New Tool Optimizes Unit Load AS/RS Storage Capacity and Throughput

The Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) announces the availability of the ExAS/RS v2.0 configuration tool. ExAS/RS v2.0 helps the user configure a unit load AS/RS to user defined throughput and storage volume requirements, while considering infrastructure constraints.

Automation of warehousing operations leads to high space utilization, high inventory accuracy, low labor costs, and low product damages. It is highly desirable that such systems allow smooth operations with the lowest capital investment. The ExASRS configuration tool helps unit load AS/RS accomplish these goals.

ExAS/RS v2.0 is an Excel-based software tool that determines the design of a unit load AS/RS (i.e. number of aisles and rack dimensions) to support user defined throughput and storage capacity. 

The tool makes cycle time calculations based on the following user defined parameters:

• Number of shuttles (1, 2, or 3)
• Number of storage requests per hour
• Number of retrieval requests per hour
• Maximum storage volume (unit loads)
• Storage location (cell) height including rack structure and clearances (feet)
• Storage location (cell) width including rack structure and clearances (feet)
• S/R machine horizontal velocity (ft/min)
• S/R machine vertical velocity (ft/min)
• S/R machine horizontal acceleration/deceleration (ft/sec2)
• S/R machine vertical acceleration/deceleration (ft/sec2)
• Pickup time (seconds)
• Deposit time (seconds)
• Percentage of dual command (DC) operations (%)
• Maximum allowable S/R machine utilization (%)
• Rack shape (square-in-time vs. fixed height racks)
• Rack type (single vs. double deep racks) 

ExAS/RS v 2.0 is available at no cost  at MHIA.org.

MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling & logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and NA 2008 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (ASRS) is a Product Section of MHIA. ASRS members are the Industry's leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector.

Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) (704) 676-1190/800-345-1815 / cmiller@mhia.org.

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