The world’s most compact and secure goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), AutoStore, powered by Swisslog, is being used by Australia’s largest privately-owned logistics company, Linfox, to deliver outstandingly speedy and safe service to its client’s customers.
The ultra-high density AutoStore system chosen by logistics leader Linfox for a new consumer products facility in western Sydney, accommodates more than 20,000 bins of high value product served by 45 robot wheeled bins in an automatic storage and rapid despatch system occupying a floor footprint of just 700sqm.
Compared with conventional non-automated warehousing, AutoStore systems offer a 60 per cent reduction in inventory storage footprint, at least a 100 per cent increase in picking speed and inventory record accuracy of more than 99.9 per cent.
The solution was designed with safety in mind to store dangerous goods of six different classes, which is the first such installation to be designed and implemented in Australia.
Swisslog Australia MD Francis Meier, says the system is ideal for fast, accurate, secure and clean picking of smaller high-value goods in a greatly reduced space compared with conventional warehousing.
“The outstanding pick accuracy and efficiency provide ongoing benefits to Linfox. The system is set up with four bins, and four products can be allocated to each bin, allowing for a huge range of picking possibilities,” he said.
AutoStore systems are among a comprehensive portfolio of Swisslog automation systems including ASRS, automatic conveyor and transport systems, picking and palletising solutions, and flexible and intelligent software solutions, suitable for different fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, grocery, and other industries as well as product types and sizes.
“AutoStore systems are very clean and safe, eliminating multiple handling by storing internally up to 100,000 products or more that would otherwise be placed in cages on rows of racks,” says Meier.
Linfox president, consumer and healthcare group, Kylie Fraser, says the system places Linfox “at the very forefront of efficient automation, a subject about which we are passionate because of the benefits it brings our customers”.
“Linfox is leading the way with investment in exceptional supply chains to help our customers grow stronger and work smarter. We work with our customers and partners using business insights and technology solutions that create better operational models and performance.”
Traditional warehousing approaches cannot match the high-density AutoStore supply storage and picking efficiency. As part of a high-performing consolidated service centre, it is a giant leap toward making supply chain management more efficient, says Meier. Swisslog’s advanced software provides insight into the goods stored with the integrated logistics system.
Benefits compared with conventional non-automated warehousing include:
- At least 100 per cent increase in picking speed.
- A 60 per cent reduction in inventory storage footprint.
- Inventory record accuracy of more than 99.9 per cent.
- Faster turnaround times.
- More secure storage (which is important for certain medical or surgical supplies).
- Easily expandable system.
- Goods-to-person technology – eliminates opportunity for errors.
- Flexible design – fits into any existing warehouse.
- Multi-tasking – goods can be simultaneously picked and stocked at the same time.
- Self-optimising – high-frequency bins are automatically organised to expedite picking.
- Controlled access – access to bins is only from ports, reducing product loss.
- Built-in redundancy – each unit and robot operates independently.
“Fully automated bin storage, retrieval and delivery translates to operators being able to access up to four bins within one minute. And when a business grows, the space-optimising AutoStore design is easy to expand – just add another vertical level or row to the stack,” says Meier.
Here’s a video of the solution in action:
