Automated storage solutions are becoming the number one choice for large companies to minimize overcrowding and maximize productivity. Industries such as retail, grocery, and manufacturing are at the forefront of using this technological advancement to increase efficiency in their warehouses.
McMurray Stern is a storage solution company that offers many different types of organizational solutions such as microfulfillment, design and architecture, automated, static, and services and store. But their most popular design among customers is the automated solution.
Within the automated storage option, there are a variety of machines that achieve prime organization: automated guided vehicles (AGVs), Haipick robots, Vertical Lifts by McMurray Stern (VLMS), Miniloads, Carousel system, Shuttle system, Picking, Cranes, Lift & Run, and Conveyors.
Stern’s extensive list of automated solutions can be overwhelming and confusing to a new client preparing to organize a complex space. Here, we break down what each automated system does and how it can benefit a company’s productivity.
Automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, are made to fit into existing warehouses to improve production efficiency. These vehicles have a low investment and operating cost, easy integration, and have low infrastructure requirements. AGVs have increased operational safety and enhanced work conditions with the highest flexibility regarding system modifications and expansions.
Haipick robots “offer intelligent picking and handling, autonomous navigation, active obstacle avoidance, and autonomous charging.” These robots are known for their high stability and extreme precision. Picking can be repetitive and heavy manual work. Haipick robots remove the time-consuming hassle of precise hand-picking and come with many advantages such as flexible customization and are suitable for many industries like electronics and apparel. This solution has also been proven to increase storage density and efficiency by 80%-130% and increase operational efficiency by 3-4 times.
Vertical lifts by McMurray Stern, or VLMS, are best for industrial products, components, and spare parts for all possible environments and industries. VLMS have a superior design but simple user guidance to reduce training requirements for mechanical use. With its compact design, Stern’s vertical lifts have economic and environmental advantages. This is perfect for small parts and can reduce 90% less floor space.
McMurray Stern’s miniload cranes are in partnership with SSI Schafer. The cranes are ideal for any warehouse looking for an automated storage-retrieval system. With SSI Schafer’s expertise in green technology, the mini-load cranes are designed to “reduce energy consumption and therefore minimize your organization’s carbon footprint and costs.”
The carousel system is designed for picking in the smallest possible space at a medium to low moving pace. This automated system is perfect for smaller products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics components, media, and food items. McMurray Stern also offers a wire carousel system that fully utilizes overhead space to store wire, cable, and other spooled products.
Stern and SSI Schafer’s shuttle system works with all different size loads. Four options are available for the shuttles: lift and run (SLR), tray system (STS), Navette, and Cuby. The shuttles’ designs range from organizing pallets to small cartons and bins.
Picking is the most common and labor-intensive process in a warehouse. With the automated solution, efficiency and productivity are maximized. Stern’s partnership with SSI Schafer on the picking system comes with five different designs: E-pick, Batch Pick n’ Scan Sorter, Pick to Tote Compact, Fulfillment Factory, and A-frame. No matter what warehouse or products need organization, the picking solution can do it fast and efficiently.
The automated crane solution was created in partnership with Rapistak, the leader in manufactural and industrial cranes, to provide premium cranes to maximize performance from basic pallet rack and roll storage systems to automated storage and retrieval systems. With six different crane options, there is a solution for any and all industries.
Conveyors can be customized to each business’ needs in order to achieve the best results possible. This solution transports goods on a large load carrier and can be static or auto-guided systems. The conveyors feature pallet conveying systems, roll container conveyor systems, tray conveying systems, belt conveyors, and auto-guided transport systems.
Regardless of the warehouse size and product, McMurray Stern’s automated storage solutions can fit anywhere and resolve cluttering issues for anyone. The future of maximizing productivity starts in the environment in which everything is created. A clear and organized space encourages exceptional performance and increased accuracy and speed.
