The implementation of storage systems in industrial production allows for continuous production without stand still. The storage of workpieces and goods ensures a continuous flow of materials to the processing centre. A storage system is characterised by a room or an area where bulky materials or packaged products are stored. These components or materials can be sorted by value or volume to make them easily accessible. Storage systems often have a lot of functions. Storage units can compensate for the irregular input and output of materials for production.
- Continuous production without still stand
- Compensate for irregular input and outputs of products
- Coupling of storage systems and warehouse management systems
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This makes the production of economical batch sizes possible and thanks to storage systems, cost-intensive production machines can operate without being influenced by the material flow. This also makes it possible to order higher batch sizes for cheaper, in order to be able to provide discounts.
Distributing warehouses can equip their storage areas with a costumer friendly delivery service within a short amount of time. Additional tasks, such as consignment, are possible when using a storage system. In contrast, the storage costs are an important factor in determining how storage systems are formed and organised. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure an optimal stockpile. The just in time (JIT) system that requires less storage capacities, is increasingly being used. When a clearly defined minimum storage volume is reached, this automatically triggers more materials to be ordered. A storage system is generally coupled with a warehouse management system. This records the number of components, minimum amount, storage time, storage location, area of use and other criteria. Processing orders, clearance and delivery are integrated into the software of modern inventory management systems. A storage system can be implemented in various areas.
Automatic storage systems can be used in plants or industrial mass production. These systems have been designed for small or large loads. The addition of conveyor belts ensures that the goods can be moved from the storage area to the pickers and from there to the final area of use by slides or other transport systems. Other common types include high shelves, pallets, special storage units for the loading of machine tools, shuttle storage systems and other special designs. Storage racks are usually customised according to the load.
