AS/RS Buffer Systems

The MWES AS/RS is the future of automated distribution for 100k sq.Ft. facilities & distribution centers

The MWES Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) buffer system provides efficiencies for the demands of a production environment. The benefits go beyond just being a storage system, it also becomes a highly efficient hub for managing a manufacturing process.

AS/RS buffer systems can operate independently or in conjunction with other automation systems, allowing the entire process to be fully automated. A typical system has some or all of the following features:

AS/RS Buffer System – Strategically stores pallets in an automated racking system with the use of an automated shuttle
Layer Picking Automation – Pick entire layers from an inbound pallet and transfer them to another pallet or conveyor
Integration of AGVs/AMRs – Autonomously transport pallets or materials around the facility and into and out of the AS/RS system
Pallet Quality Inspection Systems – Automated system that scans for defects in a pallet
Data Handling and Sorting Software – Software that intelligently assigns and catalogs materials inside the AS/RS system

AGVs/AMRs can autonomously communicate with the AS/RS system when delivering material to the infeed conveyor. A layer-picking robot can pick materials off inbound pallets and redistribute them to other pallets. The pallet inspection system scans the pallet looking for defects such as protruding nails, cracks, and missing or broken boards. The data handling software strategically directs the materials to specified locations inside the AS/RS. Together these automation systems can save valuable manufacturing time, and reduce warehouse loss and production errors.

AS/RS in a Manufacturing Environment

The AS/RS system can efficiently store materials and allows production environments to quickly manage materials as needed. The system does this by cataloging materials and their locations by how they integrate into the production process.

For a manufacturing environment having both the tooling and materials in the same location and an overarching management system to run it, the system can become a central hub for the factory. At the touch of a button, the AS/RS system can verify whether materials are available in-house and ready for production.

What the AS/RS Can Do For Your Process

The MWES AS/RS Buffer system allows for the collation and management of asynchronous production processes. Inventory rooms can produce product-specific kitting on a schedule that’s more conducive to their efficiency and load them into the AS/RS system when done.

These kits can be retrieved with the rest of the components needed for a specific production run. Allowing the AS/RS system to manage these kits’ locations and when they’re called, can reduce routing confusion on the floor when building products that have high part commonalities.

Our production-focused storage systems are designed from the start to fit into legacy production facilities. With its scale and operation, our AS/RS system can change how you think about not just warehousing, but production processes – and increase your throughput along the way.

The AS/RS system can be set up for operating on multiple in-and-out materials, not just consumable items. This makes it quite useful for storing fixtures and tooling for jobs in the same place as the materials and WIP needed to complete the production process.

Work in progress can be re-admitted to the system and re-combined with different tooling and fixtures necessary for the next step in the production process. The combined group would then be ready for the next process. Having virtually every aspect necessary to complete a job in the same location and easily retrievable, allows even greater efficiencies beyond saving floor space.

If your business is looking to free up floor space in your facility then look no further than an AS/RS buffer system. MWES has extensive experience integrating automation systems including Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems. Contact us today and speak with one of our application engineers and see how we can help your process.