Automated warehouse: types and functionality

The world of warehousing has undergone a significant transformation in recent years due to rapid advances in technology. One of the major developments in this area is the emergence of automated warehouses. These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced robotics, sensors and others cutting-edge technologies that enable them to operate with minimal human intervention. The automated warehouse is of several types, each with unique features and benefits. The choice of automated warehouse depends on various factors, including type of products to be handled, available space, the number of SKUs to be managed, and the flows required. In this article we will explore the different types of automated warehouses and their functionality, as well as the benefits they provide to businesses. Whether you are a warehouse operator or a business owner looking to optimize your supply chain, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the world of the automation and robotics.

In this article:

The world of logistics automation
What is an automated warehouse?
Types of automated warehouses: logistics automation as a function of business objectives
Space optimization
4.2 Type of goods to be handled
4.3Level of automation based on flows
4.3.1 Semi-automatic warehouse:
4.3.2 Automated warehouse
Temperatures of use
Conclusion

The world of logistics automation

The strong rise of logistics in recent years has placed increasing emphasis on research and technological development in the field of industrial automation.

Changing business scenarios, which are increasingly characterized by multi-channeling, necessitate the presence of automated warehouses, with a supply chain optimized to meet customers’ needs for efficiency and speed of service.

Logistics thus is no longer just a means within the sales process, but becomes itself an integral part of the sale, turning into a competitive advantage for those Companies that invest in logistics automation.

For many business scenarios, the transition from a traditional warehouse to a automated warehouse becomes almost “obligatory,” in response to the new market needs.

What is an automated warehouse?

A automated warehouse is a logistics facility in which automation and computer systems carry out activities such as goods receiving, warehousing, order preparation, and shipping partially or fully, with speed and accuracy,

Essential for the efficient operation of logistics automation is implementation of a warehouse management software (WMS/WCS) that makes the intelligent warehouse, i.e., coordinate automation and operations to achieve set production goals.

Types of automated warehouses: logistics automation as a function of business objectives

Automating the movement of goods within the warehouse is critical for many companies depending on the production goals and flows to be achieved.

Space optimization

Depending on the space available and the production and storage capacities to be achieved, different types of warehouses can be implemented.

The traditional warehouse is usually a building between 13 and 15 meters high, in which storage racks are installed.
The self-supporting warehouse, on the other hand, is a type of construction formed by the racks themselves on which the roof and side panels rest.
The vertical warehouses instead are equipped with automatic systems for storing and handling goods that develop their capacity in height, with minimal floor space.

Type of goods to be handled

The automatic warehouses can handle and move any type of goods, which can be stored on pallets or in containers/crates.

Automated pallet warehouses: they move along the aisles and carry out goods entry, location and exit operations. This type of automatic warehouses are guided by management software that coordinates all their movements.

High-density storage warehouses for totes: consists of storing the largest amount of products in the smallest possible space, eliminating the aisles where operators move. Unlike traditional warehousing, it makes it possible to greatly expand the area dedicated to storage.

Level of automation based on flows

Semi-automatic warehouse:

It combines semi-automatic storage, handling or transportation solutions with manual operations, combining technology with human labor, such as in pick and put-to-light solutions.

Automated warehouse

It presents a high level of process automation, achieved at the combination of several elements:

Shelving: That is, the racks on which products are stored.
The integration of various technological essential for automating warehouse flows and processes, such as conveyor lines, AGV or AMR shuttles, stacker cranes, packaging and labeling lines , robotic islands, and sorters.
The warehouse software These include the Control software (or WCS)that orchestrates the automation present in the warehouse and the Warehouse Management Software or WMS that handles all warehouse activities and operations in real time.

Temperatures of use

The temperature-controlled warehouses are particularly used in logistics centers where products that need to be stored at a specific temperature are stored, such as in the food and retail sector or in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.

By convention there are four types of environments:

Room temperature: from 15ºC up to 30ºC
Fresh: between 10 and 15 ºC
Refrigerated: between 0 and 10 ºC
Frozen: between -30° and 0 ºC

Thelogistics automation must therefore take into account compatibility with the temperatures of use.

In particular, our pallet shuttle solutions are particularly versatile and can also work in cold storage, with temperatures as low as -30°C.

Conclusion

In summary, the automated warehouse offers numerous benefits to companies seeking to optimize their supply chain. We have seen the different types of automated warehouses, each with Unique features and benefits.

The choice of the type of automated warehouse depends, therefore, on the specific needs of the company. The design and implementation of a system of automated warehouse requires careful planning and detailed assessment of the company’s needs. Finally, the maintenance and safety of the automated warehouses are important to ensure that the system works properly and to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace.

The future of the automatic warehouses Is therefore, very promising. It is expected that the technology will continue to evolve and that the automated warehouses become increasingly sophisticated and advanced. Investment in automated warehouses is expected to increase in the future as companies seek to improve efficiency and reduce warehouse management costs.

At Errevi Automation, we continually invest in technology, research and development and provide our customers with all our Know-how to offer up-to-date and advanced solutions of automated warehouse. Our solutions are customized to meet the specific needs of companies in multiple sectors and for different types of goods.

Automated warehouse: types and functionality

The world of logistics automation

What is an automated warehouse?