A horizontal carousel system is a type of automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) implemented in distribution centers and warehouses to handle retrieval and storage of materials efficiently. It contains a sequence of bins or trays attached to a spinning carousel, and pick materials are sent to the retrieval position, in a “good-to-person” manner.

The Advantages Of Horizontal Carousels

One of the main benefits of a horizontal carousel system is its capacity to utilize available area. By way of a turning base, a horizontal carousel is capable of storing a greater quantity of items in a small footprint, allowing warehouses and distribution centers to utilize their space more optimally. This ends up being particularly advantageous in implementations where floor area is finite or expensive.

Another plus of horizontal carousel systems is their speed and accuracy. Due to the fact that the picking module can quickly and conveniently find the desired bin, the system can return items faster than a staff member. This helps material handling facilities reduce the time required to fill orders, which leads to enhanced performance and customer gratification.

Besides these advantages, horizontal carousel systems are able, also, to help material handling facilities reduce their labor costs. Because the system is computerized, it can operate all the time without a need for shifts or breaks. This lessens the demand to employ manual labor, which can be especially useful for warehouses and distribution centers that must complete orders on a constant schedule.

Horizontal Carousel Types

There are varying differing styles of horizontal carousel systems out there, each including select highlighted advantages and attributes. A few of the most common sorts are:

Standard Horizontal Carousel: These “typical” horizontal conveyors are usually arranged alongside each other into a workstation or pod and used for batch picking applications. The quantity of carousels needed for each pod depends on throughput expectations. Wares can be retrieved by either a human staff member or a computerized arm.

Put Horizontal Carousel: This style of ASRS works on the same principle as a put wall, but rather than a wall it consists of a carousel of bins or trays. It is frequently chosen within an operation, or for consolidation.

Robotic Horizontal Carousel: Fully robotic carousels turn the desired bin to an inserter/extractor, which chooses the appropriate bin right away. A conveyor delivers the bin to its next destination inside the system.

When deciding on a horizontal carousel system for a distribution center or warehouse, it's important to carefully examine the unique demands of the enterprise. Factors to consider include the layout and footprint of the facility, the kinds of wares being kept, and the volume of orders that need to be met.

Besides the opening cost of the system, warehouse administrators also have to take into account ongoing maintenance and repair expenses. It's critical to decide on a system that is durable and reliable, as stoppages can be expensive in both lost productivity and patron satisfaction.

Contact A Warehouse Automation Expert

Overall, horizontal carousel systems are often a valuable acquisition for distribution centers and warehouses seeking to elevate productivity and reduce costs. By automating the storage and retrieval of goods, these storage modules can help facilities increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

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