Automatic small parts warehouse

An “automatic small parts warehouse” (ASPW) is a storage system in which small-volume units such as screws or electronic parts are stored. In comparison to high-bay warehouses, small parts warehouses are always automated.

An AKL consists of the storage system, the rack feeder, the load handling device (LAM), countless containers and a picking area.

The units are located in containers such as boxes or plastic boxes (shelves), which are stored in the respective shelf. If there is more than one container in a shelf compartment, this is referred to as double-deep storage. If comparatively small parts are stored in the container or if there is little turnover, then different items can be stored in the same container. A prerequisite for this mixed storage is support from the warehouse management system.

The small parts warehouse is served by storage and retrieval machines or shuttle vehicles. These automatically grip the handles or handle strips of the containers as required in order to pull them out of the rack onto the load handling vehicle or push them back into the compartment. Storage and retrieval machines can usually carry up to 300 kilograms and usually reach a speed of about 7 m/s. Shuttle vehicles can be used, among other things, to reduce the number of transfer operations by transporting the goods directly to their destination via a rail system.

Since an automated small parts warehouse works on the principle of “goods-to-person” picking, the small parts warehouse and the picking zone are closely linked. Outside the storage system, the area between the picking zone and the warehouse can have a flexible layout and not be directly connected. In this case, the items are transported to the picker by driverless transport vehicles (DTV).

An AKL is planned according to the strictest tolerance specifications and therefore places the highest demands on manufacturing accuracy and assembly precision, as well as on the legal form itself – while making full use of the room height.

For more information on the transportation of goods in logistics, see Logistics Networks: Overview.

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