019 Components of an Automated Warehouse

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Components of an Automated Warehouse

1. Rack Structure: An Automated Storage Retrieval System consists of a rack structure. The racks can

either accommodate palletized unit loads or totes/bins or drawers, depending on the size and

characteristics of the part. Other types of racks are cantilever racks, flow racks, and any other

specially designed storage structure. The rack openings are typically standardized, as the cost of

non-standard, or customized, openings can be significantly higher than those for the standard

openings. The pallets are typically slave pallets, i.e., they do not leave the warehouse to customers,

including manufacturing. The reason for this is the rough use received by pallets in

loading/unloading and in transportation. Damaged pallets with nails or slivers sticking out can cause

serious problems in the operation of an AS/RS. Also, the rack structure can be either free standing,

or the building can be rack supported.

Storage Retrieval Machine

2. Storage/Retrieval Machine: The storage retrieval (S/R) machine operates within a storage aisle. Its

function is to store and retrieve loads. It is designed for applications requiring high lifts, fast speeds,

control features and accurate positioning, not available in other types of material handling

equipment. Typically, it consists of a structural frame of either a single or multiple mast

construction. The lower portion of the frame has wheels which normally run on a single floor rail or

two rails. The frame is guided by support from the storage structure at the top of the structural

frame.

The structural frame of the S/R machine is used to guide the carriage for accurate locating of the

load as it is raised and lowered. The carriage carries the mechanism to carry, store and retrieve the

load. The storage and retrieval mechanism can either be a shuttle device or a pushpull arrangement

with a pin to engage/disengage the load. The storage and retrieval mechanism also must be able totransfer loads to and from conveyors, shuttle cars and Pick and Deposit (P & D) stations..

The S/R machine is typically captive in a single aisle, with one S/R machine per aisle. There are cases,

however, where the S/R machine can operate in more than one aisle. In this case, a transfer car is

required at the end of the aisle to transfer the S/R machine from one aisle to another. The choice of

one versus the other configuration depends on the cost and the throughput requirements. Typically,

S/R machines service both sides of the aisle and can operate in very narrow aisle configurations,

where the aisle is only marginally wider than the load. The S/R machines can have a person on

board, or can be completely unmanned. The person-on-board systems permit less than a full unit

load to be picked from a storage location.

3. P & D Stations (Transfer Stations): Pick and Deposit (P & D) station is a location at which a load is

entering or leaving storage is supported in a manner suitable for handling by the S/R machine. These

may be a simple as a fork truck setdown sation, a shuttle car, a conveyorized section or an

Automatic Guided Vehicle System (AGVS). Normally, every AS/RS has at least one pick-up s tation and

one delivery station. P & D stations are usually located at the end of the storage aisles. Sometimes

the P & D stations are integrated with an in-plant or warehouse transportation system. (8)Comment [RE1]: Is this a reference? If so, yo

are mixing Harvard with Vancouver systems

choose one and stick with it. Or is this due to cutt

and pasting of material? I very much hope not.....

8/2/2019 Components of an Automated Warehouse

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