In 1913, Henry Ford constructed the world’s first automobile assembly line. Building a single car used to take 12 hours and 13 minutes (the fastest time ever recorded by Ford), but now it just takes 1 hour and 33 minutes! With Ford revolutionising the vehicle business, labour-intensive methods were significantly slashed and mass manufacturing was born! Since 1913, several innovations have been made to improve, speed up and lower the cost of industry “processes.” Here we are going to talk about one of those technologies in this article: the Automated Vertical Carousel and Vertical Lift Module in Australia.
The Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is frequently referred to as automated vertical carousel storage and retrieval system, however, it is basically just a sophisticated delivery elevator. To begin, imagine two walls of vertical storage shelves that are 20′ to 100′ tall and facing each other. Then, between the two rows of facing shelves, an elevator (electrical lift) is installed.
The elevator, often known as a lift, travels between the walls. When the lift is directed electronically, it will stop at a shelf, collect a tray holding selected items and carry it to the operator, who will then “choose” the item from an operator bay. For safety and security, the entire wall/lift system is completely enclosed.
A Vertical Lift Module, on the other hand, is significantly more. Here we will go through some of the essential aspects that make this automated vertical carousel system revolutionary.
Sensors in Vertical Lift Modules measure the heights of products on their shelving trays. The software installed with the lift then calculates those height measurements and instructs the VLM to dynamically store its trays, that is, as close as 1 inch to the tray’s tallest product. This design enhances storage density by eliminating wasted airspace between shelves.
Vertical Lift Modules can be designed with trays that hold varied weight load capacities on the same shelf, which is useful for stocking a variety of items. Despite the fact that trays come in a variety of sizes, tray depth must be consistent throughout all machines. Dividers, bins and boxes can be used to partition all trays.
A VLM can have a single or twin tray output configuration. A single tray output is a mechanism in which the lift picks one tray and then delivers it to the operator.
Picking is made easier with a dual tray output. The lift is picking up one tray while delivering another tray at the same time.
A separate or external operator bay that protrudes from the unit aperture is known as an external bay. It provides operators with the most ergonomic workspace imaginable. The lift transports the selected items to the exterior bay. External bays are also ideal if the procedure necessitates the use of cranes or other mechanical manipulators to lift big goods on trays.
A picking scale for counting small items is another possible function. The scale communicates with the unit’s software, which is pre-programmed with the inventory SKU numbers for the parts.
Electronic and visual aids are available as options for indicating items such as:
WMS (warehouse management software) is installed on VLMs. Depending on your requirements, there is a range of software programmes available. Some solutions include inventory management systems and other capabilities that are rather amazing. VLM Software is often installed by trained personnel, but warehouse software configuration is always done with the client’s help and input. In most cases, the software will interact with typical ERP systems (ASCII, DRC, XML, etc.).
Before I get into my major points, we propose that you read through a few case studies that show how independent distributors have used Vertical Lift Modules to solve their parts storage and retrieval problems, resulting in significant business improvements.
Let’s face it, real estate is pricey! Going vertical may be the answer if you don’t want to spend the extra cost of renting more storage space or moving to a larger facility. Going vertical can help you save up to 90% of your floor area.
Errors are reduced, if not eliminated, when the software and picking aids outlined above are used, saving “dos,” corporate time and satisfied customers.
The reduction in picking time and improvement in production are two of the most significant advantages of a VLM. The automated distribution of thousands of inventory items to one user at one place, similar to Ford’s assembly line, saves time and labour while drastically improving production.
You may process up to 190 trays every hour with unrivalled accuracy, depending on the size of the equipment. Cycle times are affected by a unit’s height, capacity and setup, but you should expect much shorter picking times in general.
An Automated Vertical Carousel Delivers Items at a Safe Height, Eliminating the Risk of Employee Injuries and Saving Employers Money on Downtime, Workers’ Compensation, and Legal Fees
Knowing which options are available and then tailoring them to your needs will help you determine the best course of action for your material handling. You can have other concerns with vertical storage systems or alternative storage options. In either scenario, don’t be afraid to contact an automated vertical carousel storage expert. Vertical Carousels Australia has years of combined experience in material handling systems.
