Comparison of Pallet Shuttle Systems
and Storage and Retrieval Machines
The initial trend in the technology of automated small-parts warehouses,
away from storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) and toward shuttle
systems, has been put into perspective in recent years. SRMs are still
worthwhile pieces of equipment and can offer certain advantages.
Employing both technologies might even be sensible, depending on the
system. In times of globally organized online commerce with increasing
product diversity and high inventory turnover rates, warehouse operators
require even more flexible systems. Choosing
the right warehousing technology always calls
for an individual evaluation. In automated
warehouses, the actual throughput is playing
an even greater role. With shuttle systems, storage density and throughput rate complement
each other, also in pallet storage. DAMBACH’s
many years of experience in storage technology
has enabled it to develop the MULTIFLEX pallet
shuttle system.
APPLICATIONS FOR PALLET SRMS
The potential applications are diverse and depend on warehouse capacity, investment, throughput rates, and type of warehouse. For example,
SRMs equipped with one COMPACT SHUTTLE operating in the storage
lane are especially suitable for systems with a high storage density and
low product diversity. Such solutions are popular for cold stores because
of their good space utilization. SRMs with double-deep telescopic forks
enable more direct access to products and a relatively high number of
storage and retrieval operations. Such SRMs are now the favorite solution
for high bay warehouses, regardless of whether they handle spare parts,
foodstuffs or paper.
Powerful SRMs with single-deep telescopic forks ensure direct access
to individual products and remarkable throughput, e.g. in the dispatch
buffers of mail-order warehouses.
Proactive planning allows users to upgrade performance at a later date
by adding further shuttles or fitting telescopic forks to existing SRMs.
Introducing a second SRM per aisle is also possible. Redundant access,
and hence almost 100% availability, can be achieved with curve-going
SRMs.
APPLICATIONS FOR PALLET SHUTTLE SYSTEMS
The MULTIFLEX pallet shuttle system combines high storage density with
incredible throughput rates. Depending on the warehouse system, 250
storage and retrieval operations are easily possible every hour. In addi-
tion, the MULTIFLEX system requires a much smaller space for the same
performance and storage capacity. The system consists of the perfectly
synchronized interaction of three modules: CARRIER, COMPACT SHUTTLE,
and LIFT. This concept separates the lifting, traveling, and storage axes.
Using the CARRIER-LIFT, it is possible to relocate CARRIERs on different
levels, which reduces the investment. The MULTIFLEX system renders
the intermediate dispatch buffers of warehouses obsolete. In a compact
MULTIFLEX warehouse, for example, it is possible to unload a complete
truck, a total of 34 pallets, in just 8 minutes.
That is particularly useful for applications in
drinks logistics. Owing to its modular design,
MULTIFLEX is also suitable for existing warehouses.
TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
When comparing the options, it is necessary
to consider the capital outlay for buildings and
systems, energy consumption, and the cost
of upkeep. Various calculation models, e.g.
price per storage position or price per pallet handled, can be employed
to enable a direct comparison. To do this, we define a typical reference
facility that is about 40 m high, with 12 levels and racking 80 m long.
Three SRMs with double-deep storage are compared with one MULTIFLEX
system with six-deep pallet storage having a similar throughput.
b Investment:
b SRM corresponds to MULTIFLEX
b Space required:
b SRM: approx. 74 000 m³
b MULTIFLEX: approx. 61 000 m³
b Energy consumption with energy recovery:
b SRM: approx. 0.36 k Wh per double cycle
b MULTIFLEX: approx. 0.25 k Wh per double cycle
b Cost of upkeep:
b SRM corresponds to MULTIFLEX
Whether opting for SRMs or a pallet shuttle system (MULTIFLEX),
the right solution depends on the specific application. It can even be
worthwhile to employ both systems in one warehouse. Therefore, these
are not rival, instead complementary systems. SRMs are much more
flexible than generally assumed and offer high security for investments.
MUTLIFLEX offer throughput rates unknown in the past plus flexibility for
warehouses. Working as an independent partner to system integrators
and general contractors worldwide, DAMBACH has already installed various MULTIFLEX systems.
What is the Optimum Application?
SPONSORED CONTENT
