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Systems designed to streamline fulfillment processes
Distribution center and warehouse storage and pick modules are essential components of any fulfillment operation. These modules facilitate the efficient storage, retrieval, and handling of goods within a warehouse, optimizing space utilization and improving order fulfillment speed.
Equipped with advanced technology and automation, storage and pick modules streamline inventory management, reduce labor costs, and enhance accuracy in order picking processes. By integrating various storage solutions such as shelving, racks, and automated systems, these modules ensure seamless operations, meeting the demands of today’s fast-paced logistics and distribution environments.
Storage Systems
Storage systems provide the ability to store full pallets, individual cases, or small items. The offerings below are designed to improve handling operations and decrease the amount of floor space used in our client’s facilities.
Pallet Racking
A common sight in any warehouse or distribution center. Steel components designed to store pallets or used as an integrated structure for product storage and order selection systems. Pallets are stored on racking platforms and are retrieved from the aisles using lift trucks or an ASRS.
Pallets can be transported to and from storage with the use of pallet conveyors or pallet-handling AGVS and AMRS.Â
Benefits
- Precisely configurable to warehouse inventory storage parametersÂ
- Can be used as a facility support structure for ceiling-high racking
- Adjustable aisle lengths to maximize space. VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) and ASRS compatible
- Remove unsafe and damaging pallet stacking operations
Shelving
Durable solid-steel shelving typically used to store order items in cartons or totes that are generally in smaller quantities and support piece-picking operations.
Piece picking starts with proper slotting, labeling, and identification of products so that associates can accurately locate and pick a single SKU. Combine GTP operations at shelving units with conveyor or fulfillment cobots for additional picking automation.
Benefits
- Enables ergonomic and cost-effective piece picking
- Simple SKU organization
- Aisles can be outfitted with conveyor or cobots for operators to induct cartons or totes for fulfillment
- Customizable to product type, such as non-conveyables
Carton Flow Rack
Multi-level pitched gravity roller or wheel sections, designed to move cartons or totes from a replenishment aisle to a pick aisle and normally support piece-picking operations.
Enabling ergonomic solutions is an excellent low-cost optimization tool. Simply eliminating cumbersome physical actions for your warehouse associates leads to faster fill rates and less damages.
Benefits
- Enables ergonomic and cost-effective carton or tote picking
- Canted skate-wheel or roller shelf platforms use gravity to reslot product within operator reach
- Shelving can be configured to cant product from either side of the aisle
- Aisles can be outfitted with conveyor or cobots for operators to induct cartons or totes for fulfillment
Mezzanines and Platforms
Platforms designed to maximize space within a warehouse by placing a second or third level above the ground floor used to store product or equipment such as sortation systems, etc.
Mezzanines are strong enough to suspend an entire conveyor system overhead, leaving the ground floor clear for an existing system or lift vehicles.Â
Benefits
- Maximize clear space on warehouse ground floor
- Conveyors and sorters can be suspended overhead via the support from a mezzanine
- Multiple levels can be installed depending on the ceiling height
- Offices, storage rooms, compressors, and other equipment can be placed on mezzanines.
Picking Systems (Goods-to-Person)
A pick module is a multi-level rack or shelving supported structure used to store and select pallets, cases, or individual items from a variety of storage medium. Order selection in the module includes RF directed cart picking, zone routing conveyor, or pick to belt conveyor systems. Pick modules utilize cubic space more efficiently and enhance goods-to-person and replenishment operations.
Picking Module
Automated picking modules are used for order fulfillment operations. An order is received and sent to a selector to be processed. Depending on the level of automation, the module will convey totes or singular items from storage to the operator, who will pick and pack according to the order.Â
Operators fulfill orders at GTP terminals based on the WMS manifest display. Once the items are picked, the associate presses a button to dispatch the current active totes.Â
Benefits
- Increase operator efficiency and remove movement by automatically bringing items to their terminal
- Accurate picking based on manifest order reduces associate time to fill
- Dynamic inventory optimization
- Ability to interface with downstream systems for replenishment or reverse logistics
Picking Cell
A ergonomic and cost-effective version of an automated pick module. Cells utilize a cubic shelving structure with items in each cubby (a “cell”). Identification systems like lights or labels specify the SKU and other values to operators for accurate picking.
Cells can be a static unit, or combined with automated carts to bring items to pickers at their pack stations.Â
Benefits
- Enables ergonomic and cost-effective piece picking
- Can be configurable exactly to inventory levels and picking operations
- Low-impact and scalable
- Combine with RF carts or cobots for additional automation
Automated Storage and Retrieval System
Automation in the form of an ASRS (automatic storage and retrieval system) can rapidly retrieve pallets that need to be distributed or store long-term inventory in the most optimal spot within a racking system.Â
An ASRS uses a crane attached to horizontal and vertical track, scaling the racking structure, and using extendable forks to handle pallets. The operator terminal provides information on what product is stored where, and the ASRS operates when a retrieve or store command is inputted.
Benefits
- Incredibly efficient when compared to manual operations
- Smaller footprint size when compared to normal racking structures
- Eliminates the need for forklift picking operations
- Reduces risk associated with manual pallet handling
Shuttle and Mini-Load Systems
Shuttle systems are powered picking robots that travel inside a racking structure, accessing small compartments or “cubbies” where items are stored.Â
When an item is to be processed for an order, the shuttle retrieves it and brings it either to an outfeed receptacle or conveyor to be packaged and sent to loading operations.
Benefits
- Highly effective for warehouses that store mass quantities of the same item
- Eliminates the need for multiple forklift operations
- Efficient storage and movement of product
- Expedites picking operations
Take the first step for true efficiency
Send Century a message to start planning your next distribution facility automation optimization project. Provide any project details in your submission, and an Automation Expert will respond promptly with next steps on your request.
