Page 242 - DMGT523_LOGISTICS_AND_SUPPLY_CHAIN_MANAGEMENT
P. 242
Unit 10: Packaging and Material Handling
a warehouse provides a different type of challenge than a typical manufacturing plant. In Notes
warehousing, the goal is to accommodate the exact merchandise requirements of a
customer’s order. Thus, warehouse specification can vary extensively from one customer
order to the next and results in far less routine activities than typically found in
manufacturing.
The primary use of robotics in warehousing is to break down and build unit loads. In the
breakdown process, the robot is programmed to recognize stocking patterns and place
products in the desired position on a conveyor belt. The use of robots to build unit loads
is essentially the reverse operation.
Another prime potential use of robotics in warehousing occurs in environments where
humans find it difficult to function.
Example: Include high noise areas and extreme temperature environments like
cold-storage freezers.
Significant potential exists to use robots in a mechanized warehouse to perform selected
functions. The capability to incorporate artificial intelligence in addition to their speed,
dependability, and accuracy makes robotics an attractive alternative to traditional manual
handling methods.
Task Compare and contrast order selection and unit load automation.
12. Live Racks: Live Racks Storage rack design, in which product flows forward to the desired
selection position, is a commonly used device to reduce manual labour in warehouses.
The typical live rack contains roller conveyors and is constructed for rear loading. To
complete the installation, the rear of the rack is elevated higher than the front, causing a
gravity flow forward. When unit loads are removed from the front, all other loads in that
specific rack automatically move forward.
Example: Live racks are a prime example of incorporating gravity flow into
material-handling system design.
The use of the live rack replaces the need to use fork trucks to reposition unit loads. A
significant advantage of this form of storage is the automatic rotation of product that
results from rear loading of a live rack. Rear loading facilitates “first-in, first-out”
management of inventory. Applications of gravity flow racks are extremely diverse.
Example: Such racks are utilized to “stage,” or store and position, fresh biscuits or
bread for bakery manufacturers on individual pallet loads in preparation for shipping.
Flow-rack staging is also typically utilized for automotive seats in JIT systems.
10.3.3 Automated Material Handling
For several decades, the concept of automated handling has been long on potential and short on
accomplishment. Initial efforts directed toward automated handling concentrated on order
selection systems at the master carton level. Recently, emphasis has switched to automated
high-rise storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). Each is discussed in turn after a brief review of
automated handling concepts.
LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 237
