Sub Zero Capable Warehousing
- There is a very high volume of loads being moved into and out of storage
- Storage density is important because of space constraints
- No value is added in this process (no processing, only storage and transport)
- Accuracy is critical because of potential expensive damages to the load
An AS/RS can be used with standard loads as well as nonstandard loads, meaning that each standard load can fit in a uniformly-sized volume; for example, the film canisters in the image of the Defense Visual Information Center are each stored as part of the contents of the uniformly sized metal boxes, which are shown in the image. Standard loads simplify the handling of a request of an item. In addition, audits of the accuracy of the inventory of contents can be restricted to the contents of an individual metal box, rather than undergoing a top-to-bottom search of the entire facility, for a single item.
Combining transfer cars with the Pallet Shuttle in a logistics center boosts throughput in storing and retrieving products from their locations. This automated storage system speeds up pallet movements and goods handling.
The automated Pallet Shuttle is a prime example of the efficiency of high-density storage systems. It works like this: automatic handling equipment, i.e., transfer cars or stacker cranes, transports materials to their storage channels; once there, an autonomous electric shuttle inserts and removes pallets from their locations. This automated system notably reduces goods loading and unloading times .
Transfer cars with the Pallet Shuttle: how do they work?
The storage solution that combines transfer cars with the Pallet Shuttle is the automated Pallet Shuttle . This system, which replaces forklifts, consists of multiple motorized shuttles — served by transfer cars — that move automatically inside the storage channels.
In this completely automated storage solution, transfer cars transport a motor-driven shuttle in their cradles . The shuttle then enters the storage channel to deposit the pallet in the first free location. Then, the shuttle returns to the transfer car to go back to the entry point, repeating the operation as indicated by the system.
The configuration of the Pallet Shuttle operated with transfer cars maximizes the productivity of the automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) . At a minimum, each level of the automated Pallet Shuttle system is operated by a motorized shuttle and a transfer car. Lifts are used to connect the different levels of the AS/RS, performing movements from the floor level to the required height. All automatic movements — of both the shuttles and the transfer cars — are coordinated by the warehouse management system (WMS) .
The automated Pallet Shuttle is a high-density storage system: it decreases the number of aisles in which the handling equipment operates and compacts the locations that house the goods. Employing transfer cars to move the motor-driven shuttles means that the aisles can be narrower, thus optimizing floor space.
Cold Storage Facility
