Integrated Replenishment System Automates Material Handling
Versatile automated replenishment system combines mini-load cranes, EASYpick GoKarts, pick-to-light systems, RF devices, Accuzone 24-v. conveyors, and Warehouse Optimizer warehouse control system (WCS) technologies to optimize material handling for warehouse, distribution, airport, postal, parcel, library, and other operations. Automated storage/retrieval offers demand-based, continuous replenishment, dynamic pick faces, and consolidated trash removal that speed order fulfillment, enhance accuracy, and eliminate the downtime that can occur frequently in manual systems. When pallets are delivered, trash and dunnage is removed and product is sorted and placed directly into plastic totes. Conveyor routes totes to rack system where mini-load cranes move them to static rack locations for inventory storage. Cranes retrieve totes from rack as needed to keep slots full. GoKarts, pick-to-light, and pick-to-voice order fulfillment systems move totes to takeaway conveyor for routing to shipping and sorting areas. Same conveyor takes empty totes back for automatic stacking, staging, and routing for new orders. System can be implemented in less than 1 yr. FKI Logistex North America, St. Louis, MO