Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

Automated  storage  and retrieval systems(SASRS) are system  for receiving  orders for  materials  from  anywhere  in  operations collecting the materials  from  locations  within  a warehouse, and  delivering the materials to workstations in operations. There are  three major  elements  of ASRS:

1. Computers and Communication Systems: These systems  are used  for placing orders  for  materials  locating the materials  in storage, giving  commands for delivery  of the  materials to locations  in operations and adjusting inventory records showing  the amount  and location of  materials.

2. Automated  Materials Handling  and Delivery  Systems: These systems  are automatically  loaded with containers of materials from  operations, which  they deliver to the  warehouse  similarly they are automatically loaded with  orders of materials at the ware house, which they  deliver to workstations in operations. Powered and computer  controlled conveyors of several  types are sometimes used but  automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS) are now being used  in greater numbers for this  propose. AGVS are  usually driverless trains  pallet trucks and unit  load carriers. AGVS usually follow either embedded  guide wires or paint strips through  operations  until  their  destinations are reached.

3. Storages and Retrieval Systems  in Warehouse: Warehouse store  materials  in standard size  containers.  These containers are arranged according to a location address scheme  that allows  the location  of each material to be precisely determined by a computer. A storage and retrieval  (S/R) machine receives commands from a computer  gets containers of materials from a pickup  point in  the warehouse  delivers materials to their assigned location in the warehouse  and places  them in  their  location. Similarly S/R machines  locate  containers of  materials  in storage remove  containers from  storage, and  deliver  containers to a deposit point in  the warehouse.