Material Handling Systems Automation & Consulting
 
 

Mini Load AS/RS

Home/Solutions/Technology/ASRS/Mini Load AS/RS | Automated Storage & Retrieval System

Store More Materials Faster and in Less Space with a Mini Load AS/RS

Storing products doesn't have to mean compromising floor space — mini load AS/RS are designed to store cartons, totes, and trays in less space with faster, more reliable performance. This AS/RS system is designed with strong, lightweight alloys making the mini load less expensive to install, operate, and maintain. With modular design and thoughtful engineering, installation and maintenance are fast and easy. Often paired with a hybrid combination of flow lanes and static racks or shelves, mini load systems provide the best solution for SKUs with mid-range activity.

With so many options for automated storage systems, finding the ideal solution can be a challenge. Bastian Solutions experts have extensive knowledge and hands-on integration experience with a variety of solutions and manufacturers. Let us put our expertise to work to discuss your needs and find the best solution to meet your goals.
 

Ready to find your solution?

Talk to an engineer
Mini Load ASRS

Mini Load AS/RS

How They Work

Swisslog-tornado-mini-asrsMini load automated storage and retrieval systems are designed to automatically transport cartons, trays, and totes into and out of storage. They generally consist of rack structure, stacker cranes (also called cranes, storage and retrieval machines or SRMs), software that controls the system (like WCS), and a pickup station where items are brought into or taken away from the ASRS.

To store and retrieve goods, the crane travels up and down an aisle between the storage racks, and a load-handling device or carriage travels up and down along the crane’s tall mast to reach the correct shelf height. Once at the specified storage location, the load handling device on the crane uses a mechanism to either pick up or deposit the load, depending on the task being completed. Once completed, the crane returns to the end of the aisle where the load is deposited for further processing or a new load is picked up.

Applications: 

  • Storage and buffer for raw materials, finished goods, and WIP (work in progress) inventory
  • Replenishment inventory storage for order fulfillment via pick modules or goods to person systems
  • Secure storage for controlled items or substances

 Features & Benefits

  • Real-time inventory visibility – Accurate inventory data with instant reports.
  • High density storage – Space-efficient design minimizes footprint by maximizing storage density and the use of vertical space.
  • Easy operation – User-friendly design gets new operators trained and working faster.
  • Secure product storage – Controlled inventory access reduces product damage, misplaced inventory and inventory loss.
  • Fast installation, easy maintenance – Modular construction and built-in diagnostics simplify installation and maintenance of the AS/RS Mini Load.
  • Workforce productivity – Increase the efficiency of your team by automating dangerous and repetitive storage tasks to free up labor for more valuable and engaging activities.
  • Energy management – Designed to minimize power consumption and operate in lights-out environments.
  • Variety of load handling methods – Flexibility to choose the method that best fits your needs.
 

Considerations

How much labor is currently used? How many people are needed for inventory management, receiving, put away, and retrieving items from storage? More labor used means a faster ROI for AS/RS.

Would increased storage capacity extend the lifespan of your current facility? An AS/RS may help mitigate incurring facility relocation or expansion costs.

Would your operations benefit from automated inventory management? Similar to other automation solutions, AS/RS can increase visibility, provide data and deliver control of inventory by levels and locations.

How will product be delivered to and removed from the AS/RS? Consider the pros and cons of manual processes compared to automated systems.

Would automating storage and retrieval free up labor for more valuable activities? Automation of the tedious, repetitive tasks can help you navigate labor availability challenges and streamline tasks.

Technologies & Specs

As a brand-agnostic integrator, we work with a variety of different unit load AS/RS manufacturers including viastore, Vanderlande, Swisslog, Daifuku, TGW, MIAS, Murata and more.

  • Store cartons, totes and trays weighing up to 662 lbs. (300 kg)
  • Reach heights up to 88 ft (27 m)
  • Cold storage compatible down to -22°F (-30°C)
 


See More Solutions

PUMA-Whitestown-DC-AutoStore-port-goods-to-person-workstation-order-fulfillment-processing-card

Goods-to-Person​ Systems

See Goods-to-Person 
Daifuku_mini_load_asrs

AS/RS Technologies

See More AS/RS 
ASRS-whitepaper-thumbnail

9 Questions to Find the Right AS/RS

Read Whitepaper 


Ready to find your solution?

Talk to an engineer about this solution
Close