If you deal with material handling equipment in your factory, warehouse or distribution center – but are not particularly familiar with the various facets of vertical storage systems – then take a look at this list of related definitions.
- Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) – AS/RS comprises a variety of software-controlled systems for automatically placing and retrieving inventory.
- Carrier – The individual storage area in a system. Sometimes interchangeable with tray or shelf.
- Clear Height – The ceiling clearance in a facility, taking into account HVAC pipes and equipment, lighting fixtures, and other factors.
- Cube, The – The amount of storage space available from a three-dimensional perspective; that is, considering a facility’s available cubic space rather than merely its available square footage.
- Ergonomics – In relation to vertical storage systems, ergonomics is when all parts are brought to the “golden zone” (between the shoulders and waist) for picking. Improved ergonomics also means fewer workplace-related injuries and higher job-satisfaction levels for employees who regularly access the vertical storage system. Vertical storage systems deliver materials at a worktable height, which means no bending over, straining for a high shelf, or climbing ladders for retrieval by personnel.
- Hanel – A manufacturer of vertical storage systems that are made in Europe. Models include the Hanel Rotomat and Hanel Lean Lift.
- Heavy Duty Use – Typically more than single-shift, five-day workweek operations are considered medium or heavy duty use. If you’re running three shifts, seven days a week, then you probably should buy new equipment instead of used. Oftentimes it is in your best interest to obtain brand-new equipment so you can limit your exposure to breakdowns and downtime. But if you’re operating on a light- or medium-duty schedule, then it usually makes more sense to buy used equipment and materials.
- Kardex – Kardex Remstar is a manufacturer of vertical storage systems that are made in Europe. Models include the Kardex Remstar Shuttle and Kardex Remstar Megamat.
- Max Load – The capacity burden of a carrier or an entire machine; that is, the highest total inventory weight.
- Modula – A manufacture of vertical storage systems that are made in America and Europe. Models include the Modula Lift and the Modula Sintes1.
- Remstar – See Kardex.
- Shelf – The individual storage area in a system. Sometimes interchangeable with tray or carrier.
- Tray – The individual storage area in a system. Sometimes interchangeable with carrier or shelf.
- Vertical Carousel – A vertical storage system with a fixed shelf height. Imagine an enclosed, narrow Ferris wheel.
- Vertical Lift Module (VLM) – A vertical lift module storage system with adjustable shelf heights that works sort of like a tall storage center with an elevator in the middle of two storage zones.
- Vertical Lift Sequencer (VLS) – A vertical lift sequencer (VLS) can provide the speed, efficiency, and accuracy required for an operation with an extremely high number of product or part SKUs. VLS units are used in warehouses and distribution centers to act as a buffer between production in-take and order fulfillment. Using buffer sequencers, the VLS automatically separates fast-moving SKUs from packages intended for palletizing stations to enable the most-efficient split-case picking.
- Vertical Storage System – Any automated storage system that takes advantage of the cube, such as a vertical lift module or vertical carousel.
- Warehouse Control System (WCS) – A WCS collects real-time information from the automated material handling equipment and devices and warehouse management system (WMS) software to efficiently direct and manage automated material handling and processing within the warehouse. WCS controls the automation equipment in warehouses and distribution centers and integrates with WMS/ERP systems. The software is designed to be the important link between the equipment and the client’s WMS/ERP system.
- Warehouse Management System (WMS) – A WMS controls the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse. The WMS oversees picking and storage, and shipping and receiving.
- Warranty – A warranty is passed through from the new material handling equipment manufacturer on all new equipment purchases and is maintained by factory trained technicians. Outsource Equipment Company also offers an extended warranty with certain pre-owned material handling equipment (some restrictions apply.)
If you have any questions or for more information about vertical storage systems, such as vertical lift modules, call the vertical-storage experts at Outsource Equipment at 877-741-6711 today.
