Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

Across nearly every industry, automation is becoming more and more relevant. With ever-evolving technology, it is becoming easier to implement machine and computer systems to automatically carry out tasks that would have previously required a person to complete. This is both a good and bad thing; automation definitely allows for greater productivity with increased efficiency and less waste, but also takes jobs away from people and puts them in the hands of a machine. It is inevitable, however, that automation will become more and more common in every setting. So it's definitely something to get excited about. A really cool development in manufacturing and inventory control industries are Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_storage_and_retrieval_system

A basic definition of an Automated Storage and Retrieval System is a computer-controlled system that retrieves or stores materials automatically when prompted by a material requirement planning, inventory control, or other material handling system. Material handling that was once done with people using pallet jacks, fork lifts, or pure manpower can now be done with these automated systems that utilize racks, conveyors, elevators, robots, and computers that control it all. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are extremely versatile, and can be designed to fit any firm's needs. These systems possess the ability to logically organize and handle a variety of materials, tools, fixtures, components, and any other objects that may have been an extreme hassle to efficiently manage in the past.

The advantages of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are plentiful. The most obvious advantage is the more efficient inventory control and tracking. With this system in place, the firm knows exactly how much of each item they have, where the item's origin and destination is, and will know exactly when it's time to get more of that item. ASR Systems are also very adaptable. Most systems are composed of modular subsystems that can be swapped out or rearranged to accommodate for varying business demands or material needs. ASR Systems also increase the safety of the material handling department of the firm. There is a much lesser chance of injury due to strain or fatigue to workers, as well as the reduced, if not eliminated, chance of an accident occurring involving a fork lift or other piece of heavy equipment. One of the last big advantages is the large reduction in material handling and storage costs that these systems allow. The chance of human error in inventory control that could cost a lot of money and down time is eliminated. Also, these systems are able to have a great storage density for the amount of floor space they consume. With the use of the elevators and other vertical components of the system, a lot of inventory is able to be stored in a smaller amount of space than would be in a traditional system that uses fork lifts. These are just some of the major advantages that show how beneficial an Automated Storage and Retrieval System could be to a firm.

As with anything, there are some disadvantages about ASR Systems. Like I mentioned earlier, these systems would greatly reduce the amount of labor force needed in the material handling or inventory control department of a firm, taking jobs away from people. Also, these systems require a substantial up-front investment, as a personally designed, automated system of this magnitude is very expensive. Therefore, ASR Systems really only make sense for very large firms with a great amount of inventory control and tracking needed. Maintenance is also a major concern for these systems to ensure they operate without interruption.

Now you know some more about Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems and the incredible efficiency that they can bring to a manufacturing or inventory control firm. These systems are only going to become more prevalent, and it'll be exciting to see what other innovations these systems will be used in conjunction with in the future.


Sources:
http://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/automated-storage-and-retrieval-systems-as-rs.html
http://www.bastiansolutions.com/automation/automated-storage-retrieval-systems-%28asrs%29