Components of AS/RS

• Storage Space

This is the three-dimensional space in the storage racks utilized to store a single load unit of material.

• Storage Racks

This structural entity comprises storage position, bays & rows.

• Bay

This is the height of the storage rack from floor to the ceiling.

• Row

This is a series of bays placed side by side.

• Aisle

This is the spacing among two rows for the machine operations of AS/RS.

• Aisle Unit

It encompasses aisle space & racks adjacent to an aisle.

• Storage Structure

This is the rack framework, built of fabricated steel that supports the loads contained in the AS/RS and is used to store inventory items.

• Storage/Retrieval Machine

This is used to move items in and out of inventory. An S/R machine is able of both horizontal & vertical movement. A rail system along with the floor guides the machine and a parallel rail at the top of the storage structure is utilized to maintain its alignment.

• Storage Modules

These are the unit load containers utilized to hold the inventory items. These include pallets, pans and special drawers, steel wire baskets and containers. Generally these modules are built to a standard base size capable of being stored in the structure & moved by the S/R machines.

• Pickup and Deposit (P/D) Stations

P/D stations are where inventory are transferred into and out of the AS/RS. Generally they are situated at the end of the aisles to facilitate easy access through the S/R machines from the external material-handling system. The position & number of P/D stations based upon the origination point of incoming loads & the destination of output loads.