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 stor-
age and retrieval operations are easily possible every hour. In addition, 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 worth-
while 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 warehous-
es. Working as an independent partner to system integrators and general
contractors worldwide, DAMBACH has already installed various MULTIFLEX
systems.
—Dirk Lorenz, Head of Control, and Dr. Benjamin Thumm, Product Management
What is the Optimum Application?
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