4 Reasons You Should Consider Carousels in Your Distribution Center
This blog was initially conceived to serve as a comparison between earlier carousels and the latest generation. However, during my research I kept running into a problem. Everyone I spoke to said, “Well, there really is no comparison. They are too different.” Nevertheless I will persevere though the only similarity between the two seems to be the fact that they rotate and the name carousel. So here are four reasons why you should consider a new generation carousel in your distribution center.
Extractor: The newest generation of carousels is much more efficient with the combination of the extractor and workstation. In the earlier models product was picked directly from the carousel, which meant it was, in essence, a “person-to-product” system. However, with the extractor and workstation it becomes a true, “goods to person”, system. Also, the extractor functions to separate the carousel (storage) and the picker (retrieval), making it possible to buffer the products.
Faster: In the better carousels the extractor carries 2 loads at a time, so you are getting a true double cycle. One load is retrieved and one is stored every time the carousel stops. This results in higher throughput for the system.
The software behind the system is also improved. It can calculate the most effective way to get to the needed totes with the least amount of movement, saving time and energy expended.
Energy consumption: The true double cycle also helps with the amount of energy that the carousel consumes. The energy consumption is lowered because there is less movement the carousel performs to make a pick or put.
In addition, the use of randomized storage also improves the energy consumption. With this system you can take any tote out that is needed at the workstation and replace it with any other tote. There is no need for the carousel to spin and the extractor to move to an assigned location for that particular tote.
Application: This is less of a function of the carousel and more a function of the supplier. A true “goods- to-person” system is the goal. In the past, carousels have been applied as a one size fits all application. This is, of course, incorrect. Carousels are better geared to your slower moving products; for instance your slower B’s and below.
So what are your thoughts on the carousel and its place in the industry? Are there any more benefits that I missed in a carousel system? If you would like to learn more about how a carousel system might be able to help solve your distribution problem, contact Schaefer Systems.
Schaefer Systems International, Inc., the North American subsidiary of the SSI SCHAEFER group of companies, established headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1989.
SCHAEFER’s automation integrates to any existing system earning us an international reputation as the global leader in the material-handling industry for returnable packaging, static racking, and highly complex, automated distribution systems. With over 70 years of experience and a 100% commitment to quality behind every SSI Schafer system, we focus on providing our clients with unconventional picking and storage solutions delivering best value