ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) Recommendation

ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) Recommendation

ASRS – Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are computerized devices used for the retrieval of heavy loads as well as placing them where required and are mainly in large storage facilities such as warehouses, bookshops and factories. They deal with mainly large loads and are highly dependent on accuracy to avoid damage and consequent losses. The final destination of the load is also very crucial for an exact transfer to be made. In order to decide on whether to take up such a system one needs to look into factors such as size, space, annual growth, policies, staffing costs, installation, maintenance and contingency should it fail (Sannwald 2009). One can expect a price range of about $125,000 – $ 300,000 for the purchase of one of the ASAR Systems to which the listed additional costs will then be added.

Retrotech ASRS is a firm responsible for design, creation and installation of automated storage and retrieval systems for bulk material handling. For example, the Retrotech system can be purchased for a bookstore to assist in efficient arrangement and retrieval of books. It also enhances the stock taking process as compared to if it was being done by a human, which would be more time consuming, therefore less efficient. The devices are not only limited to heavy loads but are also handy for single items for example, replacing books to shelves in a library. Retrotech products therefore create value through reducing costs, increasing revenue, productivity and overall growth.

Retrotech has various benefits associated with its use including the fact that it is famous for its speed of distribution of data, which comes in handy. Retrotech is also highly reliable given that it offers technical support not only during office hours but also even after hours and on weekends, through its customer service department. In addition to the beneficial qualities of the product, the organization works on the principle of delivering within the required budget and timeline given by a customer organization. Another advantage of this technology is that it is able to reach loads very high up through an inbuilt stretching device. It is also useful in reaching deep into shelves for loads set far off.

Another benefit of the company is that despite setting leading trends in the area of automated material handling, it is continuing to improve its products. This is with the example of recent developments in the areas of the Armed Forces, food and beverage companies. Retrotech is capable of upgrading old models with changing needs of customers. In addition, Retrotech has at the disposal of its customer’s, consultative services through pairing up with a variety of technological agencies. This enables the customer to make enquiries and draw conclusions through professional advice on the best method and device for their business.

Weaknesses of ASRS systems are mainly in the cost where purchase of various systems is limited mainly to feasible volumes of operation. In other cases for example with the Man-Aboard ASRS, it is more realistic for large volumes due to its capacity and performance time relative to initial cost of purchase. Another shortcoming is in the cots associated with modernizing the systems (Arora & Shinde 2007). This is however a requirement for the system to meet its full advantage of efficiency and safety. It is therefore important to carry out a cost-benefit analysis to determine the need for the ASAS system, which looks into floor space to be gained versus the cost of the system (Sannwald 2009).

The Retrotech ACTIV system represents a high-density storage retrieval system that is able to convert the manufactured output into retail ready products. It makes an arrangement in the exact loading sequence as per requirements therefore being more advanced than the basic retrieval and return of loads. In this case, it has to sort the loads as well and can even load stage. The device can also be repaired without having to stop an active process thereby not missing valuable time. It is a more flexible, reliable, cost-effective and efficient and comes highly recommended as the best choice product since it combines multiple functions as compared to older models.

References

Arora, K C., & Shinde, V V. (2007). Aspects of Materials Handling. NY: Firewall Media.

William, W., & Sannwald, C. (2009) Checklist of library building design considerations. N.J: ALA Editions.