Storage & Retrieval (ASRS)
To maximize storage utilization, ASRS solutions “work the cube” by leveraging vertical space to increase floor capacity and density. These systems automate the storage and retrieval of inventory, minimizing manual travel and increasing the density of storage. ASRS technologies range from Shuttles, Mini-Loads, Cubic ASRS, to robotics and are selected based on the material to be handled, throughput, and space utilization goals.
Most ASRS Systems Fall Into One of Three Categories:
BUFFERING
Buffering stores work-in-progress (WIP) or completed orders until they’re needed, allowing operations to work ahead of peaks, order commitment times, or labor availability. The orders stored in the buffer are retrieved and delivered at the time they are needed for shipping.
SEQUENCING
Sequencing stores completed orders or work in process, retrieving containers in the order they are needed. A common application for completed orders is reverse truck stop loading. In this case, orders are flowed to shipping so that the truck is loaded with orders for its last stop first, and the first stop last.
PICKING
ASRS picking typically involves slow- to medium-moving inventory that is retrieved and presented to an operator. This is typically the most complicated of the solutions, requiring a high level of coordination between overall operations and the ASRS system to optimize the solution so inventory and orders flow efficiently through a building.
Benefits of ASRS
ASRS increases labor productivity by delivering the right item at the right time with up to 99.99% accuracy. These solutions can be tailored to different operational needs, depending on how inventory is stored and retrieved, and are ideal for improving picking speed, accuracy, and overall space utilization.
Types of ASRS Technologies
Mobile Robotic Goods-to-Operator
Robotic Goods-to-Operator systems use autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to automate put-away, storage, replenishment, and order picking. Flexible and modular, these systems easily adapt to changing inventory and order volumes, scaling by adding robots or racks as needed. AMRs bring inventory racks to operator stations, where workers pick and consolidate items for each order.
High Density Case Storage
The i-Collector is a three-dimensional dynamic storage system used to buffer totes and trays. It can store individual containers or stacked loads, with induction and retrieval handled manually or through automation. The system is based on proven technology and can be sized to fit new and existing facilities.
Robotic Aisle Picking
Perfect Pick is a robotic solution that combines tote storage, robotic shuttles, and goods-to-operator picking station into a single aisle design that can easily expanded as businesses grow and ideal for ecommerce, micro-fulfillment, retail, wholesale, and parts fulfillment.
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cASRS-to-Operator
Infinity is a robotic cASRS (cubic ASRS) high density storage system that brings together large and patented n-Deep tote storage with iBots that can access the entire storage array and each presentation station. The result is a configurable, flexible, resilient, fast and accurate picking system ideal for ecommerce and micro-fulfillment, store replenishment, parts/wholesale distribution and fulfillment.
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Mini-Load System
Shuttle System
Mini-Load & Shuttle Systems
Mini-load and shuttle systems are high-density ASRS solutions used across ambient, chilled, and frozen environments to support ecommerce, omnichannel, and wholesale fulfillment. Mini-load is best for low to medium throughput, while shuttles are suited for higher performance needs. The main difference lies in storage interaction: mini-loads use a single load handler on a mast, while shuttles assign vehicles to each level. Choosing the right system depends on your performance goals, inventory profile, and how the subsystems work together - making solution flow design a critical part of success.
Finding the Right Fit
Every warehouse is different. At Trew, we help you choose the ASRS technology that best fits your:
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Integration timing
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Overall order flow
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Container type
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Inventory induction, storage, and retrieval
Whether you’re working with an existing facility or starting from scratch, automated storage & retrieval systems can deliver labor efficiency, better accuracy, and smarter use of vertical space.
Perfect Pick and Infinity are registered trademarks of OPEX Corporation. All rights reserved. OPEX is one of Trew’s integration partners.
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