10 signs your warehouse needs an automated storage and retrieval system

The fast-paced world of warehouse management, labour shortages and space constraints present significant challenges. Drivers often struggle with repetitive tasks, and limited space can cause stress when trying to keep everything organised and ensure stock readiness. If your business has inbound, outbound, or other storage areas where these issues occur, it’s worth considering automating the storage and retrieval flow. Below, we’ve listed ten signs that tell you it's time to upgrade to an automated storage and retrieval system. 

Understanding Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems 

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are advanced technologies used in warehouses to automate the processes of storing and retrieving items. Traditionally ASRS is using cranes however with our AGV-based ASRS we offer businesses a flexible solution to address challenges such as space constraints or labour shortages and improve speed and accuracy. 

How do you determine if your warehouse is in need of change? 

Automation is a key subject for businesses today. This is driven by challenges in the labour market, efforts to improve resilience and performance, and the emergence of a wide range of new technologies now available. Though the opposite is true: there are easy automation systems specifically designed to simplify the process, and with the right framework, automation can be a tremendous asset.

Here, we’ve listed the key indicators to know when to implement ASRS:

1. Space limitations: Are you running out of storage space? Overcrowded warehouses and disorganisation lead to stock issues and misplaced items. ASRS are dynamic storage solutions that have shuttles travelling independently along narrow aisles, positively affecting space utilisation by up to 80%. 
2. Labour shortage: Hiring difficulties and manpower flows can disrupt operations. ASRS systems eliminate dependence on manual labour, ensuring continuous, round-the-clock productivity, even when drivers are unavailable or during peak seasons. 
3. Efficiency: If your warehouse struggles to keep up with increasing order volumes, an ASRS can enhance storage throughput with high-speed shuttles and efficient load handling. 
4. Operator satisfaction: Operators often find repetitive work monotonous and error-prone. Automating repetitive tasks lets your workforce focus on more important jobs and those which require creative thinking, boosting job satisfaction and productivity, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency. 
5. Flexibility & scalability: Warehouses with inconsistent demands require adaptable storage solutions. An AGV-based ASRS solution is scalable, allowing you to adjust the number of trucks and shuttles as needed, giving your business the opportunity to grow. 
6. Cost savings: Rising energy costs and sustainability targets make energy efficiency crucial in any storage facility. With automated inventory management systems, you can handle more transactions more quickly, reducing energy consumption and lowering operational costs.
7. Safety: Automation enhances safety when working in very narrow aisles and high racking. The systems ensure precise, safe movements, minimising injury risks and damage costs. 
8. Customer satisfaction: Difficulties in managing stock levels and storage locations can lead to delays and errors in delivery to your customers. From misplaced pallets to picking mistakes, human errors cost money. Automation equals accuracy. The ASRS built-in software interfaces directly with your WMS, ensuring efficient stock management and reducing storage buffer. 
9. Reliability & availability: Dependability and reliable technology are crucial for smooth warehouse storage operations. Downtime and disruptions affect productivity. ASRS use proven machines and intelligent software, ensuring consistent performance supported by a solid service network. 
10. Operating speed: High-density automated shuttles and automated battery charging keep your warehouse storage running smoothly and efficiently. 
    
    

Automated processes for better quality 

For Toyota Material Handling, it comes naturally to analyse processes and identify areas for improvement. Automated processes can complete tasks quicker and more efficiently. If you identify signs that your business could benefit from automation, choose the right strategy and make well-informed decisions. The rest is just a matter of when and how. Automate the right tasks and let your operators do what they do best. Process automation grows your business and guarantees continuity.