Shelf To Person
Shelf-to-person automation in a distribution center involves a system where shelves or bins containing products are brought directly to warehouse personnel for order picking. This process utilizes automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) equipped with robotic shuttles, vertical lift modules, or conveyor systems to transport shelves of items to designated workstations.
Here's how shelf-to-person automation works:
- Inventory Storage: Products are stored in shelves or bins within an automated storage system, organized based on factors like SKU, demand frequency, or size.
- Order Processing: When an order is received, the system identifies the location of the required items and retrieves the corresponding shelves from storage.
- Automation Movement: The automated system moves the shelves to the designated picking stations where warehouse personnel can access the products for order fulfillment.
- Replenishment: Once the picking process is complete, the empty shelves are returned to the storage system for replenishment and optimization of available space.
- Robotic Picking Systems Robots equipped with vision systems, grippers, and artificial intelligence perform picking and handling tasks, working alongside or fully independent from human operators.Shelf-to-person automation streamlines order fulfillment by reducing the time and effort required for employees to locate and retrieve items, improving picking accuracy, optimizing workflow efficiency, and enhancing overall productivity in the distribution center. This innovative approach is designed to maximize operational efficiency, minimize labor costs, and meet the demands of modern e-commerce and logistics environments.
Applications
Third party logistics (3PL), retail, e-commerce, fashion products, fast-moving consumer goods, medical device, manufacturing
