Key Considerations When Developing An Automated Micro Fulfillment Strategy
More retail operations are exploring their options to add automated micro fulfillment technologies into their stores’ backrooms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These solutions help mitigate the challenges retailers experienced with limited inventory, store-based pickers crowding aisles, restricted ...
Cybersecurity And Its Importance To Supply Chains
Cyberattacks — both passive and active — have been increasing in both frequency and financial impact, according to a white paper written by Bowling Green State University researchers MD Sarder and Matthew Haschak. The pair, who work in the Department ...
ASRS Equipment Requires Minimal Maintenance, Delivers Maximum Uptime
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are often erroneously thought to be “high maintenance” by prospective owners and operators. That’s because they are directed by computer-controlled systems for the automatic storage and retrieval of a broad range of load types, ...
Three Ways Robotic Solutions Are Addressing COVID-19 Supply Chain Challenges
Although there have been concerns over the years that robots will ultimately replace humans — and take their jobs — in manufacturing, distribution and order fulfillment, their availability during the shutdowns associated with COVID-19 has helped numerous facilities maintain productivity. ...
Goods-To-Person ASRS Technologies Address Multiple Labor Challenges
Pre-pandemic, e-commerce fulfillment centers and distribution centers serving a variety of sectors struggled to attract, hire, and retain qualified labor. Even among full-time hires, attendance could be spotty. And, in spite of the unprecedented job losses and furloughs over the ...
Exploring The Differences Between Vertical Lift Modules And Vertical Carousels
Vertical lift modules (VLMs) and vertical carousels are both computer-controlled, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) that maximize cubic footprint by storing items vertically. Their internal components include trays (also called pans, shelves, or carriers) that are moved up and ...
Safety, Ease Of Use Features Characterize AS/RS Equipment
Offered in a broad range of types and styles to accommodate diverse handling needs, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) provide robotic, automated storage and retrieval of products with minimal human intervention. Regardless of their form factor, these advanced systems ...
Ideas For Resolving Warehouse Labor Shortage Issues Shared In MODEX ...
With warehouse labor challenges (attraction, retention, turnover, and more) at the forefront of most distribution center managers’ minds, members of the Solutions Community of MHI offered both tactical and strategic recommendations to attendees of a free, MODEX 2020 on-floor seminar: ...
Metrics Often Overlooked When Calculating AS/RS ROI Explored In ASRS’ ...
At MODEX 2020, held this past March in Atlanta, members of the ASRS industry group of MHI presented a free, on-floor seminar to attendees. Entitled “How to Calculate AS/RS ROI: Key Metrics That Often Get Overlooked,” the 30-minute session’s slides ...
Three Ways To Improve The Human-Robot Working Relationship
Historically, industrial robotic automation used in manufacturing and distribution applications required perimeter guarding and other safety mechanisms to prevent contact between personnel and the robot. Not anymore, however. With advances in sensor technologies and programming interfaces that make it much ...